Calgary Co-operative Association (Calgary Co-op) has announced its commitment to eliminate plastic shopping bags sold at Co-op Food Stores.

The initiative will come into force on 1 January 2020.

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The company has introduced the plastic shopping bag ban in response to feedback from its members and as part of its efforts to reduce plastic used in retail.

The commitment follows the company’s initiative to eliminate plastic shopping bags across its Wine Spirits Beer and Gas Station locations this year.

Calgary Co-op CEO Ken Keelor said: “We have seen a steady decrease in the number of plastic bags we sell, following the introduction of our compostable shopping bag last spring.

“Our members are sending a clear message about their use of plastic and their desire to see it reduced at our stores.”

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The retailer will offer three alternative options for carrying purchased products. One of the options will be offering 100% compostable shopping bags for a price of $0.10.

Other two options that Co-op suggests include asking members to bring their reusable shopping bags or carry their items in hand without a bag.

In a statement, the company said: “With this change, we remain committed to further reduce the use of plastic in our stores by working with our partners and suppliers to research new packaging options for our products.”

Calgary Co-op currently operates various locations, including food centres, pharmacies, gas stations, car washes, commercial cardlocks, home health care centres, wine, spirits and beer locations, as well as cannabis.

The company has over 400,000 members and 3,700 employees working across its stores in Calgary, Airdrie, Cochrane, High River, Okotoks and Strathmore.