Hey Minot, care about the plastic problem?

Once you see it, you’ll see it everywhere. I’m talking about plastic. Particularly single-use plastic and especially plastic bags. This time of year is especially troublesome because we’re forced to look at what’s been hiding under the snow all winter.

And if you’re among those who can’t unsee it and think we should do something about it — here’s your chance. The Environmentally Minded People of Minot partnered with Minot’s grocery stores to raise awareness and get reusable bags into people’s hands.

The full news release is below but here are the quick details:

• The event runs at Cashwise and Market Place North and Market Place 20th Ave SW next Monday, April 22, through Sunday, April 28.
• There’s a free reusable bag there for you.
• There’s a discount available at checkout if you use it.
• You can help support the effort! Volunteers are needed at bag handout stations and you can sign up for a shift online at the following links:
  • Cashwise: https://volunteersignup.org/Q4PDK
  • Marketplace (20th and Broadway SW): https://volunteersignup.org/T4Q99
  • Marketplace (North Hill): https://volunteersignup.org/WQMPP

— Official News Release —

Cash Wise Foods and Marketplace Foods are partnering with Environmentally Minded People of Minot and the Friends of the Souris River to bring the first ever Bring Your Own Bag Week to Minot.  The event will run from Monday, April 22 to Sunday, April 28 at the following locations: Marketplace Foods at 20th and Broadway, Marketplace Foods at 21st and 16th NW, and Cash Wise Foods at Southgate Crossing.

Each store will be providing free reusable shopping bags to customers who want one.  The bag can be used for a 5 cent credit (discount) in regular check out lanes and that credit will be given every time the bag is reused in the store.  Volunteers will be located near the check out lanes to help distribute one bag per person while quantities last.  Customers are encouraged to reuse their bags repeatedly to save money on every grocery store trip and clean them regularly.  Reusable shopping bags are often made of more durable material and can carry heavier loads without ripping or tearing.

“This is a win-win event for our community.” says Donna Bye, event co-coordinator.  “Customers save money on their grocery purchases, grocery stores reduce their overhead costs by not giving away free single-use plastic shopping bags, and our community avoids ugly litter in our trees, gutters, and waterways.”

The average American uses one single-use plastic shopping bag each day, or 365 a year, according to an article about plastic consumption in the June 2018 issue of National Geographic Magazine.  That number translates to approximately 47,000 bags every day of the year in the City of Minot.