News

Some supermarkets eliminate rebates for reusable bags

March 15, 2011

According to the JournalGazette.net, some supermarket chains are eliminating reusable bag rebates because the incentive isn’t making enough of a difference. Customers are still forgetting to bring their reusable bags from home or forgetting them in their cars. 

Kroger Co. has already eliminated the rebates in some regions, and officials say they are working on promotions, visual reminders and educational efforts. Signs are popping up in Kroger parking lots and stores, such as “Are your reusable bags still in the car?" and "Less Plastic? Fantastic."

Brendon Cull, a Kroger spokesman, said the company didn’t find a significant difference between markets offering rebates and those that didn’t.

Safeway Inc. is also eliminating reusable bag rebates and instead offering discounts on its “Bright Green” environmentally friendly household products when shoppers bring their own bags.

"Getting consumers to change their habits is difficult under any economic conditions," said Joel Makower, a consultant and executive editor of Greener World Media Inc. "Stubbornness is recession-proof."