Tops Friendly Markets is celebrating five years of progress since New York’s plastic bag ban went into effect, highlighting the lasting environmental impact of reusable bags. Following Earth Day celebrations, the grocery chain is thanking customers for embracing sustainable habits and helping reduce plastic waste across the state.
A major environmental impact
Before New York’s Bag Waste Reduction Act was enacted, residents used more than 23 billion plastic bags each year. Today, Tops reports a significant shift toward sustainable shopping habits, with millions of customers now using heavy-duty reusable bags for their groceries.
“Making the switch to reusable bags may seem like something small, but it makes a big difference when you consider our combined impact,” said Ron Ferri, president of Tops Friendly Markets. “Each visit with a reusable bag helps protect environmental resources and saves money.”
Although paper bags are available and recyclable, they are costly to produce, ship, and recycle. They require more energy and contribute more air and water pollution compared to reusable options.
Economic and community benefits
Using reusable bags not only helps the environment but also offers savings for shoppers. Tops estimates that bringing five reusable bags on each shopping trip can save customers more than $15 per year, and most reusable bags last for over a decade.
Additionally, Tops’ Totes for Change program has raised nearly $739,000 for local nonprofits, including Breakthrough T1D, Feeding America, United Way, Children’s Miracle Network, and Tops in Education.
“Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper applauds Tops and other regional companies for continuing to embrace sustainability,” said Jill Jedlicka, executive director of Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper. “Thanks to these efforts, the amount of plastic bag pollution has dramatically decreased in Western New York.”
Continuing the push toward sustainability
Tops remains committed to offering paper bags as a customer convenience, but store leaders encourage shoppers to remember their reusable bags — especially during Earth Day celebrations.
As part of its Earth Day efforts, Tops has fully stocked all 152 stores with durable, heavy-duty reusable bags available at checkout and store entrances.
“Earth Day serves as a great reminder for us all to remember our reusable bags and take a small step toward a big impact for our environment,” Ferri said.
Tops Friendly Markets, based in Williamsville, operates 152 stores across New York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont, employing more than 14,000 associates. The company remains dedicated to sustainability, hunger relief, youth education, and community health initiatives.
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