Environment
LCBO to Phase Out Plastic Bags this Summer
On a recent day trip to the scenic tourist haunt that is Elora, Ontario, (and being the wine enthusiast that I am) I popped into the LCBO to catch a glimpse of what their small town liquor store had on offer. But it wasn't the surprisingly diverse selection that they had in their Vintages corner that grabbed my attention. It was a simple, desktop computer printed sign at the checkout that did.
As of July 1st 2008, the Elora LCBO will no longer be using their super sturdy, glossy, signature plastic bags. Instead, paper will be used, and reusable cloth bags will also be sold for $1.00.
When I asked the staff if this move away from plastic bags was exclusive to the Elora store I was told that the move was an LCBO province-wide initiative. Apparently the premier Dalton McGuinty's suggestion to phase out plastic bags at the LCBO was taken to heart.
While many people are sure to be disappointed that they'll lose the best cat litter/heavy item carrier/wet garbage disposal bags known to Ontario, this is a step in the right direction.
If we could see more large-scale retailers do the same, the overall impact could be more than just a tip of the iceberg (pun intended).
Are those green plastic mesh collars that they use to keep bottles from clanging into one another going to be the next to go? Are they even worth replacing with paper collars, or would it be better to just stop using anything for this frivolous purpose?
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Man, the LCBO has the absolute best plastic bags to offer by far anywhere around Ontario.
I honestly think that the LCBO plastic bags should stay, and if need be, at least an option to pay for one. What really needs to be banned are those cheap, thin, useless plastic bags offered from the super stores like Loblaws or Walmart, or Real Canadian. Those bags are what types the ban should be aimed at. Stupid government owned liquor store trying to set an example.
As well, shame on those of you who waste an LCBO bag by using it as a cat litter / wet garbage bag. These bags are of high durability, not some one time / toss em out cheap plastic bag. Use No Frills or Zellers bags for those purposes.
For people like me, who use the LCBO bags <b>responsibly</b>, for purposes including multiple and reusable uses, as a gym bag, clothes bag, shoe bag, grocery bag, drugdeal bag, book bag, lunch bag, a fashion accessory bag - it's gonna be a big loss to our drawers, our memories, and our badass images.
I guess it's time for us to stock up on these LCBO bags, because you can't get quality bags like this anywhere else. Just having the LCBO logo was a badge of honour. It will be missed.
Years ago the LCBO sold the idea that plastic was sturdier that paper. Bet they'll be lots of broken (full) bottles.
If the LCBO wants to sell me a cloth bag, they should reconsider and give them free. At least the 'badge of honour' logo would be on it.
When the government of the day goes 'politically correct', that's when they make serious errors in judgement.
I've personally reused their heavy-duty plastic bags for 1 or 2 bottles. Paper?... In the rain?...
At present, they won't open new stores unless there's a parking lot for customers and trucks. That's why you only see 'em built in power centres and malls nowadays, and not in flourishing neighbourhoods.
Kinda funny that a provincially-owned purveyor of booze wants you to DRIVE to pick up your firewater, no?
Yeah, selling reusable cloth bags is fine and dandy, but I don't know how many times I've been on way home and stopped by the LCBO out of convenience and, oops, not been carrying around reusable bags.
I always see people carting out boxes. Just ask the staff - if there aren't boxes near the cash, they'll get you a box.
2) I like the man-bag, LCBO plastic bags. I reuse them to carry my books, umbrella, or lunch; as well as return the empties. I won't be able to reuse the paper bags, I would just throw them out.
... yeah right, right it to somebody's deep pockets.
As for the LCBO with parking lots. That was thought up by the politically correct bozos. Think about people that have no cars and (in my case) walk six blocks to and from the LCBO. I'm sure I'm not the only one that walks. Carry a paper bag full of bottles and after a while it gets heavy. Bottom line, I WILL PURCHASE LESS in the future!
I've used the same line to the grocery stores. Give me your reusable cloth bags free and I'll shop at your store more often. They don't and I won't.
Back to the LCBO. Again, another government mess-up. Empties to the beer store? Good for the environment? I've asked neighbours why their blue boxes are full from LCBO products. Their answer? Not worth the hassle. I understand that, however they lose out from their returns and the deposits go in deep government pockets...
Paper bags? One small bump, and whatever you're carrying goes out the bottom. (Plus, I don't always have a durable bag with me when I'm out.)
I suppose it's better to use a reuseable bag half the time than none at all. I forget sometimes and do re-use my plastic bags for other things. However, once you make it a habit or make it easy for someone to do something it becomes second nature. I carry 2 Reisenthel - Mini Maxi Shopper bags in my backpack or purse at all times now. They colapse so small that you can even attach it to your keychain. (they do come in solid colours, so guys, don't fret. My husband has one in his backpack as well) I think the point is that some day soon, we are going to have to give up convenience and start being more conscious of how we are consuming.
It would show the people of Ontario something that most of the world already knows. Having alcohol available at your local grocery store doesn't mean an end to civilization.
Eliminating the plastic bag will lead to $1.6 million in savings for the LCBO.
That's a lot of bull crap and he knows it. He's just a politically correct puppet.