Newport Ave. Market launches reusable bag campaign

In celebration of World Environment Day and in advance of the citywide plastic bag ban that goes into effect on July 1, the employee-owned local grocery Newport Avenue Market has phased out its green plastic bags. In anticipation of the ban, the market is also embarking on a campaign aptly named “The Big Breakup” to educate its customers about the change, including sharing strategies on how to adopt a reusable bag habit.

“When Bend announced the plastic bag prohibition last year, we wanted to do more than just comply with the ordinance,” said Lauren Johnson, CEO, and President of Newport Market. “We’re going a step further and encouraging our shoppers to rethink disposable, single-use items, like plastic bags. In the weeks ahead, we’ll be providing our customers with tips and strategies on how to make a reusable bag part of a daily or weekly routine — no matter where they shop.”

When bagging at checkout, customers without a reusable bag will have the option of purchasing a paper bag at a cost of 10 cents apiece, a requirement of the City of Bend’s new ordinance. Plastic bags will still be available within the store for use in bagging meats or produce.

To help shoppers, the store is offering an expanded selection of reusable bags for purchase.

“We routinely hear from customers that one of the challenges of reusable bags is remembering to bring them when they shop, particularly if they make an unexpected stop at the store,” noted Johnson. “By always storing bags in your car, bike basket, backpack and purse, shoppers will ensure their bags are available — even when the unexpected urge for an OMG brownie strikes.”