Whole Foods sacking its plastic bags

Whole Foods Market is ending the use of disposable plastic grocery bags at the checkouts in all of its 270 stores in the U.S., Canada and the United Kingdom. Its goal is to be plastic bag-free by April 22, Earth Day. Whole Foods has two Colorado Springs stores.

For years, Whole Foods Market has encouraged shoppers to bring their own bags by offering a refund of either five or 10 cents at the checkouts, depending on the store. The company sells different types of reusable bags and will continue to offer an “environmentally sensitive” option – 100 percent recycled paper grocery bags.

“Central to Whole Foods Market’s core values is caring for our communities and the environment, and this includes adopting wise environmental practices,” said A.C. Gallo, co-president and chief operating officer for Whole Foods Market.