The recycled plastic shopping bag program is one of the ways the County of Kauai is continuing to work towards encouraging residents to reduce waste by using shopping bags made from recycled plastic while they shop, in lieu of disposable paper or plastic bags. Overall awareness of the negative environmental impacts of disposable plastic and paper shopping bags and the importance of reducing their use has increased here on Kauai, as well as nationwide.

The County purchased 25,000 shopping bags made of 100% recycled plastic bottles primarily with funds from the HI5 Deposit Beverage Container grant, with a smaller portion funded by County funds. The bags were passed out to Retailers island-wide, who in turn distributed them to customers.

The criteria to receive free bags from the County, required individuals to 1) be a Kauai resident; 2) sign a pledge stating that they would use the bags in place of disposable paper or plastic bags while grocery shopping 3) limit distribution to 2 bags per person, which would involve an "honor system" 4) receive a ½ flyer describing the product they are using and the importance of reducing waste.

Shopping bags were dispersed from December 2009 through June 2010. The Plastic Bag ordinance, which encourages the use of Recycled shopping bags went into effect January 2011.

You have just received a reusable shopping bag, compliments of the County of Kauai. This bag exemplifies the Waste Diversion Hierarchy, otherwise known as the 3 R’s:

1. REDUCE: One of these bags holds the equivalent of 3 plastic bags. Using this bag will reduce and replace the use of disposable shopping bags. Also, this bag eliminates the waste created by disposable plastic bags that litter our oceans and endanger marine animals.
2. REUSE: The high quality and durability of this bag will allow you to use it over and over.
3. RECYCLE: This bag is an example of “closing the loop”. It started out as a #1 plastic bottle, was sent to recycling processors, converted into plastic strips which were woven into bags and brought back to you the consumer, without ever going to the landfill.

Thank you for using this bag to carry groceries and other items you purchase at stores, and for your help keeping our garden isle green!

Program is funded by the State Department of Health and sponsored by the County of Kauai