Washington, DC – In response to increasing customer pressure to phase out single-use plastics, Trader Joe’s has announced that it will make several changes in its stores. The retailer has committed to stop offering single-use carryout bags nationwide, replace its produce bags with biodegradable and compostable options, replace styrofoam trays used in produce packaging, and sell more loose produce rather than wrapping it in plastic.
Greenpeace has been actively campaigning for Trader Joe’s to improve its plastic packaging and recently delivered a petition signed by over 100,000 people to its leadership team. Greenpeace supporters have delivered letters urging action on throwaway plastics to store managers around the country.
In response to the announcement, Greenpeace Plastics Campaigner Kate Melges said:
“Trader Joe’s decision to phase out some of its most problematic and unnecessary plastic packaging is a direct response to customers pushing them to act. While the company has a long way to go toward ridding its aisles of throwaway plastic packaging, this is a step in the right direction and shows they recognize the growing plastic pollution crisis. We can’t simply continue swapping out one throwaway material for another, and as customers, it’s up to all of us to demand that Trader Joe’s and other retailers immediately start shifting toward systems of refill and reuse. It’s going to take supermarkets and consumer goods companies fundamentally rethinking how products are brought to people to make a significant impact on our oceans, waterways, and communities.”
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Contact: Perry Wheeler, Greenpeace USA Senior Communications Specialist, P: 301-675-8766
