HOUSTON – April 19, 2017 – Long known for its commitment to sustainable business practices and environmental stewardship, H-E-B is making Texas a little brighter this Earth Day with its new eco-friendly Earth Day reusable bag. On Saturday, April 22, H-E-B will give away 180,000 colorful Earth Day reusable bags, designed by a Texas artist and made from at least 75 percent recycled plastic bottles and containers, to customers across the state.

Texas artist Becca Borrelli, who illustrates adult coloring books and pages as a way to make art accessible to all, designed this year’s Earth Day bag. The design is reminiscent of a coloring book and features the iconic Texas armadillo and bluebonnet, and a call to make everyday Earth Day.

Beginning at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 22, 2017, H-E-B will giveaway 180,000 bags at checkout stands to shoppers statewide, while supplies last. The first bag is free, and shoppers have the option to purchase additional bags for $1.50 each.

“Every day our customers find ways big and small to take care of our environment—whether it’s doing their grocery shopping with reusable bags, composting and recycling at home, or donating to environmental nonprofits, it all adds up,” said Cyndy Garza-Roberts, H-E-B Director of Public Affairs– Houston Region. “We’re thrilled to provide the bags to our customers, and we hope it is one of many actions taking place across the state that combined, will make a big impact on our environment.”

Like the slogan on this year’s bag, H-E-B is encouraging customers to make everyday Earth Day through a checkstand tear pad campaign in partnership with EarthShare of Texas, a nonprofit that supports dozens of respected environmental and conservation groups. Customers can choose to donate $1, $3 or $5 at checkout to be added to their grocery bill. Last year shoppers donated an impressive $140,000 to the Texas nonprofit during the April 2016 tear pad campaign.

2017 Earth Day reusable bag, designed by Texas artist Becca Borrelli and made from at least 75 percent recycled plastic bottles and containers.

H-E-B and the Environment

H-E-B is committed to business strategies and sustainable practices that continually improve the company’s use of natural resources, minimize waste, conserve energy and water, and protect air quality. In 2016, H-E-B diverted more than 457 million pounds of waste from landfills by recycling materials including aluminum, plastic, cardboard, paper, food waste and truck tires. Our Organic Diversion Programs have diverted more than 51 million pounds of organics from the landfill to compost and animal feed.

When it comes to transportation, H-E-B has reduced its use of diesel fuel by over 830,000 gallons per year and CO2 emissions by more than 8,300 tons annually, which is the same as removing 614,815 cars from the road for one day. Due to fuel saving strategies, H-E-B was the only Texas-based company invited to serve as a charter partner in the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) SmartWay Transport Partnership. The Partnership was formed to reduce greenhouse gasses and other harmful emissions from the heavy-duty sector.

New stores are either LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building certified or built adhering to those strict standards. In 2015, the H-E-B at Mueller store in Austin, Texas received the U.S. Green Building Council® LEED Gold® certification and the Austin Energy® Green Building (AEGB) 4-Star Rating, making it the first grocery store in Austin to receive both awards.

H-E-B is a two-time winner of the Texas Environmental Excellence Award; this is the state’s highest environmental honor.

About H-E-B

H-E-B, with sales of more than $23 billion, operates more than 380 stores in Texas and Mexico. Known for its innovation and community service, H-E-B celebrated its 110th anniversary in 2015. Recognized for its fresh food, quality products, convenient services, and a commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability, H-E-B strives to provide the best customer experience at everyday low prices. Based in San Antonio, H-E-B employs more than 100,000 Partners in Texas and Mexico and serves millions of customers in more than 300 communities. For more information, visit heb.com.