Environmental taxes imposed by governments across Europe, along with a growing awareness of the harmful effects of single-use plastic, have helped to start a movement towards ditching that familiar but harmful item: the bag. A scheme from startup Goodbag may help too.
Here’s how it works. Buy their cotton bag and download the Goodybag app. The app will show details of over 1,000 stores across Europe, including Swiss supermarket chain Denner, that offer rewards for products sold to Goodbag owners. Once you’re in the store, you can sign up via the app, hold your NFC-equipped smartphone close to the logo on the bag and choose a reward that matches your preferences. It could be a coupon that will save you money in the store. Or it could be a simple donation to plant trees or clean up the ocean.
According to CEO and co-founder Christoph Hantschk, the bag and app will soon be available worldwide.
The bag costs almost 10 euros.