Going Green

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – Hiller’s Markets shoppers can now grocery-shop green with new custom ChicoBags, for sale in all stores this week for $6.99 each.

These reusable bags bear the red Hiller’s logo and fold to a 3x4-inch keychain pouch small enough to tote on a belt loop or stuff in a pocket. At full size, they hold 25 pounds of groceries.

The machine-washable Hiller’s version is the ChicoBag rePETe Original, made of 99% recycled content (7 plastic bottles are used to make every bag).

“We already give shoppers a 5-cent discount for each bag they bring with them into the store – that way we cut down on consumption of disposable bags and protect the environment while adding a small cost-savings to every grocery bill,” says Jim Hiller, CEO and owner of the family-owned grocery company.

“By selling versatile, easy-to-use reusable bags, we make it even easier for our shoppers to be environmentally-friendly,” he adds.

Single-use plastic grocery bags, which were created in 1977, are made of petroleum, adding to U.S. oil consumption. The Environmental Protection Agency reports that only 1% of plastic bags are recycled while about 20% of paper bags are; the rest sit in landfills. The Wall Street Journal reported that 100 billion plastic shopping bags are used in the U.S. every year.

In January, Jim Hiller discontinued cigarette sales in all seven Hiller’s stores so that he would no longer contribute to the widespread harm caused by this habit. Offering shoppers custom reusable grocery bags this summer is another step in an ongoing crusade to make ethical business decisions that positively impact the community at-large.

“My personal beliefs are intertwined in my business ethos – they are inseparable,” says Hiller. “Every opportunity to impact the greater good is a gift. If I can leave a legacy of health and well-being beyond simply supplying great quality groceries, I will have achieved true success.”

Hiller’s has been a community anchor since 1941. Started by Hiller’s father and soon to be led by his son, Justin, its seven stores represent the communities they serve with unparalleled service, selection and quality.

Dedicated to promoting Michigan companies, Hiller’s highlights local products with special shelf tags. Hiller himself mentors a plethora of cottage industries and local food entrepreneurs and is dedicated to the overall success of the local economy. His 2008 Buy Michigan Initiative spearheaded a statewide effort to showcase and patronize local businesses through the current recession.

Hiller’s Markets are located in Ann Arbor, Berkley, West Bloomfield, Commerce Township, Union Lake, Northville and Plymouth. Hiller’s specializes in catering to a wide variety of specialty palates, including Southeast Michigan’s most extensive selection of Japanese and British foods, gluten-free products and kosher items.

Upcoming food fairs include a Michigan product event at the Northville store August 1-2 and a gluten-free food fair August 15-16 at the West Bloomfield store. Hiller’s Executive Chef Peter Julian will offer three in-store Summer Samplings, with tastes of easy meals for under $10.

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