One of America's largest grocery chains is at the forefront of a huge environmental overhaul. Kroger Co. who owns Ralphs, Harris Teeter, Food 4 Less, Pick 'n Save, Fred Meyers and Kroger, is stepping up when it comes to plastic grocery bags. Kroger bags will be something of the past the company pledges by 2025. And with over 2,700 supermarkets in 35 States, this kind of change is sure to make a big difference.
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The first phase-out of the single-use plastic bags will start in Seattle at the supermarket chain, QFC, who is poised to transition away from plastic in 2019. "We listen very closely to our customers and our communities, and we agree with their growing concerns," Mike Donnelly, Kroger's executive vice president, and COO, said in a statement by the company. "That's why, starting today at QFC, we will begin the transition to more sustainable options."
Kroger is encouraging customers to bring their own reusable bags every time they shop. Not only does it help reduce the use of single-use plastic, it also allows you to carry more groceries in a single bag. Just how many times have you gotten home from the store to find tons of plastic bags each with one or two items?
According to the EPA, single-use plastic products, like plastic shopping bags and straws, account for a large amount of waste in our environment. In fact, we use over 380 billion plastic bags a year just to carry our groceries home.
Kroger isn't the only American company pledging to make an environmental impact. Starbucks, Disney, Aramark, McDonald's and Royal Carribean have already pledged to get rid of plastic straws and provide environmentally-friendly alternatives.
Until Kroger can transition all of its stores, you can still help the environment on your own by bringing your own bag or opting for paper bags at the grocery store.
