In an environmental-conscious bid, Malaysian retailers have finally jumped onto the “Say No To Plastic Bags” campaign by charging customers for plastic bags and in some cases, simply eliminating plastic bags altogether.

More than 300 hypermarkets, mini-markets, department stores and other participating shops are charging 20 sen for each plastic bag given out. (source)

Find out how you can be a financially smart and environmentally friendly shopper below!

Carry a reusable bag the next time you go out shopping to put your groceries and purchases in.

20 sen for a plastic bag may not seem like a lot but remember that it will add up especially if you have a lot of groceries. During a recent visit to Carrefour, I noticed that they were not even giving our plastic bags anymore. Instead, a reusable canvas bag came with a 50 sen charge for purchases below RM50 which might encourage you to spend more simply to get a canvas bag just to put your groceries in.

Ikea has also done away with plastic bags totally and you might find it hard to juggle your purchases especially for bulky household items. Why not then pick up their blue reusable Ikea bag for just RM1.90 to reuse over and over again for your groceries, shoes or clothing the next time you go shopping during the 2009 Malaysian Mega Sale? The savings it will bring you on plastic bags in the long run is huge!

So, save money and the Earth by being a smart consumer!