In an effort to reduce plastic bag waste, promote recycling and make a
positive contribution to planetary sustainability, Fairway Market has
decided it will stop offering plastic bags at its checkout lanes
effective Friday, April 12.

Research shows the average “life span” of a plastic bag is 12 minutes,
yet it takes over 1,000 years for one bag to degrade into the
atmosphere. This plastic ends up in landfills, oceans, vacant lots and
on the side of roadways. It endangers wildlife, plant life and is just
plain unsightly.

The Fairway family, both its owners and team members, believe that every
little bit helps when it comes to doing what they can as a business and
as individuals to have positive impacts to the surroundings and to the
preservation of the environment.

Paper bags will continue to be available for purchase at 10 cents each,
as are two newly stocked reusable cloth bags carrying the Fairway name
and logo. The green heavy-duty cloth bag sells for $2.99, while a blue
zippered insulated version — great for refrigerated and frozen products
— sells for $6.99. Customers also will continue to have the option of
using free boxes when available.

In support of this initiative, Fairway will be giving away 100
heavy-duty cloth bags to the first 100 customers to go through its lines
until they are gone.

Customers who do not wish to use paper bags or purchase a reusable bag
are still welcome to bring their own from home to use for their grocery
purchases.

“We hope all of our customers, locals and visitors alike, will
appreciate this change and its significance and want to thank all of you
for your continued patronage at Fairway Market,” said the news release.
“It is our pleasure to serve you and the Idyllwild community.”