Five Grocers Going Greener

In honor of Earth Day, here are five grocery retailers working to reduce their environmental impact 

Environmentally and socially conscious retailing is a growing trend that only continues to increase in importance. In recognition of Earth Day, we are highlighting five grocery retailers and their sustainability initiatives for greener, safer retail practices.

Walmart takes a stand for pollinators 

Walmart recently announced a new commitment to helping restore pollinator habitats. Due to pests, pollution, pesticides and loss of habitat, the populations of vital pollinators has been in decline. Walmart is working with suppliers and stakeholders to promote integrated pest management practices, vowing to source 100% of its fresh produce and floral from suppliers that adopt these safer practices by 2025. 

Food Lion leads the pack in energy conservation 

Food Lion has once again received the Energy Star Partner of the Year award, marking 20 consecutive years of receiving this award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. Since 2000, Food Lion has made efforts to reduce energy usage and increase sustainability across all aspects of business, including using more energy-efficient LED lighting in-store, sustainably-sourced seafood, and reducing refrigerant emissions. 

Food Lion’s parent company, Ahold Delhaize USA, released updated sustainability goals earlier this year, including enhanced sourcing information and more sustainably sourced seafood, coffee and tea by 2025. 

Russia’s largest food retailer forges sustainability path 

As Russia is still somewhat new to sustainable retail, much of the infrastructure is not yet in place. But X5 Retail Group isn’t letting that stop them from working towards reducing their emissions and waste, and increasing their renewable energy share. 

X5’s initiatives include package collection and recycling, environmentally responsible packaging guidelines for suppliers, and extensive sustainability education for employees. 

Albertsons ads sustainable wines to own brands 

Albertsons can now count Kalyana sustainable wines as part of its Own Brands portfolio of sustainable products. With this new addition, Albertsons continues to expand its commitment to offering customers exclusive products that meet their sustainability demands. 

Whole Foods assists sustainability-minded consumers 

In an effort to make it easier for consumers to identify and purchase responsibly sourced products right there in store, Whole Foods is adding a Sourced for Good seal on items that support the environment and farm workers.  

The grocery retailer has also recently rolled out Honeywell refrigerant to reduce their CO2 emissions and environmental impact. Whole Foods plans to retrofit over 100 stores with this more energy efficient refrigerant. 

Want more on sustainability? Check out these ways pricing can be leveraged for more sustainable retailing from pricing expert Matt Pavich.