‘To Save Koh Tao’: The first 7-Eleven in Thailand to ditch plastic bags is on Koh Tao

Koh Tao is known, by turns, as a budget backpacker’s paradise, a great diving spot, a party place, and in more recent years, “death island” due to the series of backpackers that have died or disappeared on it.

However, now the island is making headlines for something positive — their biggest 7-Eleven store — the one visible when tourists get off the ferry at Mae Haad — has rid itself of plastic bags. Though there are five of the chain convenience stores on the island, only this one has taken the step so far, and they are going viral because of it.

They’ve posted pictures of smiling customers taking their purchases away in their purses, backpacks, buckets, and reusable bags they now sell at the island store for THB15 (US$0.50).

However, according to one blogger who visited the store, you can get a plastic bag in only one way — if you purchase a hot meal and ask for a bag with it.

Store employee Honey Gatsing told Coconuts that the new initiative — introduced almost a month ago — is going well and they have no plans to reintroduce plastic bags. When asked why they decided to make the big move away from plastic, she said simply: “to save Koh Tao.”

She also said that they hope that the other stores on the island — not just both additional 7-Eleven outlets, but also other shops — will follow their lead and rid themselves of plastic bags. 

Additionally, the store has posted on its Facebook page, detailing the dangers of plastic bags — such as global warming and its related issues, plus the ways littering causes harm to animals both on land and in the sea. They also urged customers to use cloth bags, which they say are both more stylish and more comfortable to carry than plastic.

The shop has also taken part in and posted about beach clean-ups, shared information about missing foreigners, and joined in charity events on their island home. 

We’re all about going plastic bag-free here at Coconuts. Props to these guys for doing what they can to change the mentality of single-use plastic bags coming with every small convenience store transaction.