Montreal, June 29, 2009 – Four
weeks after introducing a $0.05 charge for single-use grocery bags,
Metro grocery stores across Quebec and Ontario (Metro, Metro Plus,
Super C and Marché Richelieu) are reporting that 70 per cent fewer
bags have been distributed in store, when compared to the monthly
average. Demand for reusable bags has increased by five times since
June 1, when the fee was implemented. Such positive results will
help Metro reach its goal of reducing the distribution of
single-use grocery bags by 50 per cent by the end of 2010.
RECYC QUÉBEC and the Fondation québécoise en environnement,
strongly support this eco-friendly initiative because reduction at
source is the best way to decrease the number of single-use grocery
bags used. However, this solution requires the combined efforts of
retailers and consumers. Recyc-Québec estimates that between 1.4
and 2.7 billion bags are distributed in Quebec each year.
The Fondation québécoise en environnement is delighted with the
early results achieved in Metro supermarkets. "We have been
promoting this eco-friendly measure for two years now and encourage
consumers to choose reusable bags. We are certain that many other
companies will follow Metro's example," said Claude Hill, the
Fondation's Vice-President of Finance, and General Manager.
"The early results are very encouraging as they confirm that
consumers are not only concerned about the environmental, but they
are willing to change their shopping habits for the well-being of
the community. The 70 per cent reduction in the number of
single-use grocery bags distributed is also the result of the
combined work of Metro grocery stores that support this initiative
and recognize its importance. We are even more motivated to achieve
our goal of reducing the use of bags in store by 50 per cent over
the next 18 months," stated Marie-Claude Bacon, Director of
Corporate Affairs at Metro Inc.
ENVIRONMENTAL INVOLVEMENT
Metro launched the Green Apple School Program to
encourage elementary and high school students in Quebec and Ontario
to develop projects to promote a healthier environment. Metro is
allocating $2 million, $1 million in each province. Participants
can submit their projects as of September 1, 2009.
The sale of bags for $0.05 and the creation of the Green Apple
School Program are the latest of many environmental initiatives
undertaken by Metro, including the 2006 launch of the first
reusable shopping bags. Metro addressed air pollution by setting
speed limits for all its delivery vehicles in 2006 and developed
"Leave it Greener," an employee communications program, to promote
the principles and values of environmentally responsible
behaviour.
In August, Metro will roll out a communications campaign featuring
in-store signage, advertisements in flyers and a website dedicated
to the Green Apple School Program.
METRO INC.
With annual sales of close to $11 billion and more than 65,000
employees, Metro Inc. is a leader in the food and pharmaceutical
sectors in Quebec and Ontario, where it operates a network of
almost 600 grocery stores under several banners, including Metro,
Metro Plus, A&P, Super C and Food Basics as well as 250
drugstores under the Brunet, Clini Plus, The Pharmacy and Drug
Basics banners. For more information, visit metro.ca.
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Resource people:
Marie-Claude Bacon
Director, Corporate Affairs
Metro Inc.
514 643-1086
mbacon@metro.ca
Claude Hill
Vice-President,
Finance, and General Manager
Fondation québécoise en environnement
514 849-3323
Jean-François Couture,
Vice-President, Communications
Fondation québécoise en environnement
514 235-3168
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