Choices Markets eliminated plastic bags at checkout

Photo: Choices Markets

Choices Markets is no longer offering single use plastic grocery bags at checkout.

The BC-owned grocer is offering a five-cent refund for patrons that bring in their own reusable bags. The small chain operates 10 locations in B.C., including one in Kelowna.

"As part of our commitment to sustainability, we'll still have recycled paper bags available and will continue to offer a 5-cent refund when you bring a reusable bag from home," says Choices Markets spokesperson Michael Ianni in a release.

This comes as more regions around the province hop on board with the plastic bag ban across the province.  Just last week, Surrey approved a bylaw that bans single-use plastic bags, foam cups, and other plastics.

In September, the provincial government said it would approve municipal bylaws banning single-use plastics and has already rolled out bag-bans for Victoria, Saanich, Ucluelet, Tofino and Richmond.

In the release, Choices Grocers adds that the company made the choice to be proactive instead of waiting for the provincial plastic bag ban to come into effect by the end of 2021.