Montreal, QC - Money changes everything, doesn't it? Certainly seems to be affecting behaviour in grocery stores. Four weeks after introducing a $0.05 charge for single-use grocery bags, Metro grocery stores across Quebec and Ontario (Metro, Metro Plus, Super C and Marchè Richelieu) are reporting that 70 per cent fewer bags have been distributed in store, when compared to the monthly average. Demand for reusable bags has increased by five times since June 1, when the fee was implemented. The company suggests that these results will help Metro reach its goal of reducing the distribution of single-use grocery bags by 50 per cent by the end of 2010.

The Fondation quèbècoise en environnement was pleased with the early results achieved in Metro supermarkets. "We have been promoting this eco-friendly measure for two years now and encourage consumers to choose reusable bags. We are certain that many other companies will follow Metro's example," said Claude Hill, the Fondation's Vice-President of Finance, and General Manager.
   
"The early results are very encouraging as they confirm that consumers are not only concerned about the environmental, but they are willing to change their shopping habits for the well-being of the community. The 70 per cent reduction in the number of single-use grocery bags distributed is also the result of the combined work of Metro grocery stores that support this initiative and recognize its importance. We are even more motivated to achieve our goal of reducing the use of bags in store by 50 per cent over the next 18 months," stated Marie-Claude Bacon, Director of Corporate Affairs at Metro Inc.

 

< Prev		Next >