With 49 stores in the Balearic Islands alone, Spanish supermarket chain Mercadona has vowed to cease the use of single use plastic bags in its branches nationwide by 2019.
Instead, customers will have the option of paper bags for 10 cents, or reusable, recycled plastic bags for 50 cents. Alternatively, patrons can bring their own reusable cloth or plastic bags. Mercadona's commitment to environmental protection goes further than plastic, with the company last year beginning the process of updating stores with more efficient and energy-saving refrigeration systems.
