Stater Bros. Introduces Reusable Bag Program

COMMERCE, Calif. Stater Bros. Markets has joined a growing number of supermarket operators around the country who have introduced reusable shopping totes to replace plastic and paper bags. All 162 stores in the independent chain will begin offering the bags for 99 cents each, according to officials with Earthwise Bag Co., the supplier. The company manufactures recyclable, non-woven polypropylene or canvas totes for both groceries and wine bottles. The move comes as retailers seek additional ways to tap into consumers‘ growing awareness of environmental and sustainability issues surrounding the products they buy, including food."Stater Bros. has always been dedicated to supporting important causes affecting the communities we serve and the environment," Jack Brown, chairman and chief executive of Stater Bros., said of the program.