(TORONTO) October 28 – Metro Inc. is taking
another step towards eliminating plastic bags from its stores by
becoming the first Canadian grocery chain to offer reusable produce
bags in all of its 484 stores across Quebec (Metro, Metro Plus,
Super C and Marché Richelieu) and Ontario (Metro).
Arriving in stores by the end of November, the reusable mesh bags
will be available as an alternative to the rolls of plastic bags
currently found throughout the produce section. Made from
see-through material, the bags allow cashiers to quickly identify
the contents of the bag at the till and for consumers to do the
same when they bring their purchase home. Each set of four bags
will be sold for $4.99.
"Metro remains committed to initiating measures that positively
impact the environment, and we feel this reusable bag is one more
step in the right direction,” says Johanne Choinière, senior vice
president, Metro Ontario Inc. “Reusable produce bags are yet
another initiative by Metro Inc. to reduce plastic bags at the
source and address a request by Metro customers who, in a recent
survey, expressed concern about the over packaging of fruits and
vegetables.”
“This next step taken by Metro to offer their shoppers alternatives
that reduce in-store packaging is very important,” says Jo-Anne St.
Godard, executive director of the Recycling Council of Ontario.
“These simple solutions demonstrate how everyday lifestyle changes
become impactful environmental solutions. We congratulate Metro in
furthering its commitment to reducing waste.”
The survey performed by Metro also revealed that 77% of customers
are making efforts to limit their use of plastic bags when buying
fruits and vegetables, while 76% said they would be interested in
buying reusable produce bags. According to the same survey, 87% of
customers prefer to buy individual fruits and vegetables instead of
pre-packaged ones.
About Metro Ontario Inc.
Metro is a Canadian company with offices and operations
in both Ontario and Quebec. Metro Ontario Inc. operates its 272
stores under two conventional banners, Metro and A&P, and under
one discount banner, Food Basics. In 2009, all remaining A&P
banners will be converted to the Metro name. The company employs
over 30,000 people in Ontario. For further information, please
visit metro.ca.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Leslie Powers
Manager, Communications
Metro Ontario Inc.
416-234-6081
leslie.powers@metro.ca
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