Previous Navy declares sustainability commitments and its newest initiative
Old Navy plans to ban the use of plastic bags in stores in the US and Canada by 2023
Old Navy announced the elimination of plastic bags in stores in the US and Canada by 2023, along with other plastic reduction commitments aimed at creating a greener, cleaner future for the next generation.
The brand will also invest in a new wave of earth-conscious changeists in honor of the 51st anniversary of Earth Day. Working with 11-year-old next-gen leader Ryan Hickman of Ryan’s Recycling Company, Old Navy will fund 51 GoFundMe fundraisers from young advocates who are driving environmental advancement in their communities by the end of 2021.
In addition to its own sustainability efforts, Old Navy aims to encourage the next generation of innovative, environmentally conscious activists to envision a better future. The brand names “Recycle Ryan” Hickman as Head of FUNcycling for the Old Navy and invests in Project 3R, Ryan’s not-for-profit organization dedicated to recycling awareness.
In his new role, Ryan will partner with Old Navy to select youth-led GoFundMe fundraisers that focus on sustainability. On its social channels, Old Navy will post a series of tips from the recycling prodigy that are “so easy an adult can do”.
“I’m very passionate about recycling and protecting our environment, so I’m excited to be working with Old Navy to make plastic waste a thing of the past,” said Ryan Hickman, head of Old Navy at FUNcycling. “Together we will work to raise awareness and support those who make a difference in their communities. I firmly believe that if we all work together, we can have a huge impact. “
Old Navy envisions a greener future where plastic waste will be a thing of the past. Parent company Gap Inc. is committed to eliminating unnecessary single-use plastics by 2030, and Old Navy shares steps toward that goal.
By 2023, all plastic bags in the brand’s stores in the US and Canada will be replaced with paper buyers made from 40% post-consumer kraft material. By the end of 2021, the brand’s plastic hanger recycling program, currently available in more than half of US and Canadian stores, will comprise 100% of the fleet.
In addition, packaging from OldNavy.com and from Gap Inc. Sister brands will be updated to 50% recycled content, down from 35% currently. These mailers, which will reach mailboxes from this summer, can also be reused for returns and recycled at drop-off points.
Old Navy’s sustainability work is part of the brand’s The Imagine Mission platform. The Imagine Mission strives to create a better future for future generations through the pillars of opportunities, inclusivity and sustainability.
