CP All backs campaign to reduce plastic bag use in Eastern region

The company has also launched “Kidtoong Kidtoong: Campaign for Reduced Use of Plastic Bags in Eastern Provinces”, which runs all this month. 

These two initiatives demonstrate a collaborative effort of local communities, students and tourists as well as volunteer staff from CP All to call for the public to reduce unnecessary usage of plastic bags and take steps towards sustainable use of natural resources. 

The campaign in the eastern provinces is being executed through the 7-Eleven network in that region. “Both activities are launched under the Kidtoong Kidtoong project, which is part of 7-Eleven’s environmental preservation initiative also known as 7 Go Green,” CP All vice president Narit Thamkueakul said. “These are designed to create greater awareness that everyone can help reduce unnecessary use of plastic bags simply by thinking twice before their use or saying no. 

“At all participating 7-Eleven outlets, staff are also encouraged to ask if customers who purchase only one small item want a plastic bag, or put everything in one bag if they purchase several items.

“The Kidtoong Kidtoong project is being held for the third consecutive year. For this year’s edition in Pattaya, we have made a stronger effort and are determined to see more tangible results from our campaign within the Eastern region, which initially includes five coastal, tourist-destination provinces, before expanding into other regions countrywide.”

Pattaya Mayor Ittipol Khunpluem presided over the opening ceremony of the local campaign at Jomtien Beach, Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri province. Local communities, students and tourists as well as volunteer staff of CP All, led by Narit, also participated in a 1.2-kilometre walk to publicise the need to reduce the use of plastic bags and keep Jomtien Beach clean.

English- and Chinese-language campaign materials were used to raise awareness among tourists and foreign visitors.

The Kidtoong Kidtoong campaign in the Eastern provinces is being run through more than 800 7-Eleven outlets of in five provinces: Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, Trat and Prachin Buri. Campaign materials such as stickers urging “say no to a plastic bag when purchasing one small item” will be in place at the cashier counter, as well as no-plastic-bag messages on point-of-sale displays and related posters inside and outside the participating 7-Eleven outlets. 

As well, staff at 12 Bang Saen and Jomtien beachfront 7-Eleven outlets are wearing the campaign’s no-plastic-bag T-shirt to reinforce the impact and inviting customers and tourists to join shop-front games intended to reduce the use of plastic bags. The campaign will continue until November 30.

In the meantime, the company will re-launch its animated advertisement, “The Plastic Bags Family”, with an episode titled “Don’t Take Away My Family” that tells a story of plastic bag as the main protagonist. The bag wonders why people today blame it for being the cause of global warming. Actually, it does not want to be separated from its family. Human beings, instead, carelessly use plastic bags and dispose them irresponsibly. If they think carefully before using a plastic bag, environmental problems can be reduced. 

The main target audience for this advert is younger people who are expected to lead the change in consumer behaviour so that they will use plastic bags in a more responsible manner. 

Channels for communication are mainstream media, especially online, as this is believed to be one of the most effective and attractive approaches. 

Narit said: “7-Eleven continues to stay focused on campaigning for public awareness of responsible use of plastic bags. By starting from a simple perception of saying no to a plastic bag when purchasing only one small item, or putting several items in a single bag, we believe this can contribute to massive reduction of plastic waste per year. 

“If we do it decisively and continuously, the environment will be improved and our country will become more attractive and beautiful,” he said.