Fred Meyer, JCPenney Add Reusable Bags, Divert Plastic Bags from Landfills

April 7, 2009

Email this story Print this post Add your comments

Fred Meyer Stores, one of the largest grocery and retail outlets in the Northwest, announced that it has diverted 20 tons of plastic bags from landfills two years after the launch of its reusable grocery bag program.

Customers of the Portland-Ore.-based company, part of the Kroeger Company stores, used reusable bags at the check stand 12 million more times in 2008 than they did in 2007. In addition, Fred Meyer Stores ordered 14 million fewer plastic bags and purchased 2.2 million fewer paper bags in 2008 than it did in 2007.

The U.S. alone consumes approximately 380 billion plastic bags annually, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Fred Meyer Stores estimates that one Fred Meyer reusable grocery bag saves up to three standard plastic bags.

The chain store also has implemented several programs to reduce waste, conserve energy and operate responsibly. These programs include the installation of more energy-efficient lighting and skylights as well as energy-efficient motors, cardboard and plastic recycling, as well as a compost and cardboard bailing program in seven stores.

Retailers such as JCPenney also are getting involved in the promotion of reusable shopping bags. The company recently unveiled three reusable shopping bags designed by top design school students, reported Fashion United. The bags will arrive in stores on April 8.

Other retailers working to reduce plastic and paper bag usage in favor of reusable bags include IKEA, Tesco and Macy’s.

Additionally, the Kroger Company, along with Afilias, CE Tech, and Rehrig Penn Logistics, recently joined The Reusable Packaging Association (RPA, formerly the Reusable Pallet and Container Coalition). RPA says the four new members represent the organization’s diverse membership and coverage of the supply chain.

Email this story Print this post Add your comments

Advertisers

Enhance Sustainability. Improve Profitability.

Learn how at the SAP Sustainability Resource Center. >>

Unclear about the EPA's new GHG Rule?

Learn how it could affect your business. >>

EPA mandatory emissions reporting starts Jan 1st

CSA Standards can help your organization get ready for compliance. Find out how. >>

Product Environmental Compliance Best Practices

How to achieve compliance at a significantly lower cost. Download the full report. >>

Join the Discussion

Recent Daily News [ see all ]

11/20/2009
11/19/2009
11/18/2009

Charts [ see all ]

European Paper Industry Cuts CO2 Emissions by 42% since 1990

S. America Takes Most Urgent View of Copenhagen Talks

Nike Tops Annual Climate Action Scores

Oceans May Trap more Carbon than Forests

Jobs

View All Jobs >> Post a Job >>

Comments and Discussions

Trade Association on Trade Group on EPA Chemical Regs: ‘If Everything is a Priority, Then Nothing is a Priority’
"Seriously… that..."

Gary Markowitz on Supermarkets Tackle Emissions Reductions, Fuel Efficiency
"Supermarkets waste over 10 percent of their energy through improper..."

peter in ireland on Ontario May Follow California’s Lead on TV Energy Efficiency
"Governor Schwarzenegger is shooting himself in the foot! 1...."

Environmental Leader on S. America Takes Most Urgent View of Copenhagen Talks
"The survey respondents (the PDF report mentions 4,000 respondents in 38..."

Jake on UPS Trying New Hydraulic Hybrid Trucks
"A point of clarification: the Reuters press release referenced herein reports that 20 UPS will purchase..."

Custom Organic Shirts on S. America Takes Most Urgent View of Copenhagen Talks
"90% of North Americans believe it is urgent to get a global climate..."

peter dublin on California City’s Green Building Ordinance Applies to Commercial Buildings
"Why energy efficiebnt regulation on buildings –..."

Environmental Leader