The Fort Saskatchewan Walmart has completely removed plastic bags from its checkout counters.
The decision to remove the bags is a part of Walmart's sustainability plan. The plan includes goals such as harvesting wind and solar energy to power their stores, hoping for 100 per cent renewable energy by 2035. Additionally, they wish to drop their global emissions to zero by 2040.
Walmart also pledges to restore at least fifty million acres of land and one million square miles of ocean by 2030.
One of their first steps in cutting back on emissions and waste was to eliminate what was arguably their most wasteful product, their shopping bags. Instead, they offer reusable Walmart branded bags, selling for around thirty cents.
As for self check out, there are no longer bags available. Patrons are expected to bring their own.
This decision has been met with mixed reactions. While some appreciate the waste-reducing initiative, some see it as an inconvenience having to remember bags for every grocery trip.
"It's not the best decision," said Kat, a Fort Saskatchewan resident and Walmart shopper. "I think it's an expensive way to get people to spend more money at Walmart."
The old plastic bags don't seem to be making a return anytime soon.