The LCBO is going BYOB – bring your own bag.
As of September 5th, paper bags will no longer be available at LCBO retail stores. Customers are encouraged to bring their own reusable bag, and reusable bags will be available for purchase. A 6-bottle bag and a large reusable bag will cost $2.95. The new 2-bottle reusable bag will be $1.25. The bags are made from recycled water bottles. Additionally, a 4-pocket organic cotton bag will be available for $14.95. Boxes and 8-pack carriers remain available at no cost. Gift bags will still be available in-store for limited periods throughout the year.
The LCBO says the initiative will help to minimize the impact on the environment by removing almost 135 million paper bags annually, diverting 2,665 tonnes of waste from landfill and saving the equivalent of more than 188,000 trees every year. The LCBO will be also offering a reusable cooler bag for sale starting May 24th.
“Fifteen years ago, we took the lead to remove single-use plastic bags from our stores. Now, the removal of single-use paper bags is another important step in our efforts to minimize our impact on the environment,” says George Soleas, President & CEO of the LCBO. “We know that our customers believe strongly in our initiatives to innovate on packaging and create less waste. We thank them for always driving us to do more to create a more sustainable Ontario and for their support through this transition.”
