Shop gives embarrassing plastic bags to 'shame' customers who use them

A supermarket is giving out rather embarrassing carrier bags (Courtesy, East West Market/Instagram)

In a bid to crack down on plastic waste, one supermarket has started 'shaming' their customers into bringing their own bags.

Instead of offering branded carrier bags, East West Market in Vancouver are charging five cents for something a little different.

The independent business, which sells organic and fair trade produce, are giving out plastic bags featuring a range of embarrassing brand logos in large fonts.

These include fictional brands such as Wart Ointment Wholesale, The Colon Care Co-Op and Into The Weird Adult Video Emporium.

(Courtesy, East West Market/Instagram)

A message underneath each of the logos adds: "Avoid the shame. Bring a reusable bag."

Speaking to Fox 13 News, a spokesperson for the supermarket explained how they hoped this small act would make a big difference.

They said: "We hope that by creating discussions, we can minimize the usage of plastics in general.

"This is a small step, but we hope it eventually can have a great impact. And we all do it with fun."

The bags have proved so popular with customers that the store is now launching a range of canvas tote bags featuring the cheeky designs.

However, some argue that the plan has backfired as the "weird" bags are being considered a novelty and people are desperate to get their hands on them.

Others were unimpressed by the idea of the business "shaming" them - and making colon care seem "embarrassing".

One person commented: "Shaming people by displaying the name of a made up colon clinic? Very uncool. People with actual colon disease already have a stigma to overcome."

Another person replied: "I own a retail hardware store. Instead of 'shaming' my customers, I just switched to paper. No big deal."

They hope it will convince customers to bring their own bags instead. (Courtesy, East West Market/Instagram)

Someone else said: "This just makes me want to use your bags more, sorry not sorry, this is awesome."

A fourth posted: "Any store near me dopey enough to try this - it'd work - I just wouldn't go there anymore. I'd go someplace that makes me feel welcomed and NOT JUDGED."

But a different user argued in favour of the store's actions, writing: "If you're doing things that are bad for the environment out of sheer laziness, why shouldn't you be judged?"