E-MAIL me if your organization wants to display the Collection
-OR-
you wish to donate some unique items to the Collection
Inhabitants of this Big Green Marble (EARTH)
to the
Collection of Ecologically Friendly
Reusable Shopping Bags *
 As everybody who is anybody goes Green, I wanted to do something too. Since I don’t own a Nuclear Power Plant to decommission or an Oil Well to shut down and can barely afford to buy a Hybrid Car, I decided to collect obvious and hopefully ubiquitous items that everyone uses or should use – Ecologically Friendly Reusable Shopping Bags or Eco Bags for short.
While some bags are more colorful and functional than others are, they all serve the same purpose; that is to temporarily store food and non-food items until one gets home and then do it over and over again until the bags themselves fall apart and have to be recycled.
 About the Collection: I purchase the Reusable Shopping Bags in the normal manner. I save the price tag and UPC code and never use the bags – how ironic!
I use my web cam and Photoshop software to capture and crop the image and then upload the image into my BLOG and publish. I try to note and write up any interesting particularities that make each store or Reusable Shopping Bag special.
To make this Collection the World’s Largest, I need the help of you, my “Earth Angel” supporters to supply me with Reusable Shopping Bags that are out of my driving area (Central New Jersey) and unique (not already on my BLOG). Just purchase a bag at your friendly supermarket, grocery or other type of store, leave the price tag and UPC code intact and don’t use the bag. I'll also accept a slightly used but still clean bag of distinctive or vintage quality. Mail the bag(s) in a big Manila envelope to my address:
Glen Daless
357 Stockton Street
Hightstown, NJ 08520
I'll give my “Earth Angel” supporter and new friend honorable mention, under the Eco Bag on my BLOG. If you want, E-MAIL me first to make sure that the bag is not already in the Collection or make any comments you may have about my Collection or the whole concept.
There are 25 “Earth Angel” supporter(s) as of September 2011!
 Hope everyone enjoys my Collection and my BLOG. Feel free to try the following Hyperlinks to another interesting Collection, Crafts information, Stories and my Social Calendar & resume.
Glen Daless
Display Schedule in 2011
Article in the Newark Star-Ledger (06/25/08)
- GREEN-tings- ACME Markets- ALDI Markets- Amelia's Grocery Outlet- Brookdale CC- Buck A Bag Produce- ca- Commonwealth Packaging Company- Cost Cutters- Cracker Barrel- Dunkin Donuts- Family Dollar- Farm Fresh- Gary’s Wine & Marketplace- Giant Markets- Gilbertie’s Herb Gardens- Go RISE up Inc.- Great Atlantic & Pacific Company Inc.- Green Today, Inc- Hannaford- Harris Teeter- HomeGoods- Klem's- Lowe's- Market Basket®- McCaffrey's Markets- Old Navy- Organic Harvest- Piggly Wiggly- PR&A- Publix- Redner's Warehouse Markets- reJAVAnate- Safeway Markets * Genuardi's- SCAD- Scholastic- Shaw's- ShopRite Supermarkets- Staples- Stew Leonard’s- Stop & Shop- Target- Thriftway Markets * Risoldi's Great Valu Foodstore- Trader Joe's- Walgreens- Wal*Mart- Wegmans- Whole Foods Market- WINGS- WWF
|E-MAIL|Eco Bag Collection|Crafts2Press
|Resume|Workbooks|Social Calendar|Stories|CTS Collection|
The Great Atlantic & Pacific Company Inc. is gobbling up some other supermarket chains like Pathmark, Waldbaum’s, Superfresh, the Food Emporium and Food Basics.
According to the label:
All the Reusable Shopping Bags in the Elizabeth Haub Foundation are manufactured with 100% post-consumer recycled content.
Each Reusable Shopping Bag issued has a different “earth” photo on either side. I understand that Haub family are one of the owners of the Great Atlantic & Pacific Company Inc. – hope they recycles. 04/08
from "Reusable Grocery Tote Bags: Going Green for Better Shopping
Paper, Plastic or Reusable? What's Your Shopping Bag Preference?"
by Will N. Stape, published Feb 18, 2008
A chic green scene is now cool and we're all the better for it.
...
At times it seems like global warming or climate change touches on everything in our lives, even when shopping for the basics at the supermarket. Come checkout time we're reminded of the impact plastic makes in our landfills and how using up more paper bags just kills a few more oxygen generating trees. What to do? Enter reusable shopping bags.
Every little bit can help our landfills get lighter and spare the leafy lungs of planet Earth. Use reusable shopping bags whenever possible for shopping. There's really no excuse anymore. Every major supermarket and most retailers are making it easier and even fashionable. Just look around the next time you're at Pathmark, A&P, Shoprite or Von's. Today's choices in recyclable shopping bags are not only convenient and stylish, but they're incredibly affordable.
My local supermarket A&P, carries Elizabeth Haub Foundation Totes- these are cool and colorful reusable bags which go for the irresistible price of 99 cents. Not only can you feel great about hefting around your goodies in neat totes, but a portion of sale proceeds are donated to the Elizabeth Haub Foundation to help further their conservation work.
Elizabeth Haub was a philanthropist actively involved in developing environmental law and policy in Europe. In tribute and to further the cause, the Elizabeth Haub Foundation was established in North America by her daughter-in-law, Mrs. Helga Haub of The Tengelmann Group, a majority shareholder of A&P.
Six Eco Bags
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ShopRite Supermarkets
from a recent Press Release:
ShopRite Supermarkets has now won the Prestigious Energy Star award for the Marlton, NJ store. On April 10, 2008, Keasbey, NJ – Supermarkets of Cherry Hill, Inc. has earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) prestigious Energy Star Rating for their ShopRite of Marlton, NJ. The Energy Star is the national symbol for protecting the environment through superior energy performance. The ShopRite of Marlton joins more than 3,000 Energy Star buildings nationwide that are committed to reducing their impact on the environment by reducing the amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere. 04/08
According to the product tag:
earthwise reusable bags: Use this bag and help reduce the more than 100 Billion plastic bags used in America each year. Take with you to the store. To the gym. To school. Make everyday Earth Day!
 
Six Eco Bags
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ACME Markets
Crazy about food 04/08
from a recent Press Release:
Supervalu-owned Acme Markets this week opened what it said is the first environmentally friendly supermarket in the Philadelphia area.
The new store was built according to the specifications of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) from the U.S. Green Building Council, and is the first supermarket in the Philadelphia area to complete the LEED building process from construction to completion, said Acme.
To educate shoppers on the green aspects of the design, the store installed educational plaques in various departments detailing the green initiatives behind the construction of each.
...
During the ribbon cutting ceremony, Acme will donate a park bench made entirely from recycled plastic to a local park. The benches are constructed using Trex composite lumber that is manufactured from both store and customer generated plastic. Acme has recycled its plastic bags since 1993, but has recently expanded the program to include the creation of park benches.
Additionally, Acme will present over $280,000 in donations to various organizations.
Acme operates 130 stores in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland. 04/08
Front/Back
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Brookdale CC
from Geeklog Saturday, July 19 2008
Contributed by: snacco:
Last year, through the College's "Governance" process (which involves students as well as employees from every department), Brookdale created a College-wide Action Team on Sustainability, a.k.a., the Green Team. The Green Team is supposed to be looking at everything Brookdale does--from styrofoam coffee cups to storm drains that go into the Swimming River reservoir--and come up with ways of making the College more environmentally friendly.
One result of the group's work are new recycling containers that separate paper from cans and general trash.
But what else should we be doing?
Your blogging is welcome and will be taken to heart by the College.
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Wegmans
According to the product tag:
With growing concern about the environment, our customers have asked for an "earth-friendlier" way to carry their groceries. Recycling reduces waste in our landfills, but now we have another way. Reuse - a simple way we can each do our part over and over again!
Our reusable shopping bags reduce the need for plastic (or paper) and make your shopping trip a little easier. The sturdy straps carry lots of weight without tearing, and flat bottom helps prevent tip-overs. If they get dirty, just sponge them off and the lightweight fabric dries quickly. Simply fold them for easy storage in your car or trunk - they're ready for the next trip!
We're proud of this product and we hope you'll agree. Remember, your satisfaction is always guaranteed with Wegmans brand products. 04/08
from "There's a New Meaning for 'Green Grocer'" by Bob Niedt, The Post Standard, Friday February 08, 2008
Wegmans has long been moving in that direction (sustainability programs), said Jason Wadsworth (from the Food Marketing Institute), but nearly a year ago, it tasked him and his team to identify areas throughout the company where it's being done and to take some of those ideas companywide. And to put it out there so the customers can connect.
One issue at the front end of the store is bagging. There's a frontal assault from many directions, from consumer to retailer to government, on plastic bags, a hot-button issue.
Wegmans and other retailers have been offering customers reusable bags to purchase and return to the store for filling at the front end instead of the usual paper or plastic.
Wegmans has sold 800,000 of the black bags. But the company has no way to measure the effect of the reusable bags.
"If we are able to measure and know how the bags are being reused, we can start to tackle the plastic issue," said Wadsworth.
Wegmans is attempting to develop a system, probably at the cashier end of the store, for measuring reusable-bag use.
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Thriftway Markets * Risoldi's Great Valu Foodstore
from "Paper or plastic? You may pay 20 cents either way"
Some plastic, foam containers would be banned under proposal by mayor, council president
by Angela Galloway SeattlePI.com REPORTER
...
Some grocers already promote the use of reusable bags. For example, Thriftway gives a nickel back to customers who bring their own bags.
"I don't know if consumers know how much plastic and paper bags cost," said Josh Angle, store director of the Magnolia Thriftway. Paper bags cost at least 13 cents each, plastic bags cost about 9 cents.
from www.westseattleblog.com
Personally, I do reuse my plastic bags. But I read in the paper that there are other alternative bags (maybe like the compostable plastic bags at Thriftway) that won’t be taxed? I am a regular user of my own bags. The ones from Trader Joe’s. are great- they’re strong & can hold much more than the plastic or paper bags. I also purchased some reusable totes from Costco. They are gigantic and would work for other non-grocery expeditions.
Comment by dinolicious — April 3, 08 9:55 am
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Whole Foods Market
World's Leading Natural and Organic Foods Supermarket 04/08
from www.hoovers.com
Plastic Bags a Thing of the Past? - At least one major grocery chain, Whole Foods Market, is eliminating plastic grocery bags from its stores. Capitalizing on increasing environmental awareness and consumer demand, Whole Foods hopes that the move will encourage more consumers to bring their own reusable bags, although it will still offer paper bags for those who don't. Industry experts say that, given the willingness of many consumers to eliminate plastic bags, Whole Foods' action could be the start of a larger grocery industry trend. 05/08
  
Five Eco Bags
"Earth Angel" supporter - Susan - 08/09
"Earth Angel" supporter - Irene of Jamesburg, NJ - 09/11
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Trader Joe's
A Unique Grocery Store
According to product tag:
100% Polypropylene Bag
Environmentally friendly and fun to carry! 6 gallon capacity 06/08
According to the Insulated Bag product tag:
Ideal for grocery shopping, travel and outdoor activities. Keeps frozen and perishable refrigerated foods cold up to 4 hours. Add ice packs to help keep food cold longer - 5 gallon capacity. High Density for extra protection. 06/08
According to the Canvas Bag product tag:
Heavy duty canvas. Reinforced at the major stress points. Holds more than a large grocery sack. Comfortable canvas handles. Machine washable. Will shrink slightly. Machine wash cold - lay flat to dry 06/08
Three Eco Bags
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ALDI Markets
from www.seriouseats.com
What Do You Think of Aldi Markets?
Posted by LoCo, February 3, 2008 at 5:07 PM
We don't have them out west, but my in-laws in TN shop there a lot. They are immensely popular there. We've popped in a couple times to check it out. My impression was good quality produce, frozen stuff and shelf products at very good prices. The things I really loved were (1) the fact they charge for grocery bags, which means most people bring their own, (2) having shoppers bag their own groceries, which I do better than most employees anyway, and (3) requiring shoppers to deposit a quarter to get a shopping cart, which you get back when you return the cart. It means the store doesn't have to send employees out to collect carts, and your car doesn't get banged up by inconsiderate shoppers who can't be bothered to return their carts.
If you have Aldi Markets where you live, have you tried them? What has your experience been?
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Wal*Mart
What has Sam Walton Wrought?
According to the product tag:
* is 100% recyclable
* is made from 85% recycled materials
* is made from approximately 4 plastic soda bottles
* can replace 50 plastic shopping bags
* can carry the same weight as 2 -3 plastic shopping bags 04/08
from www.wisebread.com
"Wal*Mart Celebrates Its Own Green Efforts with Free Reusable Shopping Bags"
posted April 12, 2008 - 18:09 by Linsey Knerl
Wal*Mart gets its fair share of negative press (and Wise Bread bloggers aren’t excluded.) However, a recent article in the new National Geographic’s Green Guide magazine really had me thinking about some of the ways Wal*Mart has led the way with environmentally-friendly initiatives. Regardless of how you feel about Wal*Mart’s status as a commercial superpower, you really have to take a look. (And while you’re at it, snag a free shopping bag!)
On April 19th, Wal*Mart stores everywhere will be celebrating Earth Month by partnering with Kellogg’s and giving away 1 million reusable shopping bags. The bags will usually cost a buck to buy, but starting 8AM next Saturday, you can have one free!
...
"Earth Angel" supporter - Cousin Robert D - 08/08
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Scholastic
The Scholastic Books - Eco Bag folds-up for easy storage and features a great saying:
"Reading Makes You a STAR!"
from: www.scholastic.com/actgreen/
Try the 100 Ways to Act Green! video game
Scholastic Books has at least 189 Children's books about Ecology for sale!
"Earth Angel" supporter - Camille - 07/09
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SCAD
from: www.fashionunited.com
JCPenney reusable shopping bags by design students
April 2009
JCPenney Unveils Three Reusable Shopping Bags Designed by Top Design School Students. Blending its emphasis on style with its concern for the environment, JCPenney (NYSE: JCP) partnered with several major design schools to fashion its latest series of reusable shopping bags, which arrive in stores April 8. From 58 entries, three stand-out winners were selected by a committee of JCPenney judges.
The limited edition bags, featuring the designers’ signatures on the bottom, will be exclusively displayed and sold in more than 600 JCPenney stores. JCPenney’s original “Green Grass” reusable bag will continue to be sold in all stores, and beginning April 8, JCP Rewards Members will earn 50 bonus points with their first purchase of any reusable bag.
The winning students also each received a $1,000 JCPenney gift card and a trip to the JCPenney Home Office in Plano, Texas, where they met with executives and Associates and were recognized during a Company-wide rally.
…
Ethan Waterman, whose hometown is Atlanta, majored in graphic design and graduated from Savannah College of Art and Design aka SCAD in March. Ethan’s simple, fashionable design showcases an overlapping green leaf motif. “I designed my bag to encourage and motivate others to incorporate green thinking into their lifestyle,” Ethan said.
“This contest gave the students an opportunity to showcase their creative talent, and the three winning designs were exceptional among the many outstanding entries we received,” said Mike Boylson, chief marketing officer of JCPenney. “Our customers are concerned about the environment and looking for ways to easily integrate green living into their everyday lifestyle. By incorporating great design, we’re offering them an eco-friendly bag they’ll be proud to use time and again.”
"Earth Angel" supporter - Linda of East Brunswick, NJ - 05/10
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Stew Leonard's
from: www.stewleonards.com/press
GO GREEN AT STEW LEONARD’S AND GET FREE ICE CREAM
April 2010
In Celebration of Earth Month, On April 30th Customers Who Use Reusable Shopping Bags Receive Free Ice Cream
WHAT:
April is Earth Month and to encourage consumers to think green and take small steps towards protecting the environment, Stew Leonard’s is rewarding customers who use reusable bags when they shop. On Wednesday, April 30th, customers who shop Stew Leonard’sand use at least one reusable bag to pack their grocery items will receive a free ice cream with their purchase. Stew Leonard’s offers its own reusable bags near cash registers, but is happy to reward customers using reusable bags from ANY store or brand. In addition, fun fact sheets will be posted at all cash registers to educate consumers about why reusable bags are a better environmental choice to both plastic and paper bags.
WHO
Stew Leonard’s of Norwalk, Danbury and Newington, Connecticut and Yonkers, New York will participate in the Earth Month program, giving away one free ice cream to any customer using at least one reusable bag with their purchase. Customers using a reusable bag will have their receipts specially marked, which they can take to the ice cream counter to receive their free ice cream.
The program is being implemented to encourage consumers to think green year-round and continue using reusable bags long after Earth Month has come and gone.
"Earth Angel" supporter - Helen of Burlington, NJ - 06/10
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PR&A
Pellettieri Rabstein and Altman
Counsellors At Law
"Going to Court is Hardball"
www.PRALAW.com
"Earth Angel" supporter - Elyse - 06/09
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WINGS
from Hatteras Village Redux Part II
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
"Wile E. Coyote's Law of Gravity"
...
Our first stop would be Wings. Now, if anyone has visited the Outer Banks, they'll know that on practically every street corner, there is a Wings store. These stores carry nothing but the finest (cough, cough) merchandise showcasing the beauty of the area. Okay, that's a lie. They are gaudy - nay, garish - architectural monstrosities filled with every cheap souvenir ever made for beachy locations. T-shirts, sweat shirts, swim suits, beach towels, beach chairs, beach umbrellas, shot glasses, sun glasses, sun lotions, water rafts, water wings and water noodles. How about a bright blue, leaping dolphin with a clock embedded in its abdominal area.
Thanks to Wings stores, China has no unemployment. However, that's not to say that you can't get a good deal there! The Wings store in Hatteras Village is slightly less tawdry & tasteless than its northern counterparts. It's also a much smaller than the others, but just as packed full of ..... stuff. As we squeezed our way around the racks & racks of beach wear, counters of mini lighthouses, key chains, shark teeth and postcards, I happened across beach towels on sale. End of season clearance - buy one, get one free - $5. Can't pass that up! Loaded with bags, we left the store.
...
from a Web advertisement: Free extra large Reusable beach tote with purchases of $25.00 or more!
"Earth Angel" supporter - Jessica L - 12/08
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Buck A Bag Produce
from PhillyBurbs.com
Eat your veggies
Posted by Tom Haines at 11:19 am 4/10/08
Penndel welcomed a new business in a familiar locale this week. Buck A Bag Produce had its grand opening Wednesday, April 9. The grocer, dealing in fresh fruits and vegetables, is housed in the former Penndel Produce premises at 50 Hulmeville Ave. This marks the third tenant for the historic borough property in the past 2 years.
Editor's Note: I have the Opening Day gift mug too!
"Earth Angel" supporter - Pat L - 12/08
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Piggly Wiggly
from Athens World
Piggly Wiggly on North Avenue Anti-Environment?
Posted by Christopher Byrne on 2008-02-14
I had to stop at the Piggly Wiggly on North Avenue, Athens, GA on the way home tonite. I asked for paper, and was told that "we no longer have paper bags and will no longer be ordering them." Sounds like an environmentally unfriendly decision to me. Any thoughts?
Comment by Evonne 2/28/08
Wow. I guess I live in my own little world because I find it amazing that this debate is even going on. Should I use paper or plastic? NEITHER. By far the best option (and I think maybe 2 people mentioned this) is bringing your own reusable bag. Every grocery store I've been to lately has them next to the registers for $1 each and unless you are buying for an army, you'll rarely need more than 3 of these bags since they easily hold what would normally be put into 3 or more plastic bags.
If you want to do what is best for the environment, there's just one choice, IMO.
Editor's Note: I wished they printed their motto: "Down Home, Down the Street" and had the drawing of a pig with a paper hat!
"Earth Angel" supporter - Rebecca - 01/09
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Organic Harvest
from YAHOO Local
A New Organic Sherriff in Town!
Posted by Karen 10/24/2006
For many years there has been one major organic provider in the Birmingham, Alabama area, but now Organic Harvest has come! The store is amazingly clean and has a pleasant lay out. To the left of the main entrance is a cafe where organic foods are served. There is also a very large, pleasant selection of non-food consumer foods like cosmetics, soaps, etc. I got interested when I saw the store from the road, but now I am in love!
"Earth Angel" supporter - Rebecca - 01/09
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Target
According to the product tag:
Earth week - a gift for you (free) 04/09
Smart Choices - coupon for $2.00 off GE Energy Smart compact fluorescent lightbulb packages
from www.thebudgetfashionista.com
We couldn’t help but notice Target’s new, reusable red shopping bags on our latest trip to one of our fav stores. The non-woven polypropylene fabric bag comes in Target’s standard red color with an adorable bird and tree graphic on it (a refreshing change from a company’s logo). The bag has a flat, stiff bottom which folds nicely and snaps together for easy storage. In fact it’s perfectly map-sized so you can throw it in your glove compartment box or pop it in your tote.
Front/Back "Earth Angel" supporter - George B - 04/09
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Redner's Warehouse Markets
Serving Our local Communities Since 1970 04/08
from www.findarticles.com
"Reusable bags appeal to shoppers"
Central Penn Business Journal, Sep 14, 2007 by Olenchek, Christina
Earth-friendly sacks catch on in midstate
A shopping list and coupons have traditionally been required accessories for savvy consumers navigating their favorite grocery stores.
Now, many of these consumers are adding a new tool: reusable shopping bags.
Several grocery stores doing business in the midstate have recently started selling reusable bags as an alternative to disposable plastic bags. The bags have been a hit, and thousands of them have been snapped up around the region.
The idea of reusable bags has been around for some time, but their newfound popularity comes as more consumers gain an awareness of the environmental impact of plastic bags, observers said.
"(Plastic bags) get blown around. They get stuck in trees. They end up in streams," said David Mazza, western regional director for the Pennsylvania Resources Council. The council, which has offices in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, promotes efforts to protect natural resources. "It makes sense to use a different material."
Reusable shopping bags are typically made of polypropylene and are often marked with the logo of the store selling them. Giant Food Stores, Weis Markets, Karns Quality Foods and Redner's Warehouse Market are among the grocers selling them. Most bags offered in this area cost 99 cents each, though some stores offer canvas versions that are more expensive.
...
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Walgreens
ReUse * Reduce Green Bag 07/08
from “Reusable Shopping Bags – Have You Seen Them In Your Neighborhood Stores?”
on Penny Hull’s BLOG
How many times have your groceries been loaded into plastic bags, only to have the bag split and the jar of mayonnaise drop and break on the driveway? By the way, why is it always the mayonnaise that breaks? It's got to be the hardest thing to clean up...
Many of my favorite stores, at least in my area, are now offering an inexpensive alternative to the "Paper or Plastic" question. Resuable Shopping Bags
Walgreens was the first place I noticed resuable shopping bags for sale. I picked up enough for all my groceries - at $.99 each, they weren't a bad investment, and I figured it was the only way to stop all the plastic bags that fall out of my cupboard every time I open it. I hate to throw them away, so I save them... for something.
I stuck the bags into the door pocket of my car, and now every time I open the door, I'm reminded to take them in the store with me. By the way, I found the bags at the Apex Walgreens - ask for their terrific store manager, Tate Moorefield, if you can't find them!
…
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Staples
According to the product tag:
reusable shopping bag
Make a difference. It's easy.
Every year, billions of plastic shopping bags are thrown away and end up in landfills. Using and reusing a bag like this one is an easy way for you to make a difference. Visit staples.com/ecoeasy to learn more. 07/08
"Staples Saves the World?"
POSTED BY LADY STEED AT 8:46 PM on Sunday, February 17, 2008
A few weeks ago I was standing in line at Staples, waiting to purchase some supplies for the LDOTFMOT. There were only two people in front of me but the wait seemed rather long, considering no one had more than three items.
I started looking around--candy bars, computer magazines, mechanical pencils, refrigerator of coca-cola product, rack of reusable bags with the Staples logo printed in green ink on them...huh?
This last item struck me as odd. Staples just doesn't really seems like a place that you can shop at and think you are being green, or, at the very least, it doesn't seem like a place you would think to get a reusable bag at.
I began to wonder about that bag. I wasn't super close to it so I couldn't get a detailed look, but--I wondered--was it made from recycled materials? I hoped so. But I had a feeling it wasn't.
That got me thinking. Pretty much every store that I go into now has a reusable bag available that's emblazoned with their logo and some sort of slogan about saving the earth. How many of these bags were made from recycled materials and how many were made from raw materials? How much damage has been done to the Earth by all these stores jumping on the green bandwagon? Rushing to make another item for their customers to purchase, this time (ironically) a reusable bag?
It seems silly.
I can picture the marketing people sitting in their meeting rooms saying, "Hey, people really seem to be serious about recycling and all that now. How can we make some money off of that?" "OH! I know, lets sell reusable bags in our stores!" "Great idea, Joe! Get us a quote on 2 million of those."
I think most people have bags that can be used for carrying home groceries in their possession already. I know I do. Plus, I just find it ridiculous that every retail establishment I seem to go into these days is offering these reusable shopping bags.
It seems OK for grocery stores to offer these types of bags with their logos--a customer goes there once a week, maybe more--they will use that bag. But Staples? Seriously? I go there maybe once or twice a year. If I was thinking about purchasing a reusable shopping bag I certainly am not going to get one branded with Staples' logo. What am I? Their walking billboard?
Also, are all those reusable bags really displacing that many plastic bags? I don't think they are. I think the reusable bags are just adding to the pile of stuff we already have. Stuff that will ultimately end up in a landfill.
What do you think about this? Am I being a big grump? Should I just be grateful that corporations are letting even a tiny eco-conscious idea glimmer in their stores? Even if their motivations are not pure?
Or am I right and this is just another example of business-based hypocrisy?
On the bright side, maybe these 'green' bags will be less likely to kill sea turtles.
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ca
Computer Associates
 "Earth Angel" supporter - Bonnema Potters - 04/09
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reJAVAnate
E-mail message from Douglas Farquhar on June 24, 2008
I read an article about you and wanted to introduce you to our reJAVAnate reusable bag program because it is unique and we think it is a really good story.
We take burlap from coffee roasters that would be otherwise sent to landfills, work with ARC which serves individuals with developmental disabilities to hand make the bags and sell them to individuals and organizations who want to make a statement about reducing paper and plastic bag consumption.
The bags can be custom printed and make a good statement for organizations that have or want to make a commitment to the environment.
Renovos Global Group
14 Goodyear
Ste. 135
Irvine, CA 92618-3759
from a recent Press Release - www.reJAVAnate.com
A Great Story!
reJAVAnate
Did you know?
• Coffee is 2nd largest commodity in the world
• 800.000 tons of Burlap discarded every year
• The ARC helps 140,000 developmentally disabled members find employment
• U. S. consumes over 380 billion plastic bags, sacks and wraps each year. 14 million trees were cut to produce the 10 billion paper grocery bags used by Americans
Bags that make a difference!
"Earth Angel" supporter - Doug F - 07/08
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Go RISE up Inc.
from an advertisement
Go RISE up Inc. is a company dedicated to increasing recycling through education, community involvement, and the creation of our line of sustainable apparel and bags. We have a unique focus on recycling plastic shopping bags as less than 4% of the 100 billion bags used annually are currently recycled. Our hands-on training and education programs are designed to start and support recycling programs for schools, businesses and municipalities. As part of our dedication to “closing the loop” all of the plastic bags that are collected through our programs are sent to TREX, a composite decking manufacturer, and are recycled into an eco-friendly alternative to wood lumber.
Our website www.goriseup.com has an incredible variety of reusable bags and eco-apparel for everyone. Recycling has never been so fun, Go RISE up!
334 Main Street (suite 107)
Matawan, NJ 07747
Editor’s note: Contact Chris Rossi at c00rossi@hotmail.com for a discount coupon code. 08/08
"Earth Angel" supporter - Chris R - 08/08
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Gary’s Wine & Marketplace
A letter from a supporter
June 25, 2008
I read your interview with Star-Ledger’s Kelly Heyboer today. You have certainly picked up on another of our country’s efforts to protect the planet in this growing trend to recycle in whatever ways possible.
Gary’s Wine & Marketplace is a retailer of wine, spirits, gourmet food and giftware with 3 locations in Northern and Central New Jersey. Owner Gary Fisch is interested in offering our guests ways to help protect our environment. We sell a line of bamboo giftware, which is widely known as environmentally friendly. Additionally, we purchase wine bags hand made from banana bark in Cambodia.
Our latest effort is our reusable wine/grocery tote. This bag is unique as it has fold-out dividers which holds groceries and up to six bottles of wine at a time! Feel free to add this to your collection of eco friendly shopping bags.
If you have any questions, I’d be happy to talk to you.
Regards,
Nancy Lederman
"Earth Angel" supporter - Nancy L - 06/08
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Commonwealth Packaging Company
A letter from a supporter
July 21, 2008
As we discussed, enclosed are three bag samples that were produced by Commonwealth Packaging Company, and below you’ll find descriptions of each bag in case you’d like to feature them in your eco-friendly, reusable bag blog.
White bag: Company – Sol de Ibiza
This woven polypropylene bag was produced in three sizes, designed to be ultra-reusable.
Black bag: Company - Matrix
Matrix used a special environmental sheet that is natural kraft on the inside and white kraft paper on the outside, and contains 75 percent post-consumer waste material. They also used 100 percent soy ink, the most environmentally friendly ink available.
Colorful bag: Company - Wholesale Associated Grocers/Country Mart
This bag is made of recyclable, woven polypropylene material, and has been featured in Country Mart’s in-store ads and website.
Again, what you’re doing to promote bags that will have a positive impact on our environment in quite commendable. Commonwealth Packaging Company and its sales team will continue to do their part, and urge their clients to buy sustainable and eco-friendly bags. Please let me know if you have any questions about the bags I’ve sent or about Commonwealth Packaging Company.
Sincerely,
Sarah Groff
An additional bag made from PET - Recycled Milk Containers with a little pocket for coupons.
"Earth Angel" supporter - Sarah G - 07/08
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Publix
from the Fun Times Guide
Grab a $ .99 Reusable Shopping Bag from Publix
Written by Jeffery on January 10, 2008
Ever wanted to live green by purchasing some reusable shopping bags for those grocery store runs but don't want to pay $15 for each of them?
Publix has your solution...reusable grocery bags for .99 cents!!
Some of my and my wife's friends gave us our Christmas presents in a couple of these bags and then my wife came home with another one after a trip to the store. When she showed me the receipt, I couldn't believe it!
Comment by Steve C Carty on June 26, 2008
After returning from Ireland and witnessing their phenomenal success with transitioning from plastic bags to reusable bags, I desperately want to get involved in doing my part here in the USA and elsewhere to promote this simple eco-friendly solution. Can you please give me some pointers into what type of reusable bags are best with best recyclable properties, average life span, minimum effect to produce on environment etc. There are may to choose from; cotton, canvas, jute, polypropylene, nylon, burlap,etc,
I appreciate all information you can help me with in this early stage of my research. I know that we must all make a difference in reducing the massive quantities of plastic going into the landfills, streams, and oceans. Please help me to be a real fighter for this effort as I am truly on fire with my potential to make a difference and leave a noble legacy for future generations.
Thank You,
Two Eco Bags "Earth Angel" supporter - Good Neighbor Marty - 07/08
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Lowe's
Lets Build Something Together
from Active Rain - Real Estate Network
Kudo’s To Lowes’ . . . Going GREENER
Written by Teresa Harris on 08/11/2008 11:25 PM
Okay, I’m excited! Most will think I have totally flipped to be excited about this, but I am. This weekend I was in Lowes Home Improvement and saw that they are trying to go GREENER. They now offer reusable shopping bags and they are quality ones at that.
Lowes originally was started in North Wilkesboro, NC but has since moved to Mooresville, NC. It is really nice to see companies seeing the importance of trying to get away from the use of plastic shopping bags.
Seeing turtles dying from mistakenly eating plastic bags is all it took for me. Since then 95% of the time we take our own reusable shopping bags when we shop. The other 5% we mistakenly forget them and either purchase more bags or carry the items out to the car.
"Earth Angel" supporter - Good Neighbor Marty - 10/08
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Gilbertie’s Herb Gardens
from the Web Site
Gilbertie’s Herb Gardens is the largest herb plant grower in the country, supplying more than 400 varieties of fresh herb plants to American consumers via nurseries and garden centers throughout the northeastern and mid-Atlantic United States.
From their modest beginning in Westport as a cut-flower business established in 1922, Gilbertie’s Herb Gardens still remains a family business. 85 years later, Sal Gilbertie and his family are still providing fine herb plants known throughout the area. Even 97-year old Nana, Sal’s mother, can be “seen” tending the gardens in Westport, always offering her gardening advice.
...
"Earth Angel" supporter - Florence K - 06/08
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Amelia's Grocery Outlet
from the Action News - 6abc.com
Amelia's Grocery Outlets offer deals on food - Wednesday, May 13, 2009
On the shelves at Amelia's 11 stores, you'll find plenty of brand-name products. The manufacturers use the chain to sell off items that are getting new packaging, or new sizes, or items that are getting close to their freshness or expiration dates.
But the store guarantees what they sell is good to eat.
Jeff Good, who founded the chain along with his business partner Mike Mitchell, says, " We would not be in business if we sold anything that would make people sick, Number One. Number Two, we would also not be in business if we sold anything that was stale."
Just as with other kinds of outlet stores, the inventory and deals are constantly changing.
Good explains, "When you come to shop this week, you'll see certain branded items and certain sizes. Three weeks later, we'll still have that category, but we may not have the exact same item."
Amelia's Grocery Outlets don't stock fresh meat or poultry. They don't take credit cards, but do take, cash, checks or debit cards. Also, they accept a very few manufacturers' coupons. A list of which coupons are NOT honored is posted at the store entrances.
"Earth Angel" supporter - Sam D - 06/09
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Green Today, Inc
from www.begreentoday.org - brochure:
…
Green Today, Inc. began in the summer of 2007 with four local college grads sitting around the Edison Diner. Faced with the enormity of environmental problems yet wanting to take action, we decided to tackle a local issue with global implications.
…
We launched a project to put a reusable shopping bag in every resident’s hand, to work with local businesses to ensure that consumers share in the economic savings of reduced plastic bag consumption, to go into local schools with activities to teach children about the effects of plastic bags, and to provide affordable, attractive choices for reusable shopping bags.
Facts:
100 billion plastic bags used by Americans each year
12 billion barrels of oil needed to make our plastic bags each year
$4 billion cost of plastic shopping bags to the economy
100,000 marine animals die each year due to plastic bags
1000 amount of plastic bags used by the average family each year
0.6% percent of plastic shopping bags that are recycled
Plastic bags are among the 2 items of debris most often found in coastal clean-ups
BYOB = bring your own bag
"Earth Angel" supporter - Milo S - 07/08
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Klem's
from the tag
1 Bag at a Time 08/08
The Problem
14 plastic bags contain enough petroleum to drive a car a mile
380 billion plastic bags or wraps are thrown away in America each year
Making a paper bag emits 70% more global warming gages than making a plastic bag
0 paper bags biodegrade in landfills due to lack of oxygen
Cities spend up to 17 cents per bag in disposal costs, wasting millions of tax dollars
The Solution
Save the world 1 Bag at a Time®
www.1BagataTime.com
from www.klemsonline.com
Welcome to Klem's in Spencer, MA! We are Tractors, and a whole lot more! We hope you enjoy your visit to our emerging web presence. We here at Klem's are striving to provide an online experience like one you would have in our store in Spencer, friendly, honest and informative. We believe life out here in the country is more laid back and service is best served with a smile. Be sure to bookmark this site and check back often as our site will be updated frequently. Please click on the text to the left to navigate to your specific interests. If you have a question for us, please call and we'll respond as soon as possible.
 "Earth Angel" supporter - Cousin Robert D - 08/08
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Hannaford
from www.hannaford.com
Reusable Bags
Bring these reusable bags with you when you shop and together we’ll help the environment, one bag at a time!
Reduce waste – replaces disposable plastic & paper bags
Stylish, strong, and washable
According to the product side panel:
The winner of our 2008 bag contest is Zara Davis from Robert C. Parker School, Wynantshill, NY
 "Earth Angel" supporter - Cousin Robert D - 08/08
 Two Eco Bags "Earth Angel" supporter - Bonnema Potters - 04/09
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Shaw's
Crazy about food 08/08
Celebrate & Protect YOUR environment Re-use this bag when you shop at… Shaw’s
Shaw’s reusable bag, for a greener America
from MyFoxBoston
“Plastic shopping bags and the environment”
by miscricket from Andover
Nov 14, 2007
Yesterday, I was reading an article online about a woman, Janet Martin, who is launching a one woman crusade against the use of those plastic shopping bags supermarkets use. According to Ms. Martin, it takes 100 million barrels of oil annually to produce these bags - most of which get thrown away and end up in a landfill somewhere. By the way, she states, most of them are non-biodegradable in landfills and less than one percent of them are recycled.
It seems to me that in this age of high fuel prices and more awareness of our environment that it would be a no-brainer to make the switch from plastic bags to reusable fabric shopping bags.
I applaud Janet Martin and her efforts to make this small albeit significant difference. What if she could manage to reduce the need for these bags by 20 or 30 percent? What an impact that could have on the environment...??? Not to mention the need for 20 or 30 million LESS barrels of oil?
I'm curious to know what you all think of this? Are you willing to make a change that will benefit the environment with almost no inconvenience to you?
I actually started using the reusable bags a few months ago because Shaw's was selling them for 99 cents each. Not only did I use them at Shaw's but at other stores where I shop. Now, I've noticed that more grocery stores are offering these bags.
I will admit that at first I was a little self conscious, but now I don't even think about it.
So now, how about it..?? What would it take for YOU to make this small change in habit...one that can only result in a positive impact ?
 Two Eco Bags "Earth Angel" supporter - Cousin Robert D - 08/08
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Market Basket®
“More for your Dollar” 08/08
from the label
1. Unclip press-stud & open out
2. Lift handles for bag use
 Floded & Unfolded "Earth Angel" supporter - Cousin Robert D - 08/08
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WWF
from www.WorldWildLife.org
…for the next generation 08/08
from “TODAY'S THE DAY FOR EARTH HOUR”
Dear WWF Activist,
Earth Hour is tonight, March 29, from 8 to 9 pm local time! Get ready to make it a great celebration for the planet.
Wondering what to do after you turn the lights out? Here are 10 fun ideas to help you, your family and your friends make a change and make a difference today.
...
4. Do a Recyclables Scavenger Hunt
Get your flashlights and scour your cabinets and shelves for cans, bottles and cardboard (like cereal boxes) that you don't normally recycle. Make a list of all the non-recyclable containers you're using now (like plastic shopping bags and butter tubs), and figure out ways to reduce your consumption of items that end up in landfills. One easy tip: get reusable grocery bags... and reuse them!
...
 "Earth Angel" supporter - Cousin Robert D - 08/08
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Giant Markets
Quality, Selection, Savings every day
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle 04/08
from www.progressivegrocer.com
"Stop & Shop, Giant Food Go Green"
The Ahold banners will offer a discount and free reusable bag giveaways.
April 21, 2008
In honor of Earth Day this week, Stop & Shop and Giant Food Friday unveiled two programs that urge shoppers to go green. Both Ahold USA banners said that for each shopping bag a customer brings from home to use while shopping -- paper, plastic, or reusable -- Stop & Shop and Giant Food will take five cents off the total shopping bill. Giant’s discount starts on Earth Day, April 22, while Stop & Shop’s begins May 9.
“With this promotion, we want to reward reusability and to demonstrate the positive impact that reusing bags can have on the environment,” noted Stop & Shop and Giant Food president and c.e.o. José Alvarez in a statement. “Customers can consider it a coupon with no expiration date.” The banners are also launching a promotion with General Mills that can give customers reusable bags at no charge.
From April 18 to April 24, any customer who buys $15 of select General Mills products in a single transaction will get five reusable bags. Shoppers can receive Stop & Shop and Giant's standard reusable bags, which have been offered at their stores for over a year, or new limited-edition Earth-Day themed bags from Earthwise. “We felt it was important to give customers five reusable bags, as we recognize the typical trip to the supermarket requires multiple bags,” Alvarez pointed out.
The Stop & Shop Supermarket Co./Giant Food, based in Quincy, Mass., employs over 82,000 associates and operates 575 stores in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Maine, New York, New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and the District of Columbia
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McCaffrey's Markets
A Supermarket Experience 04/08
from www.WWPtoday.com
"McCaffrey's Recycles Plastic Bags" by Jim McCaffrey, November 2007
McCaffrey's Markets recycles plastic bags in each of our locations including our WW store. The program we participate in is called Bag Smart. Goodwill Industries collects our bags and receives much needed funds for their mission so it's a win win for everyone. In addition we offer a rebate to customers who bring their own bags in addition to making canvas bags available to our customers at a very reasonable price.
McCaffrey's also recycles all of it's cardboard. We bale the cardboard a(nd) have it picked up three times a week.
Thank you for your time and interest in this matter.
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Harris Teeter
Your Neighborhood Food Market 05/08
from www.harristeeter.com
Recycling is an easy way for each of us to feel good about helping our environment. Harris Teeter has initiated recycling practices that help conserve landfill space, energy, resources and hopefully prevent litter.
Cardboard - Harris Teeter recycles about 30,000 tons of cardboard each year. Recycling this amount of cardboard is equal to growing 2,175,833 tree seedlings.
Plastic/Shrink Wrap – Harris Teeter also recycles about 1.9 million pounds of plastic per year. This number is equivalent to saving 183,502 gallons of gasoline.
Paper Bags - All Harris Teeter paper grocery bags are produced from 100% recycled paper. By upgrading our paper bag from 35% recycled paper in 2007 to 100% recycled product we estimate we are able to save 22,293 trees a year.
Reusable Bags – Harris Teeter also offers reusable shopping bags for just $0.99. These bags can be used every time you shop. Harris Teeter is committed to protecting the planet through the use of efficient products and practices in-store.
Packaging - Harris Teeter has incorporated a variety of degradable product packages. We will continue to incorporate sustainable and environmentally conscientious packaging.
Shopping Baskets - Harris Teeter's shopping baskets are made from 100% recycled plastic.
Shipping - Harris Teeter uses recycled plastic pallets when shipping products to stores. We also recycle all general merchandise and health and beauty plastic totes and milk crates from Hunter dairy.
Shopper Program - Recycling containers can be found in the foyer of all Harris Teeter stores. These bins provide shoppers an easy way to recycle both paper and plastic bags. All they need to do is drop them in the container the next time they go shopping and we take care of the rest. 05/08
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Stop & Shop
Eco Bag folds down to 7 inches by 7 inches and snaps together for easy storage. 05/08
from www.seacoastonline.com
Stop & Shop Goes Green
April 21, 2008
EXETER — In celebration of Earth Day, Stop & Shop recently announced two programs that encourage its customers to think green. Beginning on Friday, May 9, the grocery chain announced that for each shopping bag a customer brings from home to use while shopping — whether it's a paper, plastic or reusable bag — Stop & Shop will deduct 5 cents from the total shopping bill. Don't have any reusable bags? Stop & Shop also announced a new promotion with General Mills that can give customers the popular bags for free. From now until Thursday, any customer who purchases $15 of select General Mills products in one transaction will receive five reusable bags. Customers can receive Stop & Shop's standard green and white reusable bags or the chain's new, Earth-Day themed bags for free in this promotion. As part of Stop & Shop's Earth Day promotion, Stop & Shop and Earthwise, the vendor producing the limited edition Earth-Day themed reusable bags, will donate $15,000 to The Conservation Fund (www.conservationfund.org).
"Earth Angel" supporter - Gail E - 05/08
 "Earth Angel" supporter - Cousin Robert D - 08/08
 >"Earth Angel" supporter - Christine of North Brunswick - 12/10
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Old Navy
from www.43things.com
How to switch to reusable shopping bags for groceries
by Art_Star July 09, 2009
"Switching over is easy, you just have to remember to take the bags with you!"
How I did it: Well, I ordered 3 totes from Old Navy (they were on sale). Ever since I got them I just take them with me to the store. The hardest part is just remembering to take them into the store with me. The bags hold a lot more than plastic bags do, and they are much more sturdy. They are also good for other stuff, like toting around junk for day trips and stuff like that. :)
Lessons & tips: Don't just get any tote for this, I recommend getting ones that at a bit wider on the top then they are on the bottom. Make sure the handles are long enough for you to put the bag on your shoulder if you want to. It help if you have 3 or more to carry. :)
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Family Dollar
from www.USAToday.com
Retailers try new survival strategies for 2010 – Jan 2010
…
Everyone from the CEOs of Family Dollar to Saks talks about "value" these days. But that doesn't mean stores are going to be doing much deep discounting in 2010. That's so last year. The trend going forward will be more regularly scheduled sales and more-attractive starting prices.
…
Peter Graf, who heads sustainability for the business software company SAP, says he was paying 10 cents for a plastic bag when he was a little boy. He agrees the free plastic bag may soon be a thing of the past.
"The days where you can go into a grocery store and get 15 plastic bags" are numbered, he says. "The more people start being concerned about it, the more they'll expect (retailers) to be responsible."
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Dunkin Donuts
from www.Facebook.com
Encouraging Dunkin Donuts to stop using 1 Billion Styrofoam cups a year.
@Cheryl: I must say I have to agree with Cheryl on this one. My sole intention when creating this page was to gain the attention of one of the largest producers of Styrofoam cups in hopes that it would further influence them to act and the...therefore send a message to other smaller producers of such cups.
Were it not for irresponsible consumers leaving trash behind, there should be no need for a beach cleanup in the first place. That is not the responsibility of the companies that sell the goods. Though the fact that what they are selling is not biodegradable is their responsibility. When I post pictures of a DD cup on the side of the road, it is meant to serve as a reminder that unless picked up, these cups will never biodegrade. They are here FOREVER. September 2010
"Earth Angel" supporter - Carol of North Brunswick - 10/10
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HomeGoods
from www.Swistle.blogspot.com
Home Goods: Not a Grocery Store
You know what I had for breakfast this morning? Dill pickle cashews (thanks a lot, TESS, now I'm going to have a $5/day HABIT) and coffee with chocolate creamer in it. Set breath phasers to "stun."
...
Tuli said...
Don't forget: Home Goods (love them!) is NOT a grocery store.
d e v a n said...
That is hilarious! I just can't believe that you are seriously the ONLY person to EVER use a coupon in there. It's like that EVERY time I try to use my cloth bags at WM. They act like I've grown two heads. February 13, 2009
"Earth Angel" supporter - Nick of North Brunswick - 12/10
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Cracker Barrel
from www.grantgopher.com
Grants for Non-Profits
Cracker Barrel Foundation seeks to strengthen and preserve community by supporting programs in the areas of education, human services, cultural affairs and the environment. Special consideration is given to programs that address children, youth and family issues, and emphasize traditional values such as hard work, education and self-reliance.
Eligibility: Interested applicants must have a Cracker Barrel location in their community.
Proposals are accepted and reviewed throughout the year. Refer to the guidelines for information about what to include with the proposal. Funding decisions are made quarterly. It is recommended that you wait twelve months between submitting proposals for funding, regardless of their approval status.
January 19, 2011
"Earth Angel" supporter - Lightning of North Brunswick - 2/11
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Cost Cutters
For a Greener America 05/08
from Specialty Promotions Unlimited
The reusable tote for a Greener America 26" Self Handles, Non Woven Polypropylene, Fabric - 90GMs, Covered Bottom Insert, Tear Resistant - Water Repellent, All Seams Reinforced.
Imprint Area is: 7" H X 7" W
May contain up to 6 lines of 70 characters per line
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Farm Fresh
Food & Pharmacy Supermarket 05/08
from www.gather.com
"Farm Fresh" by Kim E. January 23, 2008
Shoppers at Farm Fresh grocery stores in Virginia's Hampton Roads region can help Save the Bay and save on their food bill by using Farm Fresh's reusable tote bags. Every time a shopper uses one of the reusable bags, Farm Fresh will make a five-cent donation to CBF and give a nickel refund on the customer's grocery bill.
"The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is very excited to be partnering with Farm Fresh to promote reusable grocery bags," said Ann F. Jennings, Virginia Executive Director for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. "Using recycled bags is a great way to reduce litter, conserve natural resources and help Save the Bay."
The attractive totes sell for $1.99, and are sturdy enough to last for many years. Shoppers can easily find them at the front of the store. Cashiers encourage shoppers to buy bags and reuse them with each visit. In addition to offering the reusable bags, Farm Fresh will continue to serve as a collection site for recycling plastic and paper bags.
"Our customers are becoming more environmentally conscious and we wanted to offer them the opportunity to benefit from their efforts by initiating this new program," said Ron Dennis, Farm Fresh President and COO. The program was first introduced in November 2007 at the opening of Farm Fresh's newest store, The Market at Harbor Heights in downtown Norfolk, and is now in place at 40 stores from Newport News to Elizabeth City. Plans are underway for a similar program in the Richmond area.
Reusable bags for the Bay are catching on, and have received lots of favorable comments from Farm Fresh customers, according to Susan Mayo, Community Relations Director for Farm Fresh. The proceeds will be used locally to further the educational efforts of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation's Hampton Roads office, located in Norfolk.
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Safeway Markets * Genuardi's
Ingredients for life. 04/08
from www.oregonlive.com
"Eat your greens: Will reusable bags ever go from crunchy to common?"
Posted by Shelby Wood, The Oregonian March 17, 2008
First there was the gray-haired, buttoned-up guy at the Broadway Fred Meyer, a reusable tote slung over one shoulder. Then, a new rack of reusable bags for sale popped up near the checkout stations at my neighborhood Safeway on MLK Jr. Blvd., a store not known as a hotbed of eco-consciousness. And for two weeks running, a checker at the Interstate Avenue Freddie's didn't even blink when I handed her reusable bags to fill.
Signs of a (pending) cultural shift? Perhaps.
Despite Portland's green rep, most of us still want our plastic. Grocers know this from customer surveys. You know this by standing in a line at a Fred Meyer, Safeway or Albertsons. Most checkers default to bagging items in plastic, unless you beat them to the punch. And most customers roll out with multiple plastic sacks -- an average of 400 per family per year, according to Fred Meyer.
...
•As of January '08, Safeway has been selling reusable bags in all 116 stores in Portland and Southwest Washington. Spokesman Dan Floyd says all the stores would've been selling the bags sooner, but Safeway struggled at first to find a supplier who could provide enough bags and keep the price low, 99 cents a pop.
•Mike Zupan says his four Portland stores have given away or sold thousands of reusable bags since Zupan's 10,000-bag giveaway last summer, although he didn't have exact figures.
All of the above came to pass after Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams in April 2007 raised the specter of a ban on plastic bags (San Francisco already bans them; China just announced it will do so; Ireland charges a 33-cent plastic bag tax). Portland-area grocers gathered and agreed to promote reusables to customers, and the ban buzz petered out. Same goes for Eugene, according to a recent Register-Guard story.
...
Says Floyd, from Safeway: "We need to be efficient in the line. We've responded to what the consumer has demanded and more often than not the consumer has wanted plastic, so that's generally the first option. We're not going to ask a checker to try to convince somebody to use a reusable bag, but we're going to make them visible and find a supplier who offers the best prices." (The reusable push has prompted another training issue, Floyd notes. With so many folks bringing empty bags into stores, employees must be even more watchful for shoplifters. Bummer.)
...
If the big grocers are serious about, as Safeway's Floyd puts it, "transitioning the consumer from paper and plastic to reusable bags," wouldn't a few words at the checkout counter be a cheap, easy way to plant the seed? ("Paper, plastic, or do you have your own bag?" -- with no judgment attached.) It's all well and good to advertise, sell and give away reusable bags, but what's the point if customers are made to feel sheepish or guilty when they try to use them?
...
But here's the thing: The peer pressure (checker pressure?) worked. Now if I could just remember not to leave my reusable bags in the car.
Two Eco Bags
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