tb!s the bargain shop sets goal to reduce plastic bag usage by 20% while raising money for World Wildlife Fund - Canada
tb!s the bargain shop is committed to reducing the negative environmental impact of plastic shopping bags in Canada’s landfills. At the beginning of February, 2010, tb!s the bargain shop stores began the “Bring Your Own Bag” campaign encouraging customers to bring their own recyclable bags for their purchases. tb!s the bargain shop plastic shopping bags now cost their customer $0.03 each with 100% of the net proceeds from the sale of the plastic bags going directly to WWF-Canada. Since February 4, 2010 they have raised over $25,000.
“Our target is to donate at least $100K to the WWF-Canada in 2010”, says Michael Roellinghoff, President and CEO, tb!s the bargain shop. “We believe that this program will result in approximately 20% fewer bags going to landfills in the first year, and based on that assumption should result in total donations to WWF-Canada under this program in excess of $100K. We are proud to be working with the WWF-Canada, helping customers understand that by paying a small amount, or by bringing your own bags, we are all doing our part to help the environment.”
"Reducing the use of plastic bags is a simple step we can all take to help the planet," said Christina Top, Vice President, Marketing and Communications, WWF-Canada. "We congratulate tb!s the bargain shop for their commitment to the environment, and we are grateful for their support of WWF-Canada's conservation work." - Christina Topp, Vice President, Marketing & Communications
On average tb!s the bargain shop uses approximately 25 million plastic bags per year. By charging $0.03 for each plastic bag they hope to encourage their customers to “bring their own bags” and decrease the use of plastic bags in their stores by 20% in the first year and by 50% or more in the years to follow. Shopping with recyclable bags is the future and plastic bags are the past. To assist customers in this transition tb!s the bargain shop stores have “Bring Your Own Bag” signage displayed at both the store entrance and check out areas. tb!s the bargain shop also supplies inexpensive recyclable bag options.
“This is a major initiative we are taking as a company to eliminate waste,” says Arlene Lebovic, Vice President of Marketing, tb!s the bargain shop. “Pollution is a major concern around the world and it is crucial that we lead the way towards environmental solutions that help to save our planet not only for our customers, ourselves and the communities in which we live and work in, but for the children and the future generations.”
tb!s the bargain shop “Bring Your Own Bag” Campaign is the first of many initiatives they plan to roll out to improve their environmental footprint. To celebrate Earth Day on April 22nd, 2010 the head office has organized a clean sweep of the local neighbourhood. They will be picking up trash for one hour around the streets of their office building. tb!s the bargain shop stores and Head Office Employees also participated in the WWF-Canada Earth Hour that was held on Saturday March 27th, 2010 from 8:30pm to 9:30pm. “This is just the beginning of our partnership with WWF-Canada. Together we plan to not only reduce the environmental impact of our 249 stores and head office operations, but also to educate and engage our customers with environmentally responsible options” says Michael Roellinghoff.
About WWF-Canada
WWF- Canada was founded in 1967 and has become one of the country’s leading conservation organizations. They are a member of the World Wildlife Global Network and actively contribute to the achievement of the organization’s mission: conserving the world’s biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption. To learn more about the WWF-Canada’s work visit www.wwf.ca.
About tb!s the bargain shop
tb!s the bargain shop tb!s the bargain shop operates 249 stores from Vancouver Island to Newfoundland and Labrador, and is Canadian owned and operated with head quarters based in Mississauga, Ontario. tb!s the bargain shop, which has been called "the best kept secret in Canadian retailing", carved out its niche by operating its extreme value format in mainly rural and smaller communities. tb!s the bargain shop originated as the Canadian arm of Woolworth's discount store chain and became independent in 1999. tb!s the bargain shop specializes in carrying brand-name everyday items 365 days a year, at savings of up to 70 percent off regular department and specialty store prices.
tb!s the bargain shop carries a selection of products for the home (including electronics, housewares and home textiles), as well as men’s, women’s and children’s apparel. tb!s the bargain shop also offers footwear, food, cleaning products, as well as a large selection of toys, seasonal and health and beauty products. To learn more about the company and the product they carry visit www.tbsstores.com.
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