SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, Old Navy announces the elimination of plastic shopping bags in the U.S. and Canada stores by 2023, alongside 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-minded changemakers in honor of the 51st anniversary of Earth Day. In partnership with 11-year-old Next Gen leader Ryan Hickman of Ryan’s Recycling Company, Old Navy will fund 51 GoFundMe fundraisers from young advocates leading environmental progress in their communities.
Alongside its own sustainability efforts, Old Navy wants to encourage the next generation of innovative, eco-conscious activists to #imagineabetterfuture. The brand is naming “Recycle Ryan” Hickman as Old Navy’s Head of FUNcycling and investing in Project 3R, Ryan’s nonprofit organization dedicated to recycling awareness. In his new role, Ryan will work with Old Navy to select youth-led GoFundMe fundraisers focused on sustainability. In honor of the 51st Annual Earth Day, the brand will fund 51 fundraisers from now until the end of 2021. On its social channels, Old Navy will be sharing a series of tips from the recycling prodigy that are “so easy an adult can do them.”
“I’m really passionate about recycling and taking care of our environment, and that’s why I’m so excited to be partnering with Old Navy to make plastic waste a thing of the past,” said Old Navy Head of FUNcycling Ryan Hickman. “Together, we will work to raise awareness and support those that are making a difference in their communities. I am a strong believer that we can make a big impact when we all work together.”
Old Navy is imagining a greener future where plastic waste is a thing of the past. Parent company Gap Inc. has committed to eliminating unnecessary single-use plastics by 2030, and Old Navy is sharing steps towards that goal. By 2023, all plastic shopping bags in the brand’s U.S. and Canada stores will be replaced with paper shoppers made from 40% post-consumer waste kraft material. By the end of 2021, the brand’s plastic hanger recycling program, currently in over half of U.S. and Canada stores, will extend to 100% of the fleet.
Additionally, packaging from OldNavy.com, as well as those from Gap Inc. sister brands, will be updated to 50% recycled content, increased from the current 35%. These mailers, which will begin hitting mailboxes this summer, will also be reusable for returns and recyclable at drop-off locations. Customers can learn more at Gapinc.com/inthebag.
Old Navy’s sustainability work is part of the brand’s purpose platform The Imagine Mission. The Imagine Mission strives to create a better future for future generations through the pillars of opportunity, inclusivity and sustainability. Learn more about Old Navy’s values-driven work at Oldnavy.com/Imagine.
About Old Navy
Old Navy is a global apparel and accessories brand that makes current American essentials accessible to every family. Originated in 1994, the brand celebrates the democracy of style through on-trend, playfully optimistic, affordable and high-quality products. A division of San Francisco-based Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS), Old Navy brings a fun, energizing shopping environment to its customers in more than 1,200 stores around the world. For more information, please visit www.oldnavy.com.
About GoFundMe
Founded in 2010, GoFundMe is a fundraising platform that connects people, causes, and charities seeking support with those able to help. GoFundMe provides an efficient and safe platform to raise money for both immediate and long-term needs, while making an impact on a global scale. GoFundMe is inspiring hope and changing lives through giving. Find us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
[TM1] Announced in Gap Inc’s 2019 Sustainability Report: https://www.gapincsustainability.com/environment/protecting-our-shared-environment/diverting-waste
