SPAR Promotes War on Plastic

SPAR is taking the matter of plastic bags into its own hands with a number of nationwide campaigns in South Africa.

Plastic bags are plaguing the world we live in. Unable to biodegrade, they are clogging the planet, and SPAR Eastern Cape (EC) wants to do something about it.

The worldwide franchise recently declared a war on plastic bags and has encouraged its customers to use different bags that are more sustainable to produce, preferably reusable ones. The SPAR EC’s managing director, Conrad Isaac, explained that it needed to change people’s mindset about plastic wastage in order to make a difference to how people use it. He also stressed that SPAR EC could no longer ignore the part it is playing in this situation that is endangering the planet.

To take action in the war on plastic, SPAR recently offered the chance for customers to bring 10 of their plastic bags into store to exchange for a long-lasting paper one. These paper bags are capable of carrying up to 12kg in weight. SPAR initially ordered 300,00 of the paper bags.

The franchise also recently sponsored a team clean up to remove plastic bags, packets and other litter from the Swartkops River.

Its next mission is to use its Women’s Challenge to help promote its campaign. The annual 10k road race will see thousands of runners gather on Port Elizabeth’s beachfront to take on the challenge. There is also a Little Ladies’ race a few days before the main event for younger girls. Both events are sponsored by SPAR, and the franchise hopes to encourage participants to challenge their own opinions on plastic usage.

Alan Stapleton, SPAR EC sponsorship and events manager said of the project, “we want to encourage them [race participants] to support us in this initiative. I think everyone realises what damage plastic is doing to our environment and this is a great opportunity to spread the word about what we are trying to do”.

SPAR is one of the world’s largest food franchises with more than 12,322 stores across 24 countries.