Distribution of single-use grocery bags decreases by 70 per cent at Metro

    
     Only four weeks after implementing a $0.05 charge, company reports
                        considerable reduction in use
    

MONTREAL, June 29 /CNW Telbec/ - Four weeks after introducing a $0.05 charge for single-use grocery bags, Metro grocery stores across Quebec and Ontario (Metro, Metro Plus, Super C and Marché Richelieu) are reporting that 70 per cent fewer bags have been distributed in store, when compared to the monthly average. Demand for reusable bags has increased by five times since June 1, when the fee was implemented. Such positive results will help Metro reach its goal of reducing the distribution of single-use grocery bags by 50 per cent by the end of 2010.

RECYC QUÉBEC and the Fondation québécoise en environnement, strongly support this eco-friendly initiative because reduction at source is the best way to decrease the number of single-use grocery bags used. However, this solution requires the combined efforts of retailers and consumers. Recyc-Québec estimates that between 1.4 and 2.7 billion bags are distributed in Quebec each year.

The Fondation québécoise en environnement is delighted with the early results achieved in Metro supermarkets. "We have been promoting this eco-friendly measure for two years now and encourage consumers to choose reusable bags. We are certain that many other companies will follow Metro's example," said Claude Hill, the Fondation's Vice-President of Finance, and General Manager.

"The early results are very encouraging as they confirm that consumers are not only concerned about the environmental, but they are willing to change their shopping habits for the well-being of the community. The 70 per cent reduction in the number of single-use grocery bags distributed is also the result of the combined work of Metro grocery stores that support this initiative and recognize its importance. We are even more motivated to achieve our goal of reducing the use of bags in store by 50 per cent over the next 18 months," stated Marie-Claude Bacon, Director of Corporate Affairs at Metro Inc.

ENVIRONMENTAL INVOLVEMENT

Metro launched the Green Apple School Program to encourage elementary and high school students in Quebec and Ontario to develop projects to promote a healthier environment. Metro is allocating $2 million, $1 million in each province. Participants can submit their projects as of September 1, 2009.

The sale of bags for $0.05 and the creation of the Green Apple School Program are the latest of many environmental initiatives undertaken by Metro, including the 2006 launch of the first reusable shopping bags. Metro addressed air pollution by setting speed limits for all its delivery vehicles in 2006 and developed "Leave it Greener," an employee communications program, to promote the principles and values of environmentally responsible behaviour.

In August, Metro will roll out a communications campaign featuring in-store signage, advertisements in flyers and a website dedicated to the Green Apple School Program.

METRO INC.

With annual sales of close to $11 billion and more than 65,000 employees, Metro Inc. is a leader in the food and pharmaceutical sectors in Quebec and Ontario, where it operates a network of almost 600 grocery stores under several banners, including Metro, Metro Plus, A&P, Super C and Food Basics as well as 250 drugstores under the Brunet, Clini Plus, The Pharmacy and Drug Basics banners. For more information, visit metro.ca.

Contacts

Marie-Claude Bacon
Director
Corporate Affairs
Metro Inc.
(514) 643-1086
mbacon@metro.ca

Claude Hill
Vice-President
Finance
and General Manager
Fondation québécoise en environnement
(514) 849-3323

Jean-François Couture
Vice-President
Communications
Fondation québécoise en environnement
(514) 235-3168