Canadian grocer Metro, Inc. will become the first supermarket chain in that country to offer reusable produce bags in all of its 484 stores in the provinces of Quebec and Ontario.

Due in stores by the end of the month, the see-through mesh bags will serve as an alternative to the rolls of plastic bags in Metro banner stores’ produce sections. A set of four bags will retail for CAN $4.99.

“Metro remains committed to initiating measures that positively impact the environment, and we feel this reusable bag is one more step in the right direction,” noted Johanne Choinière, SVP of Metro Ontario, Inc. “Reusable produce bags are yet another initiative by Metro, Inc. to reduce plastic bags at the source and address a request by Metro customers who, in a recent survey, expressed concern about the over packaging of fruits and vegetables.”

The survey conducted by Metro additionally found that 77 percent of the grocer’s customers are trying to limit their use of plastic bags when buying fruits and vegetables, while 76 percent said they would be interested in purchasing reusable produce bags. Further, 87 percent of customers said they prefer buying individual fruits and vegetables over pre-packaged ones.

Montreal-based Metro operates 212 locations in Quebec under the Metro, Metro Plus, Super C and Marché Richelieu banners, and 272 stores in Ontario under two conventional banners, Metro, A&P and Food Basics banners. This year, all remaining A&P banners will switch to the Metro name.