Environment Society of Oman campaign hits supermarkets on Environment Day

The supermarket campaign is the latest initiative by the ESO, with the support of Oman LNG LLC, to educate consumers on the effects of plastic bags on the environment.

The Environment Day provided the ideal platform to persuade Oman's consumers to either reuse their plastic bags or opt for reusable jute bags.

Furthermore the free distribution of jute bags in each of the fourteen outlets on the day, meant all customers were given the opportunity to 'go green' at no additional cost.

Volunteers and high school students were also on hand at each outlet to educate customers about the damage plastic bags are having on environment. In preparation for the day, all retail outlets have had training provided by ESO on the harms of plastic bags to the environment the best practices of bag packing.

H.H. Sayyida Tania Al Said of the ESO said, "With the active involvement of these key retail chains in Oman, we hope to change consumer behaviour over time and in the future make it perfectly natural for shoppers to carry their own reusable bags on every trip to the supermarket. The support we have received from these retailers has been tremendous and their cooperation has helped make a difference to the ultimate success of our campaign."

While jute bags were distributed free of charge on the Day, the supermarkets also agreed to sell these bags from their outlets for 100bz, with the proceeds going to the ESO. All supermarkets will be displaying campaign posters and leaflets until February 15th 2009, and continue to play an active part in consumer education.

The supermarket chains involved in the campaign, including Al Fair, Carrefour, Khimji Mart, Lulu Hypermarket, Safeer Hypermarket, Sultan Centre and petrol stations Omanoil Quick Shops, Select stores and Souk Shops, have also agreed on a strict packing policy for the future.

"Packers have been briefed to make sure that no less than six items are packed per bag, and customers who buy two items or less will not be offered a plastic bag at all (unless requested),"

said Dr. Brian Buckley, CEO of Oman LNG, key partner of the campaign.

"We are grateful for the positive support from Oman's top supermarkets and look forward to their ongoing cooperation on future initiatives." he added.

The ESO's "Say No the Plastic Bags" has also included educational roadshows in the interior areas of Oman as well as a school poster competition, targeting children between 5 and 16 years old.