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e-News
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Whole Foods nixes plastic bags chain-wide |
01.25.2008
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AUSTIN, Texas—After banning the use of plastic bags at its natural foods stores here earlier this month, Whole Foods Markets has extended the ban to include all 270 stores in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.
In a Jan. 22 company statement, the natural and organic grocer said it will end the use of disposable plastic grocery bags at all of its stores by April 22, Earth Day.
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"…Together with our shoppers, our gift to the planet this Earth Day will be reducing our environmental impact as we estimate we will keep 100 million new plastic grocery bags out of our environment between Earth Day and the end of this year alone," said A.C. Gallo, co-president and chief operating officer for Whole Foods, in a statement.
Over the next three months, stores will reduce plastic grocery bag inventories and increase selections of reusable bags for purchase. Whole Foods has been encouraging shoppers to bring their own bags by offering a refund of either five or ten cents, depending on the store. The grocer also sells different reusable bags, including canvas bags and its “A Better Bag” that is made from recycled plastic bottles and costs 99 cents. The grocer will continue to offer recycled paper bags.
In other news, the Federal Trade Commission continues to pursue its case against Whole Foods’ acquisition of Wild Oats. The government agency filed an appeal Jan. 14 urging the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia to “reverse its decision and enter an order enjoining any further integration of Wild Oats into Whole Foods,” according to court documents on the FTC Web site.
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