Retailers Offer Cash Savings for Reusable Bag Use

In a promotion for reusable bags, two of America’s largest retailers, CVS and Target, have developed cash incentive programs for customers that opt out of disposable bags.

Target started with a pilot program earlier this year in 100 stores, in which customers received a 5-cent discount for each reusable bag they brought. The project resulted in a decrease in plastic bag use by 58 percent. In light of the success, the program will go nationwide in 1,700 stores on Nov. 1.

In a promotion for reusable bags, two of America’s largest retailers, CVS and Target, have developed cash incentive programs for customers that opt out of disposable bags.

Target started with a pilot program earlier this year in 100 stores, in which customers received a 5-cent discount for each reusable bag they brought. The project resulted in a decrease in plastic bag use by 58 percent. In light of the success, the program will go nationwide in 1,700 stores on Nov. 1.

CVS will offer a higher discount, but you have to be a member of CVS’s ExtraCare rewards program. For 99 cents, members will get a leaf-shaped Green Bag Tag card, which can be attached to a reusable bag. The card will then be scanned at each purchase. After every fourth shopping trip, a $1 Extra Buck coupon will be printed on their receipt. For more about this story go here.