Canadians use up to 15 BILLION plastic bags every year* – enough to go around the world 55 times. That’s a lot of plastic, with the potential to negatively affect our environment, waterways and wildlife. Since 2006, London Drugs has reduced bag use by about 60%, through education and bag alternatives. But now it’s time to take the next step. Starting Jan1, 2018, we are introducing a 5¢ plastic bag reduction fee.
Why a fee? Because fees work to reduce bag use.
Although many may be unhappy to see a per-bag charge at their favourite stores, the results can be huge. When the UK started charging for bags, Wales and Ireland saw a 75% – 90% DECREASE in single-use plastic bags.** We think Canadians are ready to do just as well, or better. Research shows 53 per cent of Canadians feel stores should charge a fee for plastic bags.***
Do we charge for every bag?
Regular plastic bags are the majority of bags we hand out. So our fee is focused on reducing their use. Specialty bags in the cosmetic and pharmacy departments are not affected.
Where does the money go?
Our plastic bag reduction fee goes to cover bag costs, and to help support our What’s the Green Deal recycling programs. Since 2008, we have been steadily growing our in-store recycling services to take back more items than any other retailer in our category. (Around 11 Million pounds a year!) Proceeds from bag fees will help us grow our Green Deal programs even further and keep recycling free for our customers.
Small steps taken together make a big difference.
So bring your reusable bag, or bring a nickel. Then bring all your soft plastics back to London Drugs for recycling. With millions of Canadians shopping every day, if we each used even ONE less bag, that would save a LOT of plastic waste.
*Source: Greener Footprints Society http://www.greenerfootprints.com/plastic-bag-facts/
**Source: Article – The Telegraph, October 2015 – http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/economics/11912052/Plastic-bag-charge-the-unintended-consequences-of-the-5p-deterrent.html
***Source: Angus Reid Poll, Canada, 2012 http://angusreidglobal.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/2012.06.13_Bags_CAN.pdf