BYOB (BRING YOUR OWN BAG)

Educational Campaign for Consumers to Reduce Plastic Bag Use

CCE has been working in the coastal areas of Long Island and the Hudson Valley to advance bag legislation and reduce the use of harmful, single use bags.

Hudson Valley

Westchester BYOB Educational Campaign
The Westchester BYOB campaign includes educating residents and partnering with legislators and businesses to promote reusable bags in place of disposable bags that harm our environment. Already, over 30 stores in Westchester County have agreed to “Kick the Plastic Bag Habit” and promote using reusable bags in their stores. In addition, over 300 Westchester residents pledged to switch to reusable bags. During this campaign, 88% of those who filled out pledges said they also support legislation banning disposable bags. Concerned citizens in White Plains, Larchmont, and Mamaroneck are currently working to promote reusable bags and pass a ban on disposable bags in their communities.

In 2011, CCE released the report: "B.Y.O.B (Bring Your Own Bag): Reusable Bag Policies at Westchester County Grocery Stores." CCE staff analyzed and evaluated reusable bag policies of ten Westchester grocery store chains. Grades range from A+ to D. Topping the list is Whole Foods and Stop and Shop, with both receiving an A+, while Walmart received a grade of D. Stores were graded on sale and promotion of reusable bags, signage outside of the store to remind consumers to bring bags, monetary incentives, educating employees, and on their willingness to engage in consumer education on using reusable bags.

Read the full report

BYOB Brochure
BYOB 4-Page Fact Sheet
BYOB Store Poster

Long Island

Long Island Sound BYOB Educational Campaign
In April, 2012, CCE launched a Long Island Sound BYOB - Bring Your Own Bag Campaign in the coastal communities of Huntington, Port Jefferson, and Northport. Before launching this campaign, CCE surveyed hundreds of residents to find out what the biggest barrier was to not using reusable bags. The result? Over half replied that the number one reason is because they forget! The campaign includes educating residents and partnering with local government and businesses to promote reusable bags in place of disposable bags that harm our environment. Businesses are being recruited to participate by hanging reminder signs and encouraging using reusable bags in their stores. Free reusable bags are provided to residents who pledge to "Kick the Plastic Bag Habit."

"B.Y.O.B. (Bring Your Own Bag): Reusable Bag Policies at Long Island Grocery Stores"
In 2010, CCE staff analyzed and evaluated reusable bag policies of fourteen Long Island grocery store chains. Grades range from A+ to F. Stores were graded on sale and promotion of reusable bags, signage within the store and in parking lots to remind consumers to bring bags, monetary incentives, educating employees, and on their willingness to engage in consumer education on reusable bags.

Read the full report