An Atlanta Kroger customer’s eco-inspired drawing has beat out more than 36,000 entries from across the United States to adorn the front of Kroger’s highly popular reusable shopping bags. Lisa Llanes’ entry – a clean design, with the word “reuse” in organic green with floral sprouts springing up from the word – was chosen as part of the grocery retailer’s first-ever online contest, Design Kroger’s Next Reusable Bag, as part of its Earth Day commemoration in April.
The bag featuring Llanes’ winning design will be available in select retail stores later this year.
“We aren’t at all surprised the winner is from Atlanta. We have very talented, creative customers in this community,” says Glynn Jenkins, director of communications for the Atlanta Division of Kroger. “Kroger realizes the importance of doing its part to be an eco-friendly retailer. As eco-consciousness has become a more mainstream way of life among consumers, the Atlanta Division has initiated several Earth-conscious programs that complement our shoppers’ lifestyles.”
“We aren’t at all surprised the winner is from Atlanta. We have very talented, creative customers in this community,” says Glynn Jenkins, director of communications for the Atlanta Division of Kroger. “Kroger realizes the importance of doing its part to be an eco-friendly retailer. As eco-consciousness has become a more mainstream way of life among consumers, the Atlanta Division has initiated several Earth-conscious programs that complement our shoppers’ lifestyles.”
Kroger’s recycling program has surged in popularity since it launched in 2006, recycling 1.3 million pounds of plastic bags, wraps and bottle last year alone. The retailer has also collected 30,000 tons of cardboard and other baled materials for recycling. Kroger also seeks to minimize food waste – it contributed more than $571,000 in the form of product and cash to regional food banks throughout the Atlanta Division just in 2007.
The Design Kroger’s Next Reusable Bag contest asked customers submit their creative suggestions for Kroger’s reusable grocery bags on Kroger.com. Visitors to Kroger.com then viewed entries and voted for their favorite designs online. Nearly 900,000 visitors cast more than 1.3 million votes to determine the Top 10 contest finalists, from which Llanes’ design was selected.
“I couldn’t happier about winning the contest,” say Llanes. “I wanted to design a bag that would capture the essence of green living and convey the purpose of Kroger’s reusable bag. The clean design of the bag coupled with the lettering really communicated my environmental message.”
In addition to having her reusable bag design produced for sale, Llanes received a $500 Kroger Gift Card. Four finalists also were awarded $250 Kroger Gift Cards, and five runners-up received $100 Kroger Gift Cards.
“The average family uses an estimated 400 plastic bags every year,” says Jenkins. “Each Kroger reusable bag has the potential to eliminate 1,000 plastic bags over the course of its lifetime. This contest encouraged customers to contribute to Kroger’s recycling and waste reduction initiatives through creativity and design. As the interest in sustainable living continues to increase, Kroger is dedicated to promoting environmental stewardship within the communities we serve.”
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