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Paper or Plastic--or Neither!
The Lafayette Book Store Takes a Stand on Disposable Bags

Written by Sustainable Lafayette based on an interview with Dave Simpson (mail@lafayettebookstore.com) - owner of Lafayette Book Store


Solution Details
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It's a habit Dave Simpson picked up working at chain bookstores. Ring up the sale, put the books in a bag. When he bought the Lafayette Book Store nearly 10 years ago, he instructed his staff to ask whether the customer wanted a bag or not. It was an improvement, but they were still sending over 50 bags a day to the landfills. Then one day he had an epiphany.

"Books aren't like apples that are going to roll around in the back of the car," said Simpson. Only rarely do people actually "need" a bag. So we stopped providing them!"

The Lafayette Book Store is one of the first retail businesses to discontinue free bags altogether, and Simpson knew there was a risk involved. "I didn't know how our customers would respond," he said, "but I felt like it was worth taking a stand and making a statement. Fortunately, response has been incredibly positive. One customer rolled her eyes and another said, "More environmental crap, huh?" Otherwise, we've had rave reviews all around."

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Simpson acknowledges that grocers like Trader Joe's and Whole Foods have led the way in changing people's attitudes toward bags, especially by encouraging customers to purchase and use reusable bags. But, he says, other retailers have to step up to remind people that they can use reusable bags for all kinds of purchases. His bookstore sells reusable bags below cost for $1.00, encouraging people to keep them behind the drivers seat in their car. "That way they can just grab the bag before they head into whatever store they're going into and never have to take a bag," he said. "We're hoping by taking this step we can encourage a lot of people to turn down bags at the cash register and to use recycled bags. That way we can help keep lots more out of the landfill."

Benefits & Payback
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Even though Simpson has a history of environmental partnerships, working with Bioneers, Pachamama, and other environmental organizations, he takes a pragmatic approach to environmental policy in his store. "It just makes practical sense to discontinue bags. And from a business point of view it saves money. As long as customers buy-in, it's a total win-win policy."



Informational Links

Lafayette Book Store - Web Site


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