That’s right, if you shop at a major supermarket or department store such as Big W you will need to supply your own bag. 

And the reality of this new concept has come to life just in time for plastic-free July.

You will no doubt quickly realise that packing groceries in re-usable bags has many benefits – especially if you opt for the stronger hessian varieties.

The various grocery items tend to sit more firmly and the bags are easier to carry – without any fear of breakage. The biggest challenge to overcome is remembering to grab your re-usable shopping bags when you head to the supermarket.

There is also a feel-good sense of environmental consciousness that comes with this new improved way of shopping. For many it will prompt enthusiasm to take on that extra environmentally-aware step – the challenge of plastic-free July.

It is only when you start to contemplate this way of life that you realise how plastic has become a part of life.

So you’ve scrapped the use of plastic bags at the checkout, but how do you pack the items you gather on your shopping journey? How often do you reach for a plastic bag for your apples, oranges or tomatoes?

Those deli items are also packed in plastic before being wrapped in paper. Moving into the meat section you will quickly realise that every cut of meat is available with some form of plastic wrapping.

The trail of plastic destruction is not confined to the supermarket. It is a part of every day life - something we use, rarely giving its existence a second thought. That is until we consider eliminating it from our life.

POL: Have your say …

How do you clean up after your dog on that morning walk? No one wants a paper bag for that task.

It soon becomes apparent that plastic-free July is fraught with challenges. Are you up for the challenge of removing plastic from your life?

At the very least, can you eliminate single-use plastic from your life whereever possible?

Perhaps re-usable plastic containers could be taken to the butcher for packing your meat purchases.

And maybe fruit and vegetables could be taken home without packaging. Cleaning up after the dog? Well that’s a different story.