The Tribune

OFFICIALS from AML Foods Ltd say the first phase of its Bring Your Own Bag initiative could reduce local plastic bag use by two million bags in one year.

After distributing 10,000 free reusable shopping bags on Earth Day late last month, the company is now setting its sights on next year’s goals.

Step one of the Bring Your Own Bag (BYOB) programme is a part of the company’s goal of distributing 125,000 eco-friendly bags throughout the Bahamas by the end of 2017. Last month, volunteers distributed the bags at AML stores in New Providence and Grand Bahama.

“We are looking at this as a starting point, a way to engage our consumers and begin the conversation surrounding the impact of plastic bags on our natural environment,” said Renea Bastian, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at AML. “We estimate that if each customer used two eco-friendly bags once per week that would reduce their plastic bag use by four to five plastic bags per week. Over the next year, we would have removed two million plastic bags out of our natural environment. That’s a significant start.”

To keep the momentum going, AML say they will partner with their direct vendors and local businesses to hit next year’s target distribution goal of 125,000 bags. The company already uses biodegradable plastic bags at all of its retail outlets but wanted to take things a step further with ‘Operation BYOB’.

“Customers were very receptive to the idea of becoming plastic-free consumers,” Ms Bastian said. “In addition to the BYOB project, we will continue our ongoing programme where shoppers can purchase additional reusable bags at any of our retail locations with part proceeds from each sale being donated to the Bahamas National Trust.”

Experts say that one million sea birds and 100,000 sea animals die annually as a result of plastic accumulation in the world’s oceans. ‘Operation BYOB’ is designed to reduce the impact within the local community.

AML’s efforts are being supported by the Ministry of the Environment and other partners, including the Bahamas National Trust, Keep Grand Bahama Clean, Windsor Preparatory School, students of Bishop Michael Eldon School Eco Club in Grand Bahama, the Royal Bahamas Defense Force and Regency Theatre YARD group.