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Whole Foods Nixes All Plastic Bags
#42 - 0--bajatrash--Whole Foods Nixes All Plastic Bags--2008-01-22 20:03:13
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Whole Foods Market is ending the use of plastic bags and has a goal of being completely plastic-bag free by April 22.
Whole Foods Markets across Phoenix and the nation will be giving out reusable shopping bags to customers Tuesday marking the beginning of the phase-out.
"We hope to inspire shoppers to prompt positive environmental change by adopting the reusable bag mindset," said A.C. Gallo, the firm's co-president and chief operating officer.
-Over the next three months, stores will reduce plastic grocery bag inventories and increase selections of reusable bags for purchase. Whole Foods Market has encouraged shoppers to bring their own bags for years by offering a refund of either 5 or 10 cents at checkouts, depending on the store.
The grocer will continue to offer 100 percent recycled paper bags and sell different types of reusable bags, ranging from canvas to a style called "A Better Bag." That product contains 80 percent material from recycled plastic bottles and costs 99 cents.
Prior to implementing the policy, the no-plastic bag program was tested in stores at San Francisco, Toronto and Austin, Texas.
There are five Whole Foods Markets stores in the Phoenix area, including one set to open in February at Loop 101 and Mayo Boulevard in Scottsdale.
As a result of Whole Foods' recent acquisition of Wild Oats, two other stores in Scottsdale and Tempe remain open and are being converted to the Whole Foods brand.
April 22 is Earth Day.
TO READ MORE ON THIS IMPORTANT STORY PASTE THIS LINK INTO YOUR BROWSER
www.environmentalleader.com/2007/12/20/whole-foods-plans-nationwide-plastic-bag-ban/
