Tesco launches ‘green bag’ project in Phuket

PHUKET: Leading retail chain Tesco Lotus launched a pilot project at its new Thalang branch in Phuket yesterday with the aim of reducing plastic bag use nationwide.

The project is intended to encourage customers at all its stores in Phuket to use fewer plastic bags in order to help preserve the island’s natural beauty for future generations.

The project is part of a 1.2-million-baht campaign in partnership with the Phuket Energy Office that includes the distribution of 30,000 reusable bags to Phuket customers.

At the launch yesterday, 500 “green bags” were handed out.

Since July, Phuket customers have also been rewarded with 20 “Clubcard Card” points for reusing a bag. Tesco Lotus also plans to launch a “One Day No Plastic Bag” campaign in 2012.

“Tesco Lotus is committed to caring for the environment and helping our customers reduce their impact on it. We are therefore delighted that we have been able to work with the Phuket local authorities to encourage reduced plastic bag usage and educate children about the need to protect the environment,” said Tesco Lotus Senior Corporate Affairs Manager Charkrit Direkwattanachai.

“This will help ensure that the natural beauty of this world famous island is maintained for future generations,” he added.

To support the activity, staff are being trained to encourage customers to start using reusable bags. Tesco Lotus also plans to take learning from its campaign in Phuket when it rolls out similar initiatives in stores at other tourist destinations around the country in the future.