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Save-On-Foods supports recycling initiatives

Save-On-Foods in Fernie participates in Recycle BC and Wildsight recycling initiatives.
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In an article titled “Challenge issued and The Free Press delivers” in the May 31 edition of The Free Press, we stated that Save-On-Foods in Fernie had switched to a “no plastic bags” policy.

This is incorrect and we apologize for any confusion this may have caused.

Save-On-Foods participates in a Recycle BC initiative to reduce single-use plastic bags and the local store in Fernie has also partnered with Wildsight, a local community group that aims to reduce plastic use in the community.

As part of Wildsight’s Zero Plastic Project, Save-On-Foods has erected a “take-a-bag-leave-a-bag” stand at the front doors where customer can borrow reusable bags and hopefully return them for others who have forgotten bags to use.

“We understand that customers still may need a solution to get their groceries home in the event that they forgot their bags, so we still offer plastic bags at the store, however, we introduced a bag charge last year,” said Save-On-Foods Fernie store manager Ryan Nesbitt.

The bag charge has led to a huge shift in consumer behaviour and the money raised goes to other Save-On-Foods recycling initiatives.

“Since we implemented the bag charge, as a company we have reduced plastic bags that come in and out of our stores by 39 per cent or 70,000,000 plastic bags and that is something we are very proud of,” said Nesbitt.

“We strongly encourage our customer to bring reusable bags but we still offer a plastic alternative if our customers forget their bags.”

Recycle BC is challenging residents to avoid using single-use plastic and paper bags for one week through the #BringYourBag Challenge.

Up to the challenge? Sign up here.