2008-04-18 23:17:28 -

www.cagrocers.com - California Grocers Association Jennifer Forkish, 818-517-5551 jforkish@rosekindel.com Dave Heylen, 916-273-2420 www.cagrocers.com In celebration of Earth Day on April 21 and 22, 2008, members of the California Grocers Association and the City of Los Angeles will team up to distribute approximately 50,000 reusable shopping bags at more than 40 participating grocery stores throughout the

city to encourage consumers to use reusable bags.

A diverse group of retailers including Albertsons, Inc., El Super, Food 4 Less, Henry's Farmers Market, K.V. Mart, Pavilions, Ralphs Grocery Co., Smart & Final Stores, Superior Grocers and Vons, are participating in the two-day giveaway and each City Council district will have at least one participating store. For a list of participating stores, log on to CGA's homepage at: www.cagrocers.com.

The two-day event kicks-off on Monday, April 21, at 6:00 am, or at the time of the store's opening and one bag will be given with each customer transaction while supplies last.

CGA and Los Angeles officials believe the giveaway will significantly increase consumer awareness and use of reusable shopping bags. "Reusable shopping bags are a readily available, viable and cost effective alternative to traditional shopping bags and we encourage consumers to adopt their use," said CGA President Ronald Fong. "We commend the City of Los Angeles for taking the lead in reusable bag awareness and education and hope this event sets the stage for partnerships with other municipalities throughout the state. We appreciate the efforts of our member companies to be part of the overall solution to reduce bag use in the state."

The soft, durable polyester-like fiber bags are made of 100 percent post-consumer recycled water, soda and food containers and carry the message, "Great Taste & Zero Waste."

"Encouraging reusable bag use is an important part of the grocery industry's efforts to promote reduce, reuse and recycle shopping bags," Fong said. "Government, industry and consumers must work collaboratively to resolve the issues of litter and waste. By combining our efforts we can effectively educate consumer's to change their daily habits and significantly increase the use of reusable bags."

Reusable bag use has increased since the implementation of AB 2449, the statewide plastic bag recycling law, last July. Along with requiring grocers to provide in-store plastic bag recycling, the law also calls for grocery retailers to provide reusable shopping bags for sale.

Participating stores and their representatives are available to comment upon request.

The California Grocers Association is a non-profit, statewide trade association representing the food industry since 1898. CGA represents approximately 500 retail members operating over 6,000 food stores in California and Nevada, and approximately 200 grocery supplier companies.

¶ Bags Carry "Great Taste & Zero Waste" Message