Reusable Bag Library Motivates Thrift Store Guests to Help Save the Environment

Just over a year ago, Salvation Army Thrift Stores removed single-use plastic bags from their stores in an effort to become more environmentally friendly. The role of The Salvation Army Thrift Store National Recycling Operations (NRO) is both to generate funds to help The Salvation Army achieve its mission, and to have a positive influence within the communities in which they operate.

While some people liked it, for others the adjustment was harder, as sometimes it’s easy to leave reusable bags behind. For this reason, Thrift Stores across the country have launched a program called the “Reusable Bag Library”.

The bag library encourages guests that have an abundance of reusable bags to donate them to their local thrift store. The donated bags are then placed in a bin (the library) near the cash desk, where guests can freely take a bag to carry the items they shopped for.

Karin Adshead, who has managed The Salvation Army Thrift Store in Sherwood Park, Alta., for the past 12 years, believes that guests are beginning to get used to the plastic, bag-free, system.

“Every little thing can make a difference to help save the environment and reduce our impact on the earth.”

“At the beginning, there was a little bit of pushback, but I think people are now getting accustomed to it because municipalities are just saying no to plastics. Honestly, I think the name ‘bag library’ really appealed to people. Whoever came up with the name, it was just brilliant,” Karin said.

Whenever guests are checking out their items, Karin’s staff asks if they need a bag. If they do, then they are offered one from the bag library.

This initiative also hits close to home for Karin. As a former teacher of Environmental Education, she truly likes and believes in this initiative.

“I like to remind people that every little thing can make a difference to help save the environment and reduce our impact on the earth. I think that in the long run, this will help, and it gives people a better feeling when they leave the store,” Karin added.

Stuart Ikin has been a frequent guest of Salvation Army thrift stores for over 15 years. He says he visits the thrift store in Leduc, Alta., up to six times a week. Every time he visits, he drops off and picks up some reusable bags. He enjoys the recycling aspect of it. His constant presence at the store has allowed him to see the progress of the Reusable Bag Library.

“It gives people a better feeling when they leave the store.”

“I believe it’s good, what they’re doing. Overall, it’s probably one of the best things they ever suggested. The Salvation Army made a very good move,” Stuart shared.

The Reusable Bag Library is just a taste of what shopping will be like soon all across the country. The federal government is taking measures to target zero plastic waste by the year 2030. As a result, starting this December, Canada will no longer be able to sell or distribute single-use plastic grocery bags.

For more information on The Salvation Army Thrift Stores’ social and environmental impact, please visit thriftstore.ca/impactreport/

By Juan Romero