Plastic-free shopping is in the bag with Metro's new reusable produce bags

TORONTO , Oct. 28 /CNW Telbec/ - Metro Inc. is taking another step towards eliminating plastic bags from its stores by becoming the first Canadian grocery chain to offer reusable produce bags in all of its 484 stores across Quebec (Metro, Metro Plus, Super C and Marché Richelieu) and Ontario (Metro).

Arriving in stores by the end of November, the reusable mesh bags will be available as an alternative to the rolls of plastic bags currently found throughout the produce section. Made from see-through material, the bags allow cashiers to quickly identify the contents of the bag at the till and for consumers to do the same when they bring their purchase home. Each set of four bags will be sold for $4.99 .

"Metro remains committed to initiating measures that positively impact the environment, and we feel this reusable bag is one more step in the right direction," says Johanne Choinière, senior vice president, Metro Ontario Inc. "Reusable produce bags are yet another initiative by Metro Inc. to reduce plastic bags at the source and address a request by Metro customers who, in a recent survey, expressed concern about the over packaging of fruits and vegetables."

"This next step taken by Metro to offer their shoppers alternatives that reduce in-store packaging is very important," says Jo-Anne St. Godard, executive director of the Recycling Council of Ontario. "These simple solutions demonstrate how everyday lifestyle changes become impactful environmental solutions. We congratulate Metro in furthering its commitment to reducing waste."

The survey performed by Metro also revealed that 77% of customers are making efforts to limit their use of plastic bags when buying fruits and vegetables, while 76% said they would be interested in buying reusable produce bags. According to the same survey, 87% of customers prefer to buy individual fruits and vegetables instead of pre-packaged ones.

About Metro Ontario Inc.

Metro is a Canadian company with offices and operations in both Ontario and Quebec . Metro Ontario Inc. operates its 272 stores under two conventional banners, Metro and A&P, and under one discount banner, Food Basics. In 2009, all remaining A&P banners will be converted to the Metro name. The company employs over 30,000 people in Ontario. For further information, please visit metro.ca.

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For further information: For media inquiries, please contact: Leslie Powers, Manager, Communications, Metro Ontario Inc., [phone], [email protected]; Stephanie Nadalin, Optimum Public Relations, [phone], [email protected]