On Friday, Florida based grocer, Publix, announced that they have saved more than 2 billion paper and plastic bags from entering landfills. The company credits training of cashiers and customer services reps as well as campaigns to encourage the use of reusable bags with the savings.
“At Publix, we are fortunate to have customers and associates who are committed to sustaining our environment,” said Maria Brous, Publix director of media and community relations in a press release. “That’s why we focus on the responsible use of environmental resources, and offering our customers and associates options when choosing paper, plastic or reusable bags.”
As part of the sustainability program, cashiers have been trained to put more items in each bag. From a corporate level, Publix has set bag reduction goals for individual goals and has donated reusable bags to non-profits and partner programs.
Since their introduction in 2007, Publix has sold more than 21 million reusable bags.
Overall, the company estimates that their sustainability efforts helped save approximately 3.7 million trees, 1.5 billion gallons of water, and 740,000 cubic yards of landfill space.
