Disposable plastic is an enemy of the environment as they are non-recyclable and hazardous to people and animals. With this in mind, discount grocery chain Aldi announced it would be doing its part to help the environment by overhauling its bag policy.

Aldi U.S. CEO Jason Hart announced in a letter that "ALDI will become the first major U.S retailer to commit to eliminating all plastic shopping bags from stores." Hart added that the chain has already eliminated plastic bag usage to 500 stores and plans to have zero plastic bags at 2,200 locations "by the end of 2023."

Aldi’s new sustainability charter started in March 2021 outlining various environmental initiatives to be implemented by 2030. According to Supermarket Perimeter, the goals include cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions, slashing food waste in half, and making 100% of its packaging "reusable, recyclable, or compostable."

Hart also noted other sustainable practices the chain has already implemented in recent years. These include installing more solar panels at stores and distribution centers, reducing greenhouse gas emissions with more sustainable refrigeration, and working with Feeding America to donate over 33 million pounds of food.