The Whole Foods Market chain…will stop offering plastic grocery bags by April 22, Earth Day. San Francisco banned plastic bags last year unless they are of a type that breaks down easily. China announced a crackdown on plastic bags a few weeks ago.

Whole Foods is a small retailer, but has been influential in the grocery business. The company’s move may prompt other chains to take a look at the bag issue. Tara Raddohl, a spokeswoman for Wal-Mart, said her company began selling reusable bags in October and was looking to achieve a goal of zero waste.

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