Beginning October 1, 2021, per the new Washington State Plastic Bag Ban, The Food Co-op will charge 8 cents per carry out bag provided to their customers. Previously, we charged 5 cents per bag.

For more information please see the Special Notice.

Note: The ban on plastic bags and the charge on reusable bags is administered by Department of Ecology. Question regarding the ban or this charge should be directed to them at 360-742-9874 or Ecology.wa.gov/Bag-Ban.

Here are some reusable options:

Co-op Market Bags $9.99 100% Organic Cotton

Co-op Bag $12.99 100% cotton canvas made in Seattle

Insulated Co-op bags $3.99 each 10% post-industrial recycled content; material is non-leaching and machine washable. Reusable and recyclable.

Reusable Totes $2.99 each Made of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET); contains a minimum of 85% post-consumer recycled content, primarily from plastic bottles.

TIPS FROM OUR CO-OP

www.ncg.coop

“Of course, with all the demands of life, family and work, it’s hard enough to find the time to shop for groceries, let alone remember to pack reusable bags before shopping,” Shrader added. “Still, there are some options for using the least amount of paper or plastic possible at checkout.” Among these:

• Chose whichever bag – paper or plastic – you are most likely to recycle.

• Use as few bags as necessary. If you bag your own groceries, pack each bag more fully; don’t double bag. If a store employee bags them, ask them not to double bag.

• Skip the bag altogether when you have only an item or two to carry.

• When you get the paper or plastic bag home, make sure you reuse it: for lining trash cans and diaper pails, for packing materials, composting (paper), craft projects and wrapping paper (paper).

• Take them to a nearby Goodwill or consignment shop that can reuse bags.