Watsons Is Slapping a 10‑Cent Fee on Plastic Bags — and Sending the Cash to WWF
Ever wish you could do a little good just by buying a toy or a bag? Watsons just made that possible. From Dec 1, every time you grab a plastic bag at any of their 100 Singapore stores, you’ll notice a smooth $0.10 added to your bill.
- When? The fee only appears on Tuesdays – Watsons’ “Bring Your Own Bag Days.”
- Where are we seeing this? Across every Watsons outlet, from the corner shop to the sleek flagship stores.
- What’s the money doing? All proceeds go straight to WWF‑Singapore to back conservation projects around the island.
Ms. Irene Lau, Watsons Singapore’s Managing Director, says the brand is taking responsibility “one small, consistent step at a time.” And there’s proof: In 2019 they handed out almost 13 million plastic bags. Now they’re pushing the recycled‑plastic content in their bags up to 50% by the first quarter of 2021.
Get a Reusable Bag for $1.20
If the idea of paying to keep the planet happy feels a bit fishy, Watsons gives you a choice. Pick up a reusable bag for just $1.20. It’s made from 100 % recyclable plastic and has already been on shelves since last month.
Other Guys are Jumping In
- FairPrice is extending its “no plastic bag” policy for a whole year, starting Nov 12. Customers who do need a bag will pay 20¢ at one of the 11 FairPrice, FairPrice Finest, or FairPrice Xtra supermarkets, and 10¢ at Cheers and FairPrice Xpress.
- H&M also started charging 10¢ per plastic or paper bag last July in Singapore, with the proceeds donated to the WWF‑Singapore Plastic ACTion (Pact) initiative aimed at slashing plastic usage by 2030.
So whether you’re a Watsons patron, a FairPrice shopper, or an H&M fashionista, you can now make a tiny purchase that packs a punch for the environment. Small change, huge impact.
