PERSEVERANCE paid-off for 12 Sabah beauties as they convinced shoppers at Giant Hypermarket in Citymall here to use the eco-friendly bags.
Miss Earth Sabah 2012 finalist Deidre Ann Walker helping a shopper load her groceries into an eco-friendly bag in Kota Kinabalu on Monday. Pic by Edmund Samunting
PERSEVERANCE paid-off for 12 Sabah beauties as they convinced shoppers at Giant Hypermarket in Citymall here to use the eco-friendly bags.
Despite the annoyance of some customers on being told how plastic bags can harm the environment, it did not stop the Miss Earth Sabah 2012 finalists from playing their role as environmental ambassador during the “No Plastic Bag Challenge” on Monday.
It took 18-year-old finalist Deidre Ann Walker almost two minutes to convince a family of four to say no to plastic bags and opt for reusable eco-friendly bags.
“It was hard at first because we can’t force them to buy the eco-friendly bags. What I can do is to explain to customers why we need to stop using plastic bags.
“Some customers may and may not listen. It is my responsibility to tell them that using plastic bags will not benefit them and the environment in the long-run.”
Walker hoped that supermarket customers who had said no to plastic bags would continue to do so in future.
Another finalist, Grace Chang Siew Ling, 19, said the challenge was definitely not easy. During the challenge, she faced a customer who refused to listen and left the cashier counter with several plastic bags.
“He was a difficult customer and I tried my best.”
Chang said there were also customers who had forgotten to bring their own reusable bags, but after much persuasion, these customers went home without plastic bags.
“They rather carry their groceries than pay 20 sen or a few ringgit for a new eco-friendly bag.”
Maria Acangre, 37, who was shopping with her family, said it was their first time leaving a supermarket without plastic bags.
“We always use plastic bags, and when we were told not to use plastics for environmental purpose, we just have to show our support. I travel a lot... and in some countries, people do not use plastic bags. I think it is a good initiative to further promote no plastic bag campaign in the state.”
Karen Lee, 34, said she supported the Miss Earth Sabah’s move towards preserving the earth and hoped the finalists’ fight against plastic bags continue and not only for the sake of the challenge.
The challenge was aimed at creating opportunity for finalists to engage with the community and to spread environmental awareness. Winner of the challenge will carry the “Miss Eco Giant” title.
