Retailers Mark Earth Day With Tote Bags

ROSEANNE HARPER

NOVATO, Calif. — Buy a reusable, cotton tote bag for 99 cents and get one free. That's what Harvest Market is telling its customers right now as Earth Day approaches.

“We've turned Earth Day into Earth Week, calling attention to our reusable cotton tote bags available in the produce, meat, baked goods departments, and also in the grocery aisle,” said Jeff O'Neal, co-owner and vice president of the Novato Harvest Market and three others on the West Coast.

The slogan “Choose to Re-Use” is posted all over the store and will have prominent placement, with the free tote bag offer, in the store's weekly ad circular which reaches 24,000 households.

“We're also updating our Livin' Local campaign in the fresh departments, spotlighting organic, natural and locally produced products. Right now, we're working on colorful signage that will identify locally produced products throughout the store with the Livin' Local logo,” he said.

He added that featuring local farmers and ranchers and their products puts emphasis on sustainability, which increasingly is a concern of his customers.

One of many suppliers calling attention to Earth Day, too, is Tyson Fresh Meats.

This Earth Day, the company's Open Prairie Natural Angus brand beef is partnering with retailers across the country to get customers into the habit of using reusable tote bags. In a promotion that started April 8 and will continue through June, consumers can receive a free canvas tote bag when they purchase $10 worth of Open Prairie Natural Angus beef. The bags, made of 100% certified organic cotton, are branded with the product logo. Retailers are enthusiastic about the tie-in with Earth Day, officials said.

In fact, one Texas retailer said the natural beef line itself embodies what Earth Day is all about.

“Open Prairie Natural Angus beef's core values are right in line with the meaning of Earth Day, and we are thrilled to be promoting this line to our customers as a delicious, tender and nourishing product they can feel good about,” said Dennis Libby, store director, Fresh Plus Markets, Austin, Texas.