Shoppers in L.A. Getting Awarded to Use Reusable Bags

To help encourage the usage of reusable bags, the grocery stores in and around the Los Angeles (L.A.) region are going to award their shoppers for using such bags. This event is scheduled to take place on the 20^th of December, and has been titled “Day without a Bag.” The event is organized by a locally based non-profit organization (NGO) named ‘Heal the Bay’.

“Day without a Bag” – a tradition in the making

‘Heal the Bay’ has been organizing events related to promotional reusable bags since the last six years. In such events, shoppers are awarded for using reusable bags instead of plastic ones. This year, the NGO is offering a wide variety of gifts to award the environment-friendly shoppers. These gifts include t-shirts, a gift card from Vons worth $100, and many more exciting prizes as well.

In addition to these gifts, many grocery stores will give their eco-friendly customers a discount bonus on their purchases. Albertsons has taken up the responsibility to distribute reusable bags in all its outlets for free. This offer will be valid from 11 a.m. in the morning to 1 p.m. in the afternoon. On the other hand, Ralph will give its shoppers triple rebates on its reusable bags.

The need for promotional reusable bags

In the coming year, the L.A. city council is going to ban the usage of plastic bags within the city limits. Keeping in mind this upcoming change, it is essential that the residents develop the habit of using reusable bags instead of plastic ones. The programs director at ‘Heal the Bay’, Meredith McCarthy, stated that the NGO hopes that this holiday season would be the last when the shoppers use plastic bags to carry their gifts. She added that the reason why the organization is holding the day-long event to promote reusable bags is because they want the residents to forgo their habit of using plastic bags. She feels that using reusable bags will not only give the shoppers a personalized feel while shopping but will also help reduce the plastic waste that is readily disposed into landfills and the ocean.

Since the time the L.A. County officials have announced the ban on plastic bag, the distribution of these bags has come down by an approximate 90 percent. Statistically, the city council of L.A. spends around $25 million to collect plastic bag waste and to dispose them. With this ban coming into effect, the city council will not only reduce its environmental footprint but will also be saving up on a lot of money.

Source: http://hollywood.patch.com/articles/gifts-offered-for-shoppers-who-forgo-plastic-bags-8180115d