QUEBEC CITY, QUEBEC -- (MARKET WIRE) -- September 3, 2008 -- Zone aims to become a model for sustainable development on the university campus, and is taking a number of concrete steps in this direction starting in September.

Zone will phase out the use of plastic bags at its various locations.

This is why, starting in September, it has offered reusable bags made locally in Quebec, priced below cost at 0.99 cents. Receptacles for collecting used plastic bags will also be set up outside each location in order to redistribute these bags. Finally, each purchase made without a plastic bag will receive a 0.05 cents discount, and a matching amount will be contributed to a sustainable development fund for financing various projects of the cooperative. Use of plastic bags at Zone will end permanently in January 2009.

This fall, Zone will purchase an electric-powered truck in order to reduce its GHG emissions. In step with the goals of sustainable development, the "Nemo", made locally in Quebec, will optimize the transport of goods between the cooperative's locations. The whole initiative will spark the creation of new jobs at Zone.

As a participant in the region's sustainable and cooperative development, Zone contributes significant financial support to the sustainable development funds of Laval University, Fondation Socodevi, and to various cooperative development funds with a contribution of $40,000, $25,000 and $150,000 respectively.

Zone's interest in sustainable development activities dates back to the formation of its sustainable development committee in 2005. Since then, the Committee has taken many concrete actions within the cooperative with regard to awareness-building, information, representation and management in association with sustainable development.

The establishment of an eco-advisory post in the cooperative in 2008 bears witness to the importance it has given to its new focus on sustainable development. This new position will be instrumental in implementing future development projects involving the cooperative.

In 2008-09, these measures will impact the reduction of the use of paper, the collection of used batteries and computer equipment, the promotion of responsible consumption as well as teaching environmentally sound habits to employees and members of the cooperative. Zone is proud to serve the needs of its members and those of future generations.

About Zone Cooperative of Laval University:

Zone Cooperative of Laval University is dedicated to the creation and distribution of knowledge tools, with a vast selection of more than 40,000 titles. Zone is the most important scientific Francophone bookstore in North America. Its activities also extend to the field of information technology, as well as the sale of school supplies, stationery, art supplies and promotional items at its eight locations. Zone solidifies its commitment to the community through its recurring activities in community development, university activities and the cooperative movement. For more information on Zone, visit www.zone.coop.

Zone Cooperative of Laval University

Zone Cooperative of Laval University

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