Sustainable Stores Program

The Plastic Problem

Did you Know . . .

The average household in South Euclid uses 1,500 plastic bags a year, with most ending up in landfills or as litter?
Lake Erie, our primary source of drinking water through the Euclid Creek watershed, is polluted with more than 5.5 million pounds of plastic?

Together, we can change that!

Eliminate Plastic Bags with Bring Your Own Bags (BYOBags)

In partnership with Cuyahoga County and South Euclid retailers, we are committed to creating a healthier, more sustainable community by reducing the use of plastic checkout bags. Cutting plastic waste helps protect natural resources, ensures access to clean drinking water, and fosters sustainable economic growth. Thanks to a Sustainable Store Grant from Cuyahoga County, One South Euclid is supplying reusable bags between November and February to local retailers to support this effort and encourage retailers to make the change permanent.

Participating Retailers

Starting in early November, the following retailers will offer reusable bags at checkout upon request, while supplies last:

Breaking the plastic bag habit

Here are some easy ways to make a lasting change:

Ask for a reusable bag when you purchase an item at either LT Squared, True Value Hardware, or Uptown Mart. Reuse it for future shopping trips.
Use your own bags. Carry your own canvas, vinyl, or cloth bags to the grocery, retail, or convenience store.
Reuse plastic bags you already have. If you’ve collected plastic bags, try to reuse them before discarding.
Use bags for pet waste. Reuse old bread bags, frozen food bags, or used food storage bags to pick up after your dog during walks.
Skip the plastic poop bags. Consider using an unlined scoop or shovel for your pet’s waste and composting it in a backyard dog waste composter.
Reuse produce bags. Try mesh or cloth bags for your fresh fruits and vegetables. Ask the clerk to remove items from these bags at checkout so you aren't charged for their weight.
Skip the bag altogether. If you're buying one or two items or taking leftovers home from a restaurant, carry them without using a bag.
Repurpose other bags. Use old pet food, birdseed, or dry-cleaning bags as liners for your kitchen trash. You might be surprised at how many reusable options are already in your home.

Consider skipping trash liners in smaller bins. For laundry rooms or bedrooms, you may not need a liner. If you prefer one, try paper bags or purchase trash cans with removable, washable liners.

What Else Can You Do?

Switch to reusable water bottles instead of bottled water.
Use reusable containers for food storage instead of cling wrap or disposable containers.
Carry washable, reusable silverware in your lunchbox instead of relying on plastic utensils.

For more tips on sustainable practices, visit the County’s Sustainability Department website. For recycling information, check out the Solid Waste District website.

For Consumers

As a shopper, your choices have the power to influence retailers. By bringing reusable bags when you shop, you show your support for eliminating single-use plastic checkout bags and reducing waste that contaminates our streams, lakes, and land. Your efforts contribute to healthier, thriving communities throughout Cuyahoga County.

For Retailers

Why Should Retailers Reduce Plastic?

Cuyahoga County’s Disposable Bag Ban prohibits stores from providing plastic bags at checkout. While compliance is currently voluntary, many larger retailers have already eliminated plastic checkout bags due to their environmental commitments. To assist smaller stores in making the switch, the County developed the Sustainable Store Program.

Benefits for Retailers

Customers support it. In a 2019 survey, 72% of Cuyahoga County shoppers backed the plastic bag ban.
Join the sustainability movement. Many retailers have seen that reducing plastic waste not only benefits the environment but also strengthens their brand’s image.
Lower overhead costs. By promoting reusable bags, you reduce the demand—and cost—of single-use checkout bags.
Protect our environment. Supporting reusable bags helps keep Lake Erie and our neighborhoods free of plastic pollution, safeguarding our natural resources and promoting a healthier, more competitive community.

How to Transition of Reusable Bags

Remind customers to bring their bags. Place “Remember Your Bags” signs at the entrance and in the parking lot.
Offer reusable bags. Stock and sell woven bags near the checkout that are rated for at least 75 uses and can carry up to 18 pounds.
Provide incentives. Encourage customers to bring their own bags by offering small incentives.
Leverage resources. Visit the Communications Toolkit for tips and strategies to help your store transition smoothly.

At the Checkout

Ask, “Do you NEED a bag?” The question encourages customers to consider whether or not they really need one.
Show appreciation. Thank customers who bring their own bags.
Promote reusable bags. Remind customers that reusable bags are sturdier and better for longer shopping trips, especially when walking or using public transit.
If providing paper bags, slip a postcard/note inside promoting the BYOBags program.
Offer alternatives. Let customers use leftover cardboard boxes for their purchases.

For Retailers

If your business isn’t part of the initial rollout, we may have reusable bags available later in the year. Let us know if you're interested in reducing your plastic footprint.

Sustainable Stores Program

The Plastic Problem

Together, we can change that!

Eliminate Plastic Bags with Bring Your Own Bags (BYOBags)

Participating Retailers

Starting in early November, the following retailers will offer reusable bags at checkout upon request, while supplies last:

LT Squared

True Value Hardware

Uptown Mart

Breaking the plastic bag habit

Here are some easy ways to make a lasting change:

Ask for a reusable bag when you purchase an item at either LT Squared, True Value Hardware, or Uptown Mart. Reuse it for future shopping trips.

Use your own bags. Carry your own canvas, vinyl, or cloth bags to the grocery, retail, or convenience store.

Reuse plastic bags you already have. If you’ve collected plastic bags, try to reuse them before discarding.

Use bags for pet waste. Reuse old bread bags, frozen food bags, or used food storage bags to pick up after your dog during walks.

Skip the plastic poop bags. Consider using an unlined scoop or shovel for your pet’s waste and composting it in a backyard dog waste composter.

Reuse produce bags. Try mesh or cloth bags for your fresh fruits and vegetables. Ask the clerk to remove items from these bags at checkout so you aren't charged for their weight.

Skip the bag altogether. If you're buying one or two items or taking leftovers home from a restaurant, carry them without using a bag.

Repurpose other bags. Use old pet food, birdseed, or dry-cleaning bags as liners for your kitchen trash. You might be surprised at how many reusable options are already in your home.

Consider skipping trash liners in smaller bins. For laundry rooms or bedrooms, you may not need a liner. If you prefer one, try paper bags or purchase trash cans with removable, washable liners.

​

What Else Can You Do?

Switch to reusable water bottles instead of bottled water.

Use reusable containers for food storage instead of cling wrap or disposable containers.

Carry washable, reusable silverware in your lunchbox instead of relying on plastic utensils.

For more tips on sustainable practices, visit the County’s Sustainability Department website. For recycling information, check out the Solid Waste District website.

For Consumers

For Retailers

Why Should Retailers Reduce Plastic?

Benefits for Retailers

Customers support it. In a 2019 survey, 72% of Cuyahoga County shoppers backed the plastic bag ban.

Join the sustainability movement. Many retailers have seen that reducing plastic waste not only benefits the environment but also strengthens their brand’s image.

Lower overhead costs. By promoting reusable bags, you reduce the demand—and cost—of single-use checkout bags.

Protect our environment. Supporting reusable bags helps keep Lake Erie and our neighborhoods free of plastic pollution, safeguarding our natural resources and promoting a healthier, more competitive community.

Ask, “Do you NEED a bag?” The question encourages customers to consider whether or not they really need one.

Show appreciation. Thank customers who bring their own bags.

Promote reusable bags. Remind customers that reusable bags are sturdier and better for longer shopping trips, especially when walking or using public transit.

If providing paper bags, slip a postcard/note inside promoting the BYOBags program.

Offer alternatives. Let customers use leftover cardboard boxes for their purchases.

For Retailers