Ever’man eliminates single-use plastic bags

PENSACOLA, Fla. (October 1st, 2018) – Ever’man Cooperative Grocery & Cafe is pleased to announce it has eliminated the use of most single-use plastic bags at all cash registers. “Our co-op’s impact on our local environment and our role in keeping our beaches pristine continues to be a top priority,” says William Rolfs, General Manager. “Our hope is that by taking a leadership role in green business practices, we inspire others in our community.” By maintaining high standards for our decisions, we oblige ourselves to giving back to our community by encouraging environmental education, promoting eco-friendly choices, and supporting local environmental charities. And, we are always working to improve our commitment to this mission. As a next step in committing ourselves to safeguarding our local and global environment we are phasing out most single-use plastic bags at the cash register.

Though the branded single-use plastic bags (t-shirt bags) we used are made from what is known as low-density polyethylene (LDPE)—recycled content that contains non-leaching, water-based inks that do not pollute groundwater—we offer more environmentally-friendly bagging options through our selection of paper bags. Our paper bag choices come in various sizes and include bags with attached handles for heavier items. All paper bags are made in the USA from 100% recycled material, are compostable/recyclable, use starch-based adhesives, and printed with water-based inks. These bags are certified by the international non-profit Forest Stewardship Council that the materials are sourced from “responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social and economic benefits”. Furthermore, we offer branded reusable bags for purchase. Our canvas and jute bags—also available for purchase in the store—are an even better choice for our environment. And, we also offer a bag made primarily from reclaimed water bottles; these bags are composed of 100% post-consumer recycled material.

For shoppers already in the habit of bringing their reusable bags we provide an incentive to do so through our Charity Eco-Friendly Bag Program. Since July 1st, 2015, at every Ever’man Grocery and Cafe cash register shoppers are rewarded for using their eco-friendly bags in lieu of store-provided bag options. For each eco-friendly bag used, Ever’man donates five cents to a rotating selection of charities of the shopper’s choice. We estimate that since this program’s inception that it has prevented over 40,000 bags from finding their way into our community’s waste stream. Forget your reusable bags at home? We have you covered! We have a store lending bag program—just ask your cashier. To have bags available for others shoppers, we ask that you bring back your bag or donate a reusable bag. Over the years we have given over 300 reusable bags away, all provided by store vendors and sponsors for this specific purpose.

As we work to maintain and grow a sustainable food system—and strive to be a model for green business practices in the community—we have not had to compromise our values as we continue to grow and service our community. As Ever’man General Manager William Rolfs points out, “With the support of our community—by working together—we have and will continue to accomplish amazing things for our staff, cooperative members, customers, and the Gulf Coast.”