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Mayor Emanuel and local businesses announce free, reusable bag giveaways across Chicago

Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced today in partnership Jewel-Osco, Mariano’s, Target and Whole Foods a plan to provide free, reusable bags to Chicago residents ahead of the start of the Chicago Checkout Bag Tax. In an effort to increase awareness around the new bag tax, the Mayor and local businesses are providing residents with the chance to get a free, reusable bag.

“I’m happy to partner with the business community on this outreach effort to help residents build the habit of bringing their own shopping bags,” said Mayor Emanuel. “By providing residents a reusable bag, we are giving them the tools they need to avoid the tax, and we will also help to reduce the number of paper and plastic bags used in Chicago.”

In an effort to decrease disposable bag use in Chicago, a bag tax is being implemented on disposable paper and plastic bags used to carry goods out of stores. The Chicago Checkout Bag Tax is a $.07 tax on disposable paper and plastic bags, effective starting on Wednesday, February 1.

To increase awareness and help Chicagoans avoid the tax, the City along with Jewel-Osco, Mariano’s, Target, and Whole Foods will be distributing free, reusable bags at locations citywide.

“Distributing free reusable plastic bags on Saturday is one more way to help our
Chicago customers save money and at the same time remind them about the upcoming Checkout Bag Tax,” said Mike Withers, President of Jewel-Osco.

“We are looking forward to partnering with the City of Chicago to help provide Chicago residents with free, reusable shopping bags,” said Don Rosanova, president of Mariano’s. “We are also offering our customers a special promotional price on Mariano’s reusable bags in order to make our customers’ transition easier. Moving forward, we will continue our policy of rebating our customers $.05 per reusable bag each time they shop.”

The City will conduct a day of action to give away free, reusable “ChiBags” to residents across Chicago. City officials will distribute free, reusable “Chi Bags” at seven CTA locations during the evening commute on Wednesday, February 1.

Chicago businesses will also be conducting their own bag giveaways throughout the weekend and through Wednesday, February 1, 2017. A limited number of free, reusable bags will be distributed at the following locations:

· Jewel-Osco: On Saturday, January 28, Jewel-Osco will give away reusable bags to the first 100 customers at each of their 35 Chicago locations.

· Mariano’s: On Saturday, January 28, Mariano’s will be giving away reusable bags to the first 100 customers at all 13 locations along with a half off coupon for a second reusable bag purchased that day.

· Target: On Wednesday, February 1, Target will be giving away a free reusable bag to the first 200 guests at each of its 16 locations.

· Whole Foods: On Wednesday, February 1, Whole Foods will distribute 1,000 free reusable bags, one per customer, to each of their first shoppers at each of their 12 locations.

The Mayor and local businesses encourage every Chicagoan to bring their own reusable bags when they go shopping.

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