BRAMPTON, ON, April 9, 2013 /CNW/ - (TSX: L) - Loblaw Companies Limited (Loblaw) is proud to announce that with the support of their customers they have reduced the number of plastic shopping bags from their stores nationally by more than five billion since 2007. This reduction is a part of one of Loblaw's five principles of corporate social responsibility, Respect the Environment, and emphasizes its commitment to waste diversion.
"We started with a target of one billion just over three years ago. To have hit five billion fewer plastic bags this quickly says we are on the right track," says Bob Chant, senior vice-president, Corporate Affairs and Communication, Loblaw Companies Limited. "As one of Canada's leading retailers, we believe it is important to help look after the health of our environment and lead by example."
Since 2009 through to and including 2013, Loblaw has donated $5 million to WWF-Canada through partial proceeds from the sale of plastic shopping bags in their stores. These funds are invested in a variety of initiatives to help promote environmental sustainability and raise awareness. These funds help support programs that engage Canadians to positively affect the environment.