The main grocery chain faces criticism after it has appeared that it is no less than its pledge to gradually get rid of the one -use plastic bags by 2025, although it is seven years to do so.
What is happening?
like detailed Through modern retail, Kroger announced in 2018 that its stores will be free of one use plastic bags by this year, eliminating 123 million pounds of waste annually. However, in its 2024 environmental and social report, it was released in December, the retail giant open This is only about 700 of 2750 The stores stopped providing these bags.
“The differences in the requirements of government and local bags, banning bags, or ban on bags increase the complexity of this work to find developed solutions to reduce one -use plastic bag He said.
Small grocery retailers like Whole Foods (500 plus Stores throughout North America and the United Kingdom), Trader Joe (more than 600 Sites in the United States), and aldi (2,489 The sites in the United States have already removed plastic bags from their stores, which late in 2023, the modern retail sale Indicate.
At the same time, the farmers’ progress did Note It was not clear whether Kruger’s commitment to the gradual disposal of plastic bags was [was] It is intended to be completed by January 1, 2025, or December 31, 2025. “
Why does a Kruger use plastic in relation to?
Globally, we pass through 5 trillion plastic bags every year – or the equivalent of 160,000 plastic bags every second, according to what I mentioned The world is concerned. Unfortunately, this waste remains for life, as plastic bags can take 1000 years For collapse.
Meanwhile, they spoil the toxins in our oceans – billions of billions depend on them on food and income – harm the wildlife that makes a mistake in food bags or gets besieged in the material, and turns great vacation spots into ugly disappointments.
What is Kroger to continue to get rid of one -use plastic bags?
Company He said In the 2024 ESG report it explores “how to make progress on this difficult issue throughout the company and cooperate with others.”
On a broader scale, it also works to integrate recycled content after the consumer in his packages. Since 2021, customers have recycled more than 2.2 million pieces of our retailers in plastic packaging without an additional cost to consumers, thanks to Kroger’s Kroger’s Partnership with terraceCle.
However, while these measures are a step in a positive direction, Greenpeace He called Outside plastic recycling as a “dead end” when it comes to treating plastic pollution useful.
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Although it is not a strict part of the original pledge of one use, it is worth noting Display “Multi -use plastic bags.” These are still possible Derived from dirty fuel Perhaps it will end in waste burials sooner, not later. Moreover, it is fair to wonder about the number of multiple bags that are reused as intended.
Fortunately, The call to the judiciary Plastic materials with a single use and use of your purchase strength Support for plastic -free brands You can communicate with companies that pay sustainability. In fact, the chairman and former CEO of Kroger Rodney McMullen highlighted customer observations as a driving force behind the company’s initial decision to start gradually eliminating grocery bags in 2018.
“Our customers have told us that it is not logical that you only have a lot of plastic to use it once before getting rid of it. They are completely right.” books Nearly seven years ago in an opinion article in Enquirer.
Meanwhile, with Kroger planning its following moves to upgrade its promises, you can help reduce plastic pollution in our food systems by shopping with Durable and reusable fabric bags.
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