In the fall of last year, the Brattleboro Food Co-op implemented a program with the catchy name “Bags for Beans for Brattleboro.”
Previously, the Co-op - like many other shops - had deducted 5 cents from the total grocery bill for each shopping bag or container a customer brings (called a “green stamp”), instead of using bags that the Co-op provides.
Now, customers have a choice between green stamps and receiving a bean for each bag or container. These beans are placed in any of three different containers next to the exit. The containers are large water-cooler bottles, clearly marked with the names of three different charities - currently, the Senior Center, Morningside Shelter, and the Overflow Shelter.
It is probably safe to assume that for most customers, a deduction of 5 cents per bag from the bill doesn't really make a noticeable difference, but these 5 cents do add up to sizable contributions for the individual charities.