A&R stores across Belize may have been busy these holidays - but some of their customers were grumbling.
And here's why: in an attempt to stop the use of single-use plastics, A&R enterprises introduced a number of ecofriendly options within several of their stores last month, giving customers the option to either bring their own reusable bags, or purchase one at their stores.
It may be the right thing to do but that doesn't make it popular.
We visited the store today to find out what the experience has been like. Jomarie Lanza reports.
Once you're through at the checkout counter in any store, traditionally the cashier would bag away your purchases and hand you your receipt, no charges for plastic bags, even if you leave the store with more than a dozen.
But not so at A&R Enterprises. Here customers can decide whether they wish to purchase one of their reusable bags, ranging from 5 to 25 cents, or opt for a box, or no bag at all. Their Regional Manager says this decision stems from GOB's decision to phase out the use of single plastics two years ago, and since then it has taken them a few tries to integrate it into their check out system - trying out a more eco friendly option.
Leili Montalvo, Regional Manager, A&R
"As you notice we put out our Ad we are integrating eco friendly practices in our operations with our biodegradable bags we attempted it two years ago when government had put out the notice that we have to phase them out and well the reception wasn't good, so….Nobody else jumped on it so we are starting it again and we want all our customers and the community to jump on this with us to understand the importance of reducing our carbon footprint and then the waste it causes to our environment."
They have introduced their reusable bags at 4 store locations, in Orange Walk, Belize City, Belmopan, and Santa Elena since Nov 1st. But so far it has been met with resistance. Montalvo says that they are simply doing their part in raising awareness of the importance of reducing waste, and choosing reusable options, in hopes that other stores may follow the lead:
Leili Montalvo, Regional Manager, A&R
"In general some have been receptive others are angry and others are asking why we are charging for the bag and it's just we are not charging the full cost this is just part of the cost. We are charging part of the cost in an effort to encourage them to bring their own bag. And these are reusable they can bring back this bag too or bring their own reusable bags. We have those available too and you know we encourage the cloth bags."
"We offer boxes, customers take the boxes for some, in Belize City they don't like the box but in general people have been taking the boxes. We have had some backlash mainly saying we shouldn't put A&R on it so we will be getting bags without the A&R and we will be charging it at just the cost price."
One business trying different strategies to strike a balance between customer expectations and environmental preservation - they hope they can find a balance in 2025.
We should note that this is the norm through the Mexican state of Quintana Roo: bring your own bag or buy a fabric one at the store.
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