PAY IT FORWARD REUSABLE BAG PROGRAM

The Choices Pay It Forward Reusable Bag Program

How Using Reusable Bags Will Help Support Local Charitable Organizations

Paper Shopping Bags. They seem pretty innocuous. After all paper is a renewable resource and can be recycled. The problem is that many people do not recycle them, and in reality they actually require plenty of water, fuel, and trees to produce them. In fact, if they end up in the waste stream, paper bags are so heavy and take up so much space that it requires many more trucks to dispose of them.

At Choices, it is our mission to reduce the number of paper bags that our customers use, and at the same time use the financial resources saved, to give back to our community. Pay It Forward is our plan to do so. 

Anybody who brings in a REUSABLE bag for their groceries  will receive a wooden token, representing 5 cents,  to put towards one of three organizations.  The non-profit organizations will rotate.  There will be less waste, since less paper bags are used, and we can also make a positive impact on our community. Each time you use a reusable, you will get another token.

Over time, it will add up! Let’s reduce waste and invest in organizations that help make Rockford a special place!

Local Organizations

Here are the three organizations that your wooden tokens can currently go toward They were chosen because of the positive impact they have on the people in our community and beyond. Here is your additional motivation to remember those reusable bags when you head out to Choices to shop.

Gigi’s Playhouse

Gigi’s Playhouse is dedicated to changing the way the world views Down syndrome and sending a global message of acceptance for all. They are changing lives through consistent delivery of free therapeutic and educational programs that advance literacy, math skills, motor skills and more. All programs aim to maximize self-confidence and empower individuals to achieve their greatest potential. 

Severson Dells

Severson Dells Nature Center, Connecting People to Nature: The mission of Severson Dells is to link people to nature through education and research, in the northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin area. They promote awareness of the natural world, fostering respect, enjoyment, and preservation now and in the future. They have many programs available to youth and adults alike. Unplug & Connect. 

Farmers Rising Rockford

Community and Youth Development Through Urban Agriculture

Farmers Rising Rockford

Community and Youth Development through Urban Agriculture

Originally launched in 2002 (under the name Roots & Wings), the purpose of Farmers Rising Rockford is to build authentic relationships in order to motivate, educate, and inspire the community members to grow, get, and eat good food. The CSA program is a successful socially oriented urban farm business that increases access to fresh, healthy, affordable food and provides employment opportunities. The Blackhawk Courts farm and garden is located within Blackhawk Courts, a Rockford Housing Authority property. Farmers Rising Rockford grows vegetables using organic and sustainable techniques. Youth Leaders sell their produce in the summer through the CSA, farmers’ markets, and direct sale to local restaurants and businesses. 

Previous Pay It Forward Organizations