|
|
|
|
Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
Customer receiving Reusuable Bags on Earth Day- Solomon's Fresh Market Harbour Bay
|
Nassau, Bahamas — AML Foods Ltd. officials say the first phase of its Bring Your Own Bag (BYOB) initiative could reduce local plastic bag use by two million bags in one year. After successfully distributing 10,000 free reusable shopping bags on Earth Day, the company is now setting its sights on next year’s goals.
Step one of the BYOB program is a part of the company’s goal of distributing 125,000 eco-friendly bags throughout the country by the end of 2017. Last month, volunteers distributed the bags at AML store locations in New Providence and Grand Bahama.
BYOB kicks off at Solomon's Fresh Market Old Fort with volunteers from Windsor Prep
|
“We are looking at this as a starting point, a way to engage our consumers and begin the conversation surrounding the impact of plastic bags on our natural environment,” said Renea Bastian, Vice President of Marketing & Communications at AML. “We estimate that if each customer used two eco-friendly bag once per week that would reduce their plastic bag use by 4-5 plastic bags per week. Over the next year, we would have removed 2 million plastic bags out of our natural environment. That’s a significant start.”
To keep the momentum going, AML will partner with their direct vendors and local businesses to hit next year’s target distribution goal of 125,000 bags. The company already uses biodegradable plastic bags at all of its retail outlets but wanted to take things a step further with Operation BYOB.
“Customers were very receptive to the idea of becoming plastic-free consumers,” Bastian continued. “In addition to the BYOB project, we will continue our ongoing program where shoppers can purchase additional reusable bags at any of our retail locations with part proceeds from each sale being donated to the Bahamas National Trust.”
BYOB Distribution at Solomon's Super Center
|
Some one million sea birds and 100,000 sea animals die annually as a result of plastic accumulation in the oceans throughout the world. Operation BYOB is designed to reduce the impact within the local community.
AML’s efforts are being supported by the Ministry of the Environment and other partners including BNT, Keep Grand Bahama Clean (KGBC), Windsor Preparatory School, students of BMES Eco Club in Grand Bahama, the Royal Defense Force and Regency Theatre Y.A.R.D group.
Royal Defense Force and Regency Theatre Y.A.R.D. Help with bag distribution at Solomon's Lucaya
|
© Copyright 2016 by thebahamasweekly.com
Top of Page
|
|
|
|
