REUSABLE BAG GIVEAWAY IN BC LIQUOR STORES

VANCOUVER - BC Liquor Stores will be giving away new, reusable bags with any purchase in a B.C. liquor store on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008, as part of their environmental awareness campaign – Think Green Shop Smart.
 

“We’re supporting the government’s goal of caring for the environment,” said Jay Chambers, general manager of the BC Liquor Distribution Branch. “Since our store campaign began in early 2007, we’ve reduced our plastic bag distribution by 4.8 million bags.”

In support of the event, 100,000 reusable bags have been purchased, and will be distributed as long as supplies last on Dec. 6. The bags will subsequently be available for sale in BC Liquor Stores for 89 cents each. Customers will be encouraged to bring them back to the stores on future visits. The 30 per cent post-consumer recycled content bags will hold two six-packs and two bottles each.
 

The Liquor Distribution Branch began its Think Green Shop Smart awareness campaign in April 2007. The 4.8 million bag decline marks a 23 per cent reduction in bags destined for landfills. As the program continues to gain momentum, the Liquor Distribution Branch anticipates that the BC Liquor Stores are on track for a 50 per cent reduction in plastic bag usage.
 

Cashiers in BC Liquor Stores routinely ask customers if they are able to take their purchase without a plastic shopping bag, and offer customers the option of purchasing a reusable bag. BC Liquor Stores supports the Retail Council of Canada’s initiative to reduce plastic bag use by 50 per cent in five years. 
 

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