Every week, my family and I find ourselves overwhelmed by the sheer number of durable plastic bags that accumulate from our Safeway grocery deliveries. These are not just flimsy bags that can be easily repurposed or recycled, but heavy-duty plastic bags that stack up in our closet, leading to a troubling question: what are we supposed to do with all these durable plastic bags?

The environmental impact of single-use plastics is well documented. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), over 100 billion plastic bags are used by Americans every year, with only a small fraction being recycled. This overwhelming amount not only contributes to environmental pollution but also poses a significant threat to wildlife, especially marine animals.

Besides the excessive plastic waste, Safeway also provides their customers with delivery receipts that are often several pages long. This practice results in unnecessary paper wastage which, with a simple implementation of digital receipts or a consolidated print, could be significantly reduced.

By adopting sustainable practices in their delivery services, Safeway has the opportunity to not only lower their environmental footprint but also inspire their competitors to follow suit, creating a ripple effect of positive change within the industry.

A few simple, concrete steps Safeway could take are: first, reducing the number of plastic bags by opting for reusable tote options or encouraging customers to return bags for reuse. Second, transitioning to digital receipts or simplifying printed receipts for deliveries. Using paper bags is another option, as these can be used to collect other household recyclables. 

Your signature on this petition is vital. It will demonstrate to Safeway that their customers care about sustainability and are willing to stand up for environmental responsibility. Sign today and let's encourage Safeway to lead the way in reducing waste and promoting greener practices.