March 17, 2008 - Department store chain Nordstrom is transitioning to fully recyclable shopping bags and gift boxes, to be rolled out as current supplies run out over the course of this year.

By the end of September, Nordstrom's expects to offer only 100% recyclable paper shopping bags at its locations throughout the U.S. (Its existing bags' non-recyclable propylene handles will be replaced by cotton.) In time for the Christmas shopping season, the company will also introduce new gift boxes made of 100% recycled paper stock sourced from 30% post-consumer waste. The silver foil on the current gift boxes will be converted to a matte silver ink, making them fully recyclable as well.

Nordstrom began selling reusable shopping totes, priced at $21.95, in its West Coast stores over the weekend.