The development is part of a national shift away from single-use plastic, which has been gaining momentum at a grassroots level. 

In the past month, Mudbar Restaurant at Seaport and the Cock'n'Bull British Pub on Wellington Street have made the switch from plastic to paper straws.

Nearly 20 businesses in Launceston have signed up to The Last Straw campaign, which encourages the use of paper or steel straws.

The growing list is a testament to the work of Plastic Free Launceston, which has been one of the main drivers of the initiative in the community.

The group’s president Trish Haeusler said the news from Woolworths could prompt a rethink of its other practices.

“It shows they are listening to their customers, which is great,” she said.

“From here, I think they will continue to look at the issue and the amendments they can make in different areas.

“As more is identified, further steps can be taken to having better practices.

“We could even see the introduction of the plastic-free isles which you see in Europe.

“It could also encourage shoppers to rethink their own habits when it comes to single-use plastic.”

The national announcement from Woolworths coincided with the introduction of a new reusable shopping bag that will soon be offered at George Town, Riverside and Legana Woolworths stores.

Available from June 20, the Bag for Good costs 99 cents and can be replaced for free if damaged.

All money from the sale of the bags will go towards the Junior Landcare Grants program, which encourages young people to play a more active role in sustainability.

Landcare Australia chief executive Dr Shane Norrish said the program aimed to help youth be more aware of environmental issues in their own backyard.

“They will have the opportunity to have hands-on environmental education in the class and in the schoolyard, which will only help to better future generations,” he said.

“We look forward to seeing applications from schools in the local area when the next grant round is launched in a couple of months’ time.”

Environmental education is an integral part of this year’s Plastic Free July, for which Plastic Free Launceston has planned a range of events and workshops

Now in its eighth year, the global initiative raises awareness of the increasing plastic waste problem, while encouraging alternatives to single use plastic items. 

This year will mark the second time Plastic Free Launceston has been involved, having formed in March 2017. 

The schedule includes a lunchtime workshop at the Milkbar Cafe on June 29, an official launch at Drysdale on July 3, and a mega bag-making workshop on July 15. 

The group will also have a presence at Saturday’s Harvest Market throughout the month, starting with an appearance on June 30.

There will be a competition among stall holders at the market as to who can provide the best alternatives to plastic, as well as a ban on plastic bags for the month.

Certain sellers already have sustainable practices as part of their set up, with Smallgrain offering a refund to customers who bring back containers, while Coronea Grove Olive Oil allows people to bring their own olive oil bottles.

Market co-manager Caroline Williamson said sustainability was “part of the market’s ethos”. 

“It can be done, people just need to think outside the square,” she said.

“A lot of the people who come to the market understand what it means to make choices individually that are good for the planet.

“It’s not that hard to convince them not to use plastic, but for others such as the meat producers, it becomes difficult, because the plastic packaging is part of health and safety regulations.

“A lot of the initiatives that were started last year during Plastic Free July have carried over, but there are stall holders such as Smallgrain, who don’t use any plastic at all.”

Plastic Free Launceston is hoping other organisers throughout the city follow the lead of the Harvest Market.

Ms Haeusler said the group aimed to work with City of Launceston Council to encourage alternatives to single-use plastic at outdoor events.

“It would be great to see a big reduction of single-use plastic at some of those street parties that are in the CBD,” she said.

“We have asked council if they are able to promote that in its events, and make sustainability one of the attractions.

“For something like the Launceston Running Festival, it would have been nice to see a water trailer, instead of all the plastic bottles.”

A spokesperson for the Launceston Running Festival said “access to a suitable flow of water during peak times of an event is sometimes difficult”.

“For the wellbeing of our participants we need to ensure that sufficient water is available,” they said.

“Therefore at the end of the race, each participant was provided with a 600ml bottle of water.

“Post-race hydration is key as your body creates heat regardless of the weather.”

For more information about Plastic Free Launceston, visit the Facebook page.