On Earth Day, Tops urges shoppers to switch to reusable bags

NY banned plastic bags 5 years ago, but Tops still uses about 25 million paper bags a year

Press Release, Tops Friendly Markets

WILLIAMSVILLE – Just over five years ago, New York State implemented its Bag Waste Reduction Act, which prohibited retailers from providing single-use plastic carryout bags.

Today, a full five years later, companies like Tops Friendly Markets continue their efforts to encourage customers to make the shift to using — and remembering — heavy-duty reusable bags.

Prior to the ban, over 23 billion plastic bags were used in New York State every year. While the state’s legislation was designed to reduce and eliminate bag waste, some consumers have come to rely on paper bags to bring home their groceries.

Last year alone, shoppers visiting their local Tops used about 25 million paper bags. The most environmentally friendly and economical option remains heavy-duty reusable bags, which are available at checkout counters.

“Making the switch to reusable bags may seem like something small, but it makes a big difference when you consider our combined impact. Millions of New Yorkers are now using reusable bags, which has kept a tremendous amount of plastic from entering the waste stream and local landfills,” said Ron Ferri, President of Tops Friendly Markets. “We’re grateful to all our customers for bringing their bags when they visit our stores — with each visit, you’re protecting environmental resources and saving money.”

Paper bags can be recycled, but they still present issues for the environment. They require more energy to manufacture, causing the release of potential air and water pollutants. Paper bags are biodegradable, but they don’t break down easily in landfills which lack water, light or oxygen. Given their weight and size, paper bags also put more diesel trucks on the road to ship.

Heavy-duty reusable bags are better for personal budgets, too. Consider the normal weekly shopping trip. If you bring five reusable bags, rather than purchasing five paper bags each week, you could save more than $15 over the course of a year — and most heavy-duty bags can last for over 10 years.