The goal is to cut plastic bag use in half over the next five years, Environment Minister Laurel Broten announced.

The province has partnered with the Recycling Council of Ontario and grocer and retail associations to implement the consumer incentives system that includes store points redeemable for products, air miles or cash for customers who use reusable bags.

The program is voluntary, but if it doesn't work, the province could force mandatory per bag charges or even outright bans, the Toronto Star reported.

Other aspects of the system include training for store clerks to double-bag less often, fill bags with more items and stop bagging large or single items.

The incentive program originates from a pilot project in Sault Ste. Marie.

"...it's a really important thing that we can, each and every one of us, do on our own. I think one of the most important messages coming out of today's announcement is (that) we should all be asking ourselves what we are going to do. Why wouldn't we buy some reusable bags?" Source...