Earth Day and Every Day: Five Years of Progress with Reusable Bags
Mona Golub
VP of Communications and Public Affairs
As Earth Day approaches, we’re reminded that sustainability isn’t something we celebrate once a year—it’s something we carry with us, literally, on every grocery trip. This spring marks five years since New York State’s Bag Waste Reduction Act went into effect, phasing out single-use plastic bags and encouraging shoppers to shift toward more sustainable alternatives—especially heavy-duty reusable bags.
It was a big change, especially for Market 32 and Price Chopper and our customers. Like any shift in routine, it’s been a journey.
Many customers embraced reusable bags with enthusiasm, turning a simple gesture into something that’s made a major impact. Before the ban, New Yorkers used more than 23 billion plastic bags each year. Thanks to the millions of shoppers who’ve made reusables part of regular shopping trips, an immense volume of plastic has been kept out of landfills, waterways, and neighborhoods across the communities we serve, and the world at-large.
It’s a powerful reminder that progress comes from small decisions that make a big impact over time. Now, five years after the ban on plastic bags took effect, some still find themselves relying on paper bags when reusables get left behind or forgotten.
While paper may feel like a safe and convenient alternative, it still comes with real costs, both financially and, more importantly, to the environment. Paper bags require a substantial amount of energy and water to produce, and because they’re bulkier and heavier than plastic, require more trucks and fuel to transport them, which leads to more emissions. While they’re recyclable and biodegradable, most paper bags are only used once before being tossed in the garbage.
Last year alone, our stores provided 25 million paper bags. Even with a nominal fee at checkout, the cost of sourcing and stocking those bags continues to rise. Meanwhile, the savings potential for our customers is significant. If a shopper uses five paper bags per week, that adds up to about $13 a year. By contrast, a set of five reusable bags—available at our stores for just $0.69 to $0.99 each—totals less than $5 and can last for years.
We understand that paper bags remain an important option for some shoppers, and we’ll continue making them available at checkout. Providing a convenient, friendly experience is always our priority, especially when it comes to making sure customers can securely bring their groceries home. However, we also recognize that they are not a long-term solution and that reusable bags are currently the best option to support the long-term health of our communities and the environment.
That’s why all 129 of our Market 32 and Price Chopper locations are fully stocked with durable, affordable reusable bags, conveniently located at store entrances and checkout counters. These bags are designed to go the distance—sturdy enough to handle your haul, compact enough to keep close at hand.
At the five-year mark, it’s worth taking a moment to reflect—not just on how far we’ve come, but what’s still ahead. Reusable bags may seem like a small thing, but they can make a big impact.
To everyone who’s already made this part of their routine—we thank you. And to those looking to support the effort again, or for the first time, now’s the perfect time to (re)join us on this journey. Just look for the reusable bags at the front of your store or checkout to get started!