The earth is ours to protect, and one of the ways we can protect it is to reduce carbon emissions and waste. With more Canadian provinces and markets moving towards banning single-use bags, Best Buy is also taking that step forward and making the switch to paper bags.
Why Best Buy will make the switch to paper bags
A plastic bag you get in a shop is meant to be used one time. Because of that, the bag usually ends up in a landfill or waterway. Plastic bags don’t biodegrade either; they just break down into smaller microplastic pieces. Not only do these bags fill up local waste facilities, but wildlife will also ingest them and are harmed by the pieces.
While the use of plastic bags differs depending on where you live, the switch to paper bags may soon be mandated across the country. To show customers they are committed to being environmentally responsible, Best Buy is making the switch now.
The switch to paper bags begins September 20th, 2021
The greenest choice we can all make is to skip taking a bag or bringing our own reusable bag when shopping. To encourage customers to make the choice to not use a bag or bring their own bags, Best Buy will no longer hand out plastic bags and will switch to paper bags at all stores beginning September 20th, 2021. Best Buy will be charging 30 cents per paper bag.
The proceeds from the purchase of a bag will be donated to charity to help improve tech equity in our communities.
Best Buy’s sustainability goals
Using paper bags in-store is just one step Best Buy is taking to reduce carbon emissions and excess waste. Across Canada and the US Best Buy is working toward reducing carbon emissions by 70% and focusing on being carbon neutral by 2040. They would also like to reduce carbon emissions for customers by 20% by 2030.
To reach their goals Best Buy is tackling multiple initiatives, one of which is making the switch to paper bags. They are also employing green programs across stores and in offices, extending the life of products via Geek Squad services, and asking their customers to bring in their e-waste and items like batteries so they can be recycled. Best Buy has also been encouraging suppliers and vendors to utilize sustainable packaging options that are sold in-store and online.
Best Buy’s paper bag initiative
Just to recap, to protect the environment and be more environmentally sustainable, Best Buy will no longer be handing out single-use plastic bags. If you do need a bag, you can purchase a paper bag for 30 cents each or use your own reusable bag. If you shop at a Best Buy location that was already handing out paper bags, those stores will now be charging for upgraded paper bags. Proceeds from the bags will be donated to charity.
You can learn more about Best Buy’s commitment to the environment and sustainability goals by visiting BestBuy.ca/sustainability.
I understand switching to paper bags but is the cost of these bags actually high enough to justify putting that cost onto the consumer?
I get it when it comes to grocery stores and the like, food is generally sold on pretty slim margins. However, Best Buy sells tech, a lot of that tech is accessories. Accessories have high margins, that’s why they’re often suggested by either sales people or websites when making a purchase.
I’m pretty sure the margins on the purchase of something like a pair of headphones would more than cover the cost of a paper bag.
I already pay Best Buy 20$/month for a bunch of services, having to pay 30¢ for a bag is just a bit silly.
I hope this is re-evaluated at some point to at least bring the price down to something comparable to other stores. 30¢ is the highest I’ve seen, usually the range has been between 10¢-20¢
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