Going green at the grocery store
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Canadians choose to eat organic foods for many reasons, from health to environmental benefits. Regardless of the reason, both the market share and the number of organic food producers are on the rise. In 2007, 45% of all households reported purchasing organic foods at least often or sometimes, while 5% reported they always purchase organic foods.
Another means of reducing one's environmental impact is choosing reusable or recycled bags or containers to carry groceries. In 2007, 30% of households reported that they always use them for grocery shopping, while 41% reported using them often or sometimes. In the 'always use them' category, shoppers in Ontario and Quebec led the provinces at 35% and 33%, respectively.
Some countries, such as Ireland, Switzerland and Belgium, have introduced steep levies to discourage the use of non-reusable bags. In April 2007, Leaf Rapids, Manitoba became the first Canadian municipality to ban them outright.
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