CINCINNATI — The Kroger Co. launched a plastic bag recycling program and an online “Design Kroger’s Next Reusable Bag” contest here yesterday. Plastic bags, dry-cleaning bags and other plastic shrink wrap can now be recycled in all Kroger locations. After deposited in bins located in the front of the store, bags will be collected and recycled into other products, including plastic landscape bricks, plastic lumber and other plastic bags. Shoppers also have the opportunity to submit designs for Kroger’s next reusable bag. Customers can create their designs and vote on their favorite entries at www.kroger.com/green through May 23. The winner will receive a $500 Kroger gift card. Four finalists will be awarded $250 Kroger gift cards, and five runners-up will receive $100 Kroger gift cards. All participants who enter a design and provide a valid Kroger Plus card will receive a digital coupon for a free reusable bag. “Kroger’s approach to sustainability is to partner with our customers and our associates to provide choices so that they can impact their local and global environment in a meaningful way,” said Lynn Marmer, group vice president of corporate affairs for Kroger, in a statement.

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