Supermarket packs a big message in paper bags

Dubai - The initiative will save at least 1,000kg of plastic consumption for one day

On the occasion of the World Environment Day, a big supermarket chain in the UAE has replaced all its plastic bags with paper bags on Monday to educate its customers on environmental protection.
Choithrams Supermarket used beautifully-designed and re-usable paper bags printed with a slogan "Small change BIG difference" in all its over 40 stores across the UAE to pack items bought by its customers.
"The initiative will save at least 1,000kg of plastic consumption for one day," Dinesh Pagrani, Choithrams director, told Khaleej Times.
"Although we are using paper bags only for one day, this (initiative) is a continuing education for our consumers," he added. "I hope the entire nation or the whole supermarket industry will change their use of plastic bags and go behind this initiative."
Choithrams chairman L.T. Pagrani underlined: "We are committed to adopting sustainable solutions to address the major challenges that have an impact on our environment and our society.
"A collaborative effort and a more proactive approach to recycling will make a big difference to the community and empower people to be more conscientious of their surroundings. We encourage our consumers to work closely with us towards protecting the environment and reducing the carbon footprint," Pagrani added.
Choithrams, in partnership with global brand Unilever, is also educating consumers on products that can save substantial volume of water in modern household appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers.
Customers spending over Dh25 on any Unilever products will be eligible for prizes including seven washing machines and Dewa bill subsidies worth Dh50 to Dh500 based on a lucky draw.
angel@khaleejtimes.com