BREAK UP WITH THE SINGLE-USE BAG
We use 100 billion single-use bags every year in the U.S., and each use only lasts an average of 12 minutes. It’s time to change that.
A new region-wide campaign in Southern California is focused on breaking up with the single-use bag, helping customers bring their own bag instead, or go without one wherever they shop.
Where do we begin?
Have you ever gotten a single-use or new bag that you didn’t need? Do you wish you always had your trusted reusable bag on hand? Or maybe you want to reduce your environmental or plastic footprint?
Old habits die hard, but they are not impossible to change. It’s time to break up with single-use bags––bring a reusable bag instead or skip using one at all.
When many retailers join forces, can we drive a culture shift?
Retailers and communities across Southern California are coming together to put up signs, messaging and prompts that can help customers end their single-use habit by encouraging them to bring their own bag or go without one. This summer, we are launching the first steps to creating a broader cultural shift to reduce and reuse, and we invite all retailers, community members and local stakeholders to join in this effort.
About the Campaign
Who
Retailers of all sizes across Orange County, San Diego County and the San Bernardino-Riverside metro areas are joining forces for reuse! Participating retailers include but are not limited to Target, CVS Health, Ralphs, Ralphs Fresh Fare and Food 4 Less. We invite all other retailers and stakeholders to join us.
What
Participating retailers are placing signs at key points in the shopping journey to remind customers to bring their own bags or go without one. Additionally, customers are reminded to bring their bags before they shop, through messaging in public spaces, social media and more.
Where & When
Communities across Southern California including those in Orange County, San Diego and San Bernardino-Riverside metro area are participating in the campaign, starting late July 2025. Participating retailers are encouraged to keep signage up as long as possible, and out-of-store messaging across social media, community spaces and television will run for three months after launch.
Are you interested in joining our effort?
It’s a simple three-step process!
1. Download signs
COMING SOON!
2. Print your signs
COMING SOON!
3. Train your cashiers
COMING SOON!
Why should retailers encourage customers to shop with their own reusable bag?
Drive positive environmental impact
Support your customers
It’s easy to implement and low or no cost
More than 400+ stores are already signed up!
FAQ
When does the Campaign launch?
The Campaign launches in late July 2025, with out-of-store messaging running for three months post-launch.
Show moreRetailers are welcome to put up signage and train employees when they are ready, and retailers are encouraged to keep their signage up as long as they are willing.
Which communities are participating?
All communities and retailers across Orange County, San Diego County and the San Bernardino-Riverside Metro areas are encouraged to participate.
Show moreOut-of-store messaging will be running in these communities for three months post-launch too.
Do retailers have to pay a fee to use the signs?
No, retailers do not have to pay a fee but are responsible for the costs to print signs and place them in their stores.
Show moreIf a retailer has a store outside of Southern California, can they participate?
The Consortium encourages participation from any retailer interested in placing these signs and asking customers if they need a bag, regardless of where stores are located.
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