LAKELAND, Fla. — Last week, the number of paper and plastic grocery bags saved since Publix Super Markets here launched a bag initiative in mid-2007 surpassed the 1 billion milestone.
The chain has trained front service clerks and cashiers to increase the number of items per bag, implemented bag-reduction goals for each store, held communication campaigns to encourage the use of reusable bags and donated reusable bags to non-profits and partner organizations throughout the Southeast.
Since introducing its first 99-cent reusable bags in mid-2007, Publix has sold more than 13 million bags. Such activities have helped reduce the use of paper and plastic grocery bags by more than 1 million per day.
“At Publix, we are fortunate to have customers and associates who are committed to sustaining our environment,” said spokeswoman Maria Brous in a statement. “That’s why we focus on the responsible use of environmental resources, and offering our customers and associates options when choosing paper, plastic or reusable bags.”
