Earth Day and Every Day: Five Years of Progress with Reusable Bags

Mona Golub

VP of Communications and Public Affairs

As Earth Day approaches, we’re reminded that sustainability isn’t something we celebrate once a year—it’s something we carry with us, literally, on every grocery trip. This spring marks five years since New York State’s Bag Waste Reduction Act went into effect, phasing out single-use plastic bags and encouraging shoppers to shift toward more sustainable alternatives—especially heavy-duty reusable bags.

It was a big change, especially for Market 32 and Price Chopper and our customers. Like any shift in routine, it’s been a journey.

Many customers embraced reusable bags with enthusiasm, turning a simple gesture into something that’s made a major impact. Before the ban, New Yorkers used more than 23 billion plastic bags each year. Thanks to the millions of shoppers who’ve made reusables part of regular shopping trips, an immense volume of plastic has been kept out of landfills, waterways, and neighborhoods across the communities we serve, and the world at-large.

It’s a powerful reminder that progress comes from small decisions that make a big impact over time. Now, five years after the ban on plastic bags took effect, some still find themselves relying on paper bags when reusables get left behind or forgotten.

While paper may feel like a safe and convenient alternative, it still comes with real costs, both financially and, more importantly, to the environment. Paper bags require a substantial amount of energy and water to produce, and because they’re bulkier and heavier than plastic, require more trucks and fuel to transport them, which leads to more emissions. While they’re recyclable and biodegradable, most paper bags are only used once before being tossed in the garbage.

 

Last year alone, our stores provided 25 million paper bags. Even with a nominal fee at checkout, the cost of sourcing and stocking those bags continues to rise. Meanwhile, the savings potential for our customers is significant. If a shopper uses five paper bags per week, that adds up to about $13 a year. By contrast, a set of five reusable bags—available at our stores for just $0.69 to $0.99 each—totals less than $5 and can last for years.

 

We understand that paper bags remain an important option for some shoppers, and we’ll continue making them available at checkout. Providing a convenient, friendly experience is always our priority, especially when it comes to making sure customers can securely bring their groceries home. However, we also recognize that they are not a long-term solution and that reusable bags are currently the best option to support the long-term health of our communities and the environment.

That’s why all 129 of our Market 32 and Price Chopper locations are fully stocked with durable, affordable reusable bags, conveniently located at store entrances and checkout counters. These bags are designed to go the distance—sturdy enough to handle your haul, compact enough to keep close at hand.

At the five-year mark, it’s worth taking a moment to reflect—not just on how far we’ve come, but what’s still ahead. Reusable bags may seem like a small thing, but they can make a big impact.

To everyone who’s already made this part of their routine—we thank you. And to those looking to support the effort again, or for the first time, now’s the perfect time to (re)join us on this journey. Just look for the reusable bags at the front of your store or checkout to get started!

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Written By: Joe Berman Manager of Corporate Social Responsibility, LEED AP BD&C 475673255 For 83 years, Price Chopper has been an integral part of the communities in which we do business.   At the core of our values is a deep and long-held belief that what is good for the community is good for the company.  We sponsor little league teams, concerts and fireworks displays, hold parades and donate food and time.  We work directly to improve schools, revitalize neighborhoods, build green buildings, adopt emerging technologies and share knowledge, expertise and best practices.  Through hard work and dedication we have become a trusted partner in the day-to-day lives of our customers and in so much of what goes on in the communities that we serve.  However, we have never really told the full story of what we do, why we do it and who our efforts most directly benefit. As spring is a time for inspired and fresh beginnings, this Earth Day, Price Chopper would like to break the ice and start a new conversation.  We would like to share this part of our story in the hopes that it informs, educates, inspires and fosters a real and important dialogue with our customers and the communities that we serve!  This site has been developed to provide information on who we are, as an Environmentally Sustainable and Socially Responsible Company.  With that I would like to welcome you all to the brand new Price Chopper Corporate Social Responsibility website!  Please feel free to share your ideas, insights and feedback. We would love to hear from you!! Best, Be Well and Be Green, Joe Berman Manager of Corporate Social Responsibility, LEED AP BD&C Send us a photo of your messy baby for a chance to win a $100 Price Chopper gift card! Do you remember the first time you tried to get your baby to eat from a spoon?  They’re a mess, but of course adorable! We know that it’s hard not to take a picture of that sweet messy face and we want to see your photos! Send a picture of your messy baby to [email protected] to for a chance to win a $100 Price Chopper gift card! We’ve partnered with Kimberly-Clark to help you keep your baby as mess free as possible! Kimberly-Clark has great products that are perfect for helping you clean up your little one! To keep your baby clean and help the environment at the same time, Scott has its Scott Naturals line; products that make it simple for you and your family to take a step toward being greener without having to sacrifice quality! Scott hand wipes are the perfect thing to keep in your home for a quick and easy cleanup! If you’d like to learn more about Scott and Scott Naturals, visit their website. Please send us your photos by Monday, August 27th to be entered.  Three randomly selected winners will each receive a $100 Price Chopper gift card!  Read official rules here.