To mark Earth Day on April 22nd, H-E-B gave away 274,000 free reusable bags to customers across Texas. Shoppers at H-E-B, Central Market, Joe V’s Smart Shop, and Mi Tienda locations received a complimentary bag with purchase. Since launching this initiative in 2008, the retailer has distributed over 3.2 million Earth Day bags.
This year’s design resembled a nostalgic postcard featuring Galveston Island State Park and was the second in a three-year collectible series. Additional bags were available for $1.50. As a special bonus, one customer from each store was selected at random to receive a Texas State Parks annual pass.
The giveaway was part of H-E-B’s Our Texas, Our Future initiative, a long-term commitment to raising awareness and supporting environmental sustainability efforts that help preserve Texas’ land, water, and air. As part of these efforts, H-E-B continued its sponsorship of the Trash Free Gulf campaign, which invited Texans to participate in more than 40 volunteer cleanup events throughout April and May.
Additionally, between March 4th and April 4th, 792 schools across Texas took part in H-E-B’s Annual School Plastic Bag Recycling Challenge, collecting more than 6.7 million plastic bags – a new record, surpassing last year’s 5 million. The Early Childhood Center in Eagle Pass led the charge, turning in over 406,000 plastic bags, up from 97,000 in 2023.
Frances Zapata, the school’s P.E. coach, engaged Pre-K and kindergarten students with videos about recycling and motivated them through pizza parties, prizes, and extra recess. Some children even walked their neighborhoods with wagons, collecting bags from neighbors. “They were all excited to do this, and they see the good in it,” said Zapata. “They were jumping for joy to see their work pay off and know they helped clean up our community.”
Throughout April, H-E-B Partners also volunteered at tree plantings, community cleanups, and other outdoor events across the state. Many stores also hosted Earth Day-themed activities for their communities. H-E-B partnered with local organizations to raise awareness around sustainable practices, with events listed on the H-E-B community calendar.
Customers were also encouraged to donate to H-E-B Trees for Texans through May 6th. The program, in partnership with Texan by Nature, focuses on planting native trees in schools and public spaces throughout Texas. Since 2012, H-E-B has contributed over $20 million to more than 500 environmental organizations supporting land and water conservation, habitat preservation, and community cleanup efforts.
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