The company's paper shopping bags will evolve to be 100 percent recyclable. Currently, the bags' propylene handles are not recyclable but new bags in the works will have sturdy cotton handles that are recyclable. The retailer will gradually roll out the new, recyclable bags from April through September as its supply of existing bags runs out.

Additionally, Nordstrom will transition to fully recyclable gift boxes. During the holiday season, the company will introduce new gift boxes made of 100 percent recycled paper stock that is 30 percent post-consumer waste. The silver foil on the current gift boxes will be converted to a matte silver ink, making them fully recyclable. Boxes will transition during October and November as the supply of existing boxes runs out.

Nordstrom will offer linen shopping totes in its West Coast stores initially, priced at $21.95. The totes feature a cityscape illustration by famed artist Ruben Toledo and zip into a small rectangle case for easy storage. Nordstrom plans to offer the totes at its stores across the country throughout the year.

"We know our customers care about the environment and this is an effort to serve them better and reduce our impact," said Nordstrom President Erik Nordstrom. "We will continue to look for ways we can be a better corporate citizen."