ALDI has announced that it is the first major retailer in the United States to stop offering plastic bags to its customers. This initiative is part of ALDI's broader commitment to environmentally friendly practices.
The retailer initially pledged in 2022 to phase out plastic bags, and now they have fulfilled this promise, marking a new era in sustainable retail.
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ALDI Stops Plastic Bags, Achieves Major Environmental Milestone in US
ALDI has achieved a remarkable environmental milestone, becoming the first major U.S. retailer to phase out plastic shopping bags completely. This pioneering move distinguishes ALDI in the competitive retail market and resonates with eco-conscious consumers.
By the end of 2023, ALDI successfully eliminated plastic shopping bags from all its 2,300-plus U.S. stores, preventing about 4,400 tons (or approximately 9 million pounds) of plastic from ending in landfills yearly.
This effort is a part of ALDI's sustainability mission, first announced in 2022, to remove plastic shopping bags from its U.S. locations. The initiative aligns with the retailer's broader environmental goals set in March 2021, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, operational waste, and food waste, amongst other ecological aspects of its operations.
Additionally, ALDI is making significant strides in reducing its carbon footprint by adopting natural refrigerants. Over 600 ALDI stores have switched to environmentally friendly refrigerants, cutting potential carbon emissions by nearly 60% annually.
The company plans to continue this approach, tailoring its refrigerant solutions to suit each region's specific climate, including using carbon dioxide and propane refrigerants.
Since 2015, ALDI's transition to natural refrigerants has dramatically decreased the average potential carbon emissions damage per store by over 50%, showcasing the company's commitment to environmental sustainability.
Jason Hart, the Chief Executive Officer of ALDI US, has emphasized the company's dual focus on environmental protection and cost efficiency. "By removing plastic shopping bags from our stores and adopting eco-friendly refrigeration, we're not just helping the environment; we're also cutting down costs. These savings are then passed directly to our shoppers," Hart explained.
He added, "As ALDI rapidly expands across America, we're dedicated to being a leader in sustainable practices within the retail industry. This commitment ensures that our customers don't have to compromise on being environmentally conscious while enjoying lower prices."
ALDI: Leading in Sustainability and Customer Savings
Hart emphasizes the retailer's commitment to sustainability and affordability. "As one of the fastest-growing retailers in America, we take our role in leading sustainable practices in the industry very seriously. This ensures that our customers don't have to pick between shopping responsibly and saving money," he stated.
Additionally, 109 ALDI stores across 17 states received the GreenChill Store Re-Certification Excellence award for maintaining platinum-level certifications for five consecutive years. Programs like GreenChill, ALDI, and other food retailers significantly reduce emissions, contributing substantially to environmental protection.
Cindy Newberg, Director of the Stratospheric Protection Division at the EPA, praised ALDI's efforts. "Aldi consistently demonstrates its dedication to minimizing refrigerant emissions, including at the 109 stores re-certified in 2023 for the fifth consecutive year at the platinum level," she said. "With over 600 GreenChill certified stores, ALDI is setting a record in the GreenChill program!"
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