Dec. 21, 2007 — To reduce the number of bags transferred from the Susannaberg Landfill on St. John to the Bovoni Landfill on St. Thomas, the Friends of V.I. National Park are distributing reusable shopping bags at two St. John grocery stores.
The bags, available at Dolphin Market and Pine Peace Market, are made of heavy-duty recycled plastic. Shoppers are encouraged to take them on subsequent shopping trips instead of using the lightweight plastic bags supplied by the stores.
"They fold flat," said Friends Program Manager Kristin Maize. They are very durable and can be filled up with cans, she said.
Maize suggested residents keep them in their cars so they're readily available for quick stops at the grocery store. The bags are free.
"The best way to get people to use them is to give them away for free," she said.
The grocery stores are receptive because it saves them money for plastic bags, Maize said. The Friends started distribution of the bags about two weeks ago. She estimated that about 1,000 were given out. Maize continues to restock whenever she learns a store has run out.
The bags were supplied by the Elizabeth Haub Foundation. Haub's son, Karl Haub, owns a home on St. John. Haub approached the Friends about the idea, Maize said.
The bags depict a variety of environmental themes.
"They're cool," Maize said.
The Elizabeth Haub Foundation is dedicated to safeguarding the environment by supporting initiatives aimed at the adoption, implementation and enhancement of national and international laws for environmental preservation.
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