Has Shoprite's 'plastic-free zone' bagged them the high ground?

Shoppers' give their views as more people urged to give up throwaway packaging

The plastic-free challenge one Douglas councillor set himself for the entire month of July has put our relationship with the material under the spotlight once again.

Andrew Bentley told Manx Radio it was 'surprisingly easy', though for many, eliminating plastic from shopping trolleys is still viewed as an inconvenience.

However, as part as of a year trial, Robinson’s has a dedicated 'plastic-free zone' in its Douglas Shoprite store, as well as providing paper bags for loose fruit and vegetables.

So, given the purported anti-plastic sentiment that has grown amongst the public in recent times, is this finally the choice shoppers have been calling for?

A Manx plastic ban

Last month, government pledged to outlaw single-use plastics, potentially by 2021.

Powers from the eventual Climate Change Act, set to go before Tynwald as a bill at the December sitting, will enable government to impose the ban on retailers, fast food outlets and others who distribute selected items.

This includes polystyrene boxes, plastic cutlery, cotton buds, and the once proverbial plastic bag.

However, Environment Minister Geoffrey Boot says it is 'too early to say' how the ban would be enforced:

Tune into Mandate tomorrow morning to hear from Shoprite wholesalers Robinson's, about its efforts to become more environmentally friendly with its plastic habits.