Major Companies Leading The Way

Many major companies have also begun to take matters into their own hands. Companies like Target, Walmart, and CVS have developed incentive programs to get people to avoid using plastic bags. Target now offers five cents off the bill for every reusable bag used. CVS "Extra Care" users can pay a one time fee of 99cents to receive their "Green Bag Tag". The card is swiped every time they make a purchase and don't use a plastic bag. After every fourth swipe the customer receives a dollar off their next purchase. 

But a few Walmart stores in California have gone the extra step and completely banned the use of plastic bags altogether. Customers are forced to either bring their own reusable bags or purchase them at the checkout for 15cents. They are planning to extend this practice to more of their stores throughout northern California and hopefully throughout the rest of the country.

People no longer think twice when bagging their groceries at the supermarket. Plastic bags have been used to carry groceries and other goods home for years and it has never been seen as a major issue. But Target, CVS, and Walmart have shone a light on the issue and made it well known to their customers. This is the first step. Not only have they begun to force customers to think twice about what they bring their groceries home in, but by imposing incentive plans they are promoting the actual use of reusable bags as oppose to people merely considering it. It's when giant corporations such as theses three begin to take steps in the right direction that the rest of the world follows.


Sources:
Green Joyment    Wallet Pop