Throughout summer 2019 and beyond, we continue to roll out the Choose to Reuse bagless program in our America’s National Parks™ and participating Eastern National stores across the country. Since announcing the Choose to Reuse program in 2018, we’ve made substantial reductions to the number of plastic bags used in our stores. In fact, we’re on track to completely eliminate disposable shopping bags from our stores by the end of 2020!
When a customer makes a purchase at an America’s National Parks™ or participating Eastern National store, they can “choose to reuse” by purchasing an inexpensive reusable tote bag, or forgo a bag altogether. Complimentary paper bags are offered for small purchases, but many visitors find they can easily slip their purchase into their daypack or pocket, further reducing our impact on the environment.
Today, Choose to Reuse has been introduced in 140 of our stores at 98 units of the National Park Service. In the 16 months since the program began, we’ve distributed more than 236,000 reusable bags touting the “Choose to Reuse” call to action. By year-end, we will have eliminated the distribution of over two million plastic shopping bags in national parks since the start of the program. Working directly with visitors to reduce our environmental footprint helps sustain our nation’s cultural, historical, and natural resources for the enjoyment of future generations.
Keep an eye on future ENformer newsletters to learn more about Choose to Reuse and our other mission-based programs!
Photo: One of the Choose to Reuse reusable bags available at the America’s National Parks™ Store at Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park.