FAQ
Reusable Produce Bags
Where can I buy reusable produce bags?
Russell: Bay Four Square
Auckland: Presentz, Grey Lynn; Remuera New World
Bay of Plenty: The Fresh Market, Te Puke; Capers Café, Rotorua
Wellington: Karori New World
Nelson/Blenheim: Blenheim New World; Nelson City New World; Nelson Environment Centre.
Canterbury: Lincoln New World; Growers Direct Market Church Corner; Redcliffs New World; Rolleston New World; Raeward Fresh Harewood; Kaiapoi New World; Temuka New World, Timaru New World, Cheviot Four Square; Akaroa Village Inn; Supervalue Lyttelton; Harbour Co-op Lyttelton; On the Spot Diamond Harbour; Store 17, Sumner.
Otago/Southland: Cromwell New World; Gardens Dunedin New World ; Mosgiel New World; Northside Oamaru New World; Wanaka New World; Wakatipu New World; MacKenzie Four Square Twizel; Centre City New World, Dunedin; Elles Road New World, Invercargill.
West Coast: Hokitika New World; Westport New World; Reefton Four Square
What are the reusable produce bags made from? Our bags are made from 100% polyester. This material is lightweight, durable, quick to dry, stains less than cotton, comes in great colours and is affordable. It means we can also make the bags in NZ - we are providing 15 NZ jobs in the manufacture of NZ-made produce bags.
Why aren't they made of post-consumer recycled material? In order to keep the bags affordable, we don't use recycled material. If in the future we can source affordable recycled material then we will switch to it.
Are the reusable produce bags biodegradable? No, but they will last you many, many years.
What if my bags need fixing? Our bags are made to last, but if the stitching needs fixing send the bags back and we'll fix the stitching for you, free of charge.
Where are the bags made? We make the bags right here in NZ.
Straws
What about PLA biodegradable plastics? Biodegradable plant-based plastics come from a renewable carbon source and have a carbon footprint that is 75% lower than oil based plastics but we don't sell biodegradable plastic straws (or include them in Plastic Straws are for Suckers) for the following reasons:
- They are still plastic. Plastic is durable and long lasting and this means that if it gets into the natural environment it won't break down quickly. PLA straws that end up in the sea are still a hazard to marine life. Our paper straws fall apart in seawater in three days, and even if they're eaten by animals, they are made from digestible paper.
- Biodegradable plastics need to be commercially composted at a specific temperature, pH and humidity. Facilities for this are currently not widespread. In comparison, our paper straws are home compostable and our stainless steel straws are reusable.
- Because PLA straws are still plastic, they don't open up a conversation about the problems with plastic. These straws look and feel like oil-based plastic. When an eatery switches to paper or stainless steel straws, customers are instantly aware that the eatery is making a change to a more sustainable straw.
What are the measurements of the straws?
- Standard: 19.68 cm long; 5.8 mm diameter
- Smoothie: 19.68 cm long; 7.4mm diameter
- Cocktail: 15 cm long, 5.8 mm diameter
General
How can I pay for my purchase? We accept payment by credit card, PayPal or bank deposit. Cheque payment incur at 10% charge.
Do you have an environmental policy? Yes, we do. If you'd like to read it, please drop us a line using the contact form.
Sometimes I buy eco-friendly products and they come wrapped in plastic, do yours? No, they don't! We package all our products in cardboard or thick paper tubing and use paper tape.