Why is KTA no longer offering plastic grocery bags?
KTA is following the Hawai‘i County plastic bag reduction ordinance prohibiting plastic bag use at the checkout, since 1/17/2014.
The law only prohibits plastic grocery bags, so why is KTA charging for paper bags?
KTA recognizes the ordinance as a great way to do our part to help the environment. The paper bag fee is to encourage customers to transition to reusable bags as a long term solution to preserve our 'aina.
We want to avoid simply switching from plastic bags to paper bags since this is not a long-term solution to preserve our ‘aina. Paper bags can cause 70% more air pollution to produce than plastic bags and leads to deforestation. Annually, Hawai‘i Island uses more than 1.4 million pounds of paper bags that require 13,000 trees to be cut down.
How much is the grocery bag deposit?
The most commonly used paper grocery bags have a fee of 5¢ each (any applicable sales tax applies). Plastic produce bags are complementary.
Is there a benefit to re-use my bags?
Simply bring back your KTA bag, reusable bag, or even bags from other stores and use them during your next grocery visit. Paper bags can cause 70% more air pollution to produce than plastic bags and leads to
deforestation. Annually, Hawai‘i Island uses more than 1.4 million pounds of paper bags that require 13,000 trees to be cut down.
Do I need to pay the fee if I don’t want any bags?
No. You are not required to use grocery bags when shopping. You can leave the checkout carrying your purchases in hand or have them placed back into your shopping cart (including liquor, beer, and wine products) for carryout to your vehicle.
Why are reusable bags better for the environment than paper and plastic bags?
Reducing and eliminating both paper and plastic “single-use” bags is KTA’s effort to help preserve our ‘aina for our children and future generations. The transition to reusable bags from single-use disposable paper and plastic bags reduces litter, reduces trash in landfills, conserves precious natural resources and keeps our ‘aina and ocean clean. In fact, over our lifetime the use of a reusable bag by just one person would eliminate 22,000 plastic bags.
A growing trend among grocery stores across the country, as well as internationally, is the move toward reusable bags rather than disposable, single-use plastic or paper bags.
Does KTA still offer paper bags since plastic bags have been permanently banned since January 2014?
Our goal is to get all of our customers into the habit of bringing in their reusable bags. However, we still offer paper bags for the convenience of our customers.
Where can I get more information if I have further questions?
For more information on the Hawai‘i County Plastic Bag Reduction Ordinance, visit www.hawaiizerowaste.org. Or visit a Customer Service Centers at any of our stores to speak to one of our friendly associates in person.
