Shoppers at ShopRite supermarkets in Lagos State have noticed a big change this January 2025: the store has stopped providing nylon bags for groceries. 

Starting this month, ShopRite has decided to ditch nylon bags in line with the Lagos State Government’s ban on single-use plastics. Instead, customers can buy reusable shopping bags for N500 or bring their own from home. 

This change is part of the full enforcement of the single-use plastic ban that was announced back in October 2024. While other stores like Ebeano and Spar were still handing out nylon bags at the beginning of January, ShopRite has jumped on board with the new rules to help cut down on plastic waste and encourage more sustainable shopping habits. 

The ban aims to tackle the environmental issues caused by plastic waste, and reactions from shoppers have been mixed. Some people appreciate the environmental impact, while others are worried about the extra cost of reusable bags. 

The Lagos State Government decided to enforce this ban due to increasing concerns about the negative effects of plastic, such as blocking drainage systems, adding to pollution, and posing health risks because of how long plastics take to decompose.