INDUSTRY NEWS: Loblaw encourages Atlantic Canadians to up keep up momentum in their reusable bag use

Loblaw Companies Limited is encouraging the Company's Atlantic Canada customers to go green by giving one cent back for every reusable bag and bin used within a purchase at Atlantic Superstores, Dominion and Save Easy lications, starting today. This is part of th eCompany's new "Bring it, Be green" campaign, which will aim to remind customers to use reusable bag options and live green.
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Loblaw encourages Atlantic Canadians to up keep up momentum in their reusable bag use

Atlantic Canadians have helped reduce plastic bag use by 62 per cent at their local Loblaw stores


HALIFAX, March 1 /CNW/ - Building on success to date, Loblaw Companies Limited (Loblaw) encourages its Atlantic Canada customers to go green. In the Atlantic, Loblaw will continue to provide plastic bags at no charge and starting today, will give customers one cent back for every reusable bag and bin used with a purchase at Atlantic Superstores, Dominion (NL and Labrador) and Save Easy locations.

Today, Loblaw is introducing its new "Bring it, Be green" campaign. It will feature a one cent back program and refreshed in-store signage to remind customers to bring reusable bag options. Customers who use their President's Choice Financial(R) MasterCard(R) or bank card will continue to receive 50 PC(R) points for every reusable bag, or bin used with purchase. Customers are reminded that if they forget their reusable bags, they can opt to purchase the PC(R) G.R.E.E.N(TM) reusable bin, which can be returned for a full refund.

"Like our customers, Loblaw remains committed to the environment and to reducing the number of plastic shopping bags distributed from our stores," said Phil McNeill, Senior Vice President, Atlantic Market, Loblaw Companies Limited. "Our customers in Atlantic Canada have given us feedback about how they prefer we work with them to reduce plastic shopping bag use and we are excited to build on that success and increase the positive impact."

In 2009 Loblaw reached its national target of diverting one billion bags from landfill. Atlantic Canadians helped attain this target by reducing their plastic shopping bag use by 62 per cent. A great foundation has been laid in Atlantic Canada - surpassing Loblaw's initial target of 55 per cent reduction in plastic shopping bag use.

WWF- Canada praised Atlantic Canadians for reducing overall plastic shopping bag use. "Every person has a role to play in reducing their environmental footprint on our planet," says Hadley Archer, Vice President, Strategic Partnerships, WWF-Canada. "We will continue to work with Loblaw to raise awareness and encourage environmental stewardship from the grassroots level to national leadership, to help build a more sustainable future.

SOURCE: Loblaw Press Release