Efforts are ramping up all over the world to reduce the amount of single-use plastics.
Things like plastic bags, cutlery and straws are the quick, easy ways of cutting down on waste that can often end up in our waterways and oceans.
While it might take time to change public perception about single-use plastics, one supermarket in Canada has found a way to quickly make people avoid using bags.
Customers that shop at East West Market in Vancouver, British Columbia are given plastic bags that have embarrassing logos or words on the outside.
It was hoped people would find it too awkward to walk down the street with a bag that says 'Wart Ointment Wholesale', 'Into the Weird Adult Video Emporium' or 'The Colon Care Co-Op'.
The bag also has written on it in smaller font: "Avoid the shame. Bring a reusable bag."
Writing on the supermarket's Instagram page, the business said: "It's hard to always remember a reusable bag. We redesigned our plastic bags to help you never forget again!"
Grocer owner David Lee Kwen told Global News: "The message is, we should make a conscious effort to save our planet one step at a time," he said. "[Plastic bags] are a big problem, and every step helps."
But it appears that David's plan backfired.
When word got out about the scheme, people found it so hilarious that they were flocking to the store to specifically get the bag.
"It's certainly generated interest in what we're trying to put out," he said. "Once you start a conversation, it will skyrocket from there, I think."
Thankfully for him, the stunt will only be on for a limited time because it costs the supermarket extra to print the funny titles.
But no doubt he'll be hoping Canada eventually follows Chile, who will become the first nation on earth to ban plastic bags.
Santiago-based newspaper La Tercera reports that the Senate approved a bill that would prohibit and replace plastic bags, with 38 votes in favour of the plan.
The initiative was initially aimed only at the Patagonia area, but was later extended to apply to the entire nation.
According to La Tercera, the idea will now move into its third stage, which takes it to the Chamber of Deputies.
If it is passed, the law will be put into action within one year of its announcement. In the meantime, supermarkets and shops will have to adhere to a strict rule that means they're only allowed to give out two plastic bags to consumers for each purchase they make.
Featured Image Credit: East West Market/Instagram