From 1 July 2007 customers will no longer be able to pick up free plastic bags for their shopping at Delhaize supermarkets in Belgium. Expatica reports that the supermarket chain is opting instead to offer reusable alternatives based on renewable resources. Delhaize has announced this in the context of world environment day on 5 June.

Anyone who forgets to take a reusable bag with them can purchase a biodegradable bag from the cashier. Delhaize will be charging EUR 0.05 per bag. The changeover should save 720 tonnes of plastic a year.

On 1 January 2007 Delhaize also made a complete changeover to renewable energy from hydro-power plants on the Rhône. Delhaize says this move has made it the largest consumer of green energy in Belgium