Now that plastic grocery bags have all but been eliminated in retail outlets comes word from the LCBO that paper bags will be phased out at its retail stores, a move the provincial agency says will save the equivalent of 188-thousand trees each year.

A statement from the Crown corporation says 15 years after it trashed single-use plastic bags, it will discontinue paper bags over the coming months.

Customers are encouraged to bring reusable bags, or purchase them in stores.

The announcement comes after the LCBO partnered with the non-profit Tree Canada, as part of its latest sustainability campaign to raise money to plant trees in Ontario.