The store’s  “Bonus 5”  environmental program rewards shoppers for using anything but a plastic bag – their own bags, Boomerang bags or boxes.

Store Manager Carolyn Andrews said it’s incredible how the Dungog community has come together for the project.

“The community deserves the credit for this amazing reduction in plastic bags,” said Ms Andrews.

“We’re just happy to give a little back in support for their commitment to our environment.

“There have been more than 36,000 Bonus 5 transactions since August last year, and together with the initial Plastic Free July campaign, there’s been a reduction of 270,000 plastic shopping bags in our community.

“To be part of this lasting change in the culture of our community over the last six months, has been brilliant. Even when people forget their reusable bags, they stick to it and take boxes.”

“Lovey’s is proud to work with Dungog Boomerang Bags and have their bags available in store for people to use as an alternative to plastic.

“The volunteers do a fantastic job and more than 2000 Boomerang Bags are already in use in our town.”

The Bonus 5 program gives Lovey’s Rewards members an additional 5 points each time they shop plastic free, using alternatives to plastic bags to carry their groceries.

It’s free to join and members save money through accumulating points and exclusive deals while supporting  community not-for-profit and sporting organisations.

Lovey’s Grocers is also a soft-plastic recycling point. Customers can bring in their soft plastics, such as scrunchy wrappers, plastic bags and flexible packaging from home for the store to transport to the council’s waste facility for baling and recycling.

Recycling soft plastics aims to keep it out of landfill  and creates a material used for outdoor furniture and signage for schools and communities.