Content about Sustainability

May 15, 2013

Kroger plans on putting food waste to good use with a clean energy production system that converts food that cannot be sold or donated into clean energy, which will help power its Ralphs/Food 4 Less distribution center in Compton, Calif.

Kroger plans on putting food waste to good use with a clean energy production system that converts food that cannot be sold or donated into clean energy, which will help power its Ralphs/Food 4 Less distribution center in Compton, Calif.

April 17, 2013

President of Ikea USA Mike Ward is scheduled to keynote this year’s Retail Sustainability Conference, which will run from Monday, Sept. 30 to Thursday, Oct. 3 in Orlando, Fla.

President of Ikea USA Mike Ward is scheduled to keynote this year’s Retail Sustainability Conference, which will run from Monday, Sept. 30 to Thursday, Oct. 3 in Orlando, Fla. 

April 17, 2013

Unilever United States and Canada has achieved 100% zero waste to landfill in all 26 of its manufacturing and non-manufacturing headquarter facilities. Other countries in which Unilever has achieved this milestone include the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, France, Germany and Japan.

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J. — Unilever United States and Canada has achieved 100% zero waste to landfill in all 26 of its manufacturing and non-manufacturing headquarter facilities. Other countries in which Unilever has achieved this milestone include the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, France, Germany and Japan.

April 5, 2013

U.S. families are increasingly embracing organic products when they shop, according to a study conducted in mid-January by the Organic Trade Association.

WASHINGTON — U.S. families are increasingly embracing organic products when they shop, according to a study conducted in mid-January by the Organic Trade Association.

"More and more parents choose organic foods primarily because of their desire to provide healthful options for their children," said Christine Bushway, OTA's CEO and executive director.

April 2, 2013

Sustainability is often confused with “going green,” but while environmental improvement is part of the picture, sustainability is bigger than that.

Sustainability is often confused with “going green,” but while environmental improvement is part of the picture, sustainability is bigger than that. It’s a strategy for individuals and organizations to thrive for the long term. Operating sustainably ensures an efficient, resilient and innovative organization that not only does less harm to people and the environment, but also does more good and makes a profit in the process. Because as many have pointed out, a business that loses money won’t be around to do anything very long.

February 12, 2013

Puma has launched InCycle, the brand's first closed-loop collection of footwear, apparel and accessories, all of which have earned the "Cradle to Cradle Certified[CM] Basic" certification.

BOSTON -- Puma has launched InCycle, the brand's first closed-loop collection of footwear, apparel and accessories, all of which have earned the "Cradle to Cradle Certified[CM] Basic" certification. Puma's InCycle products are entirely biodegradable or recyclable. This product introduction is another important step in PUMA's mission to become the most sustainable and desirable Sportlifestyle company.  

January 29, 2013

An appreciation for human-crafted goods and growth in automated payment solutions are among the trends Mintel predicts will be impacting consumer behavior in the next five to 10 years.

CHICAGO — An appreciation for human-crafted goods and growth in automated payment solutions are among the trends Mintel predicts will be impacting consumer behavior in the next five to 10 years.

December 18, 2012

Kohl’s has activated its largest solar project to date at its million-sq.-ft. e-commerce fulfillment center in Edgewood, Md.

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. — Kohl’s has activated its largest solar project to date at its million-sq.-ft. e-commerce fulfillment center in Edgewood, Md.

Kohl’s, a leader in renewable energy usage, opened the facility in 2011, and recently earned Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification from the U.S. Green Building Council at the gold level. The location is Kohl’s sixth solar site in Maryland. It is also the company’s first LEED-certified logistics facility.

September 27, 2012

JERSEY CITY, N.J. — The company behind Soap.com has debuted an online shopping destination for natural, organic and sustainable products.

September 6, 2012

The Marine Stewardship Council received a nearly $11 million cash infusion from a trio of charitable foundations, including the Walton Family Foundation.

The Marine Stewardship Council received a nearly $11 million cash infusion from a trio of charitable foundations, including the Walton Family Foundation.

September 4, 2012

The Marine Stewardship Council received a nearly $11 million cash infusion from a trio of charitable foundations, including the Walton Family Foundation.

The Marine Stewardship Council received a nearly $11 million cash infusion from a trio of charitable foundations, including the Walton Family Foundation.

The groups said the multi-year investment would support expansion of a seafood certification program and continue development of partnerships with fishermen, industry and retailers.

August 17, 2012

The Global Reporting Initiative bestowed its highest accolade on Kimberly-Clark’s 2011 sustainability report.

The Global Reporting Initiative bestowed its highest accolade on Kimberly-Clark’s 2011 sustainability report.

April 20, 2012

Walmart held another one of its sustainability milestone meetings this week and webcast the event live from the auditorium at its home office. By the time the hour-and-a-half event was over the senior executives who participated had delivered a clear and consistent message around the company’s wide-ranging sustainability efforts.

Walmart held another one of its sustainability milestone meetings this week and webcast the event live from the auditorium at its home office. By the time the hour-and-a-half event was over the senior executives who participated had delivered a clear and consistent message around the company’s wide-ranging sustainability efforts.

April 16, 2012

Significant waste reduction and greater use of renewable energy are detailed in Walmart’s just-released fifth annual Global Responsibility Report (GRR).

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Significant waste reduction and greater use of renewable energy are detailed in Walmart’s just-released fifth annual Global Responsibility Report (GRR). Entitled “Beyond 50 Years: Building a Sustainable Future,” the report highlights the chain’s global top 10 list of achievements to reduce its impact on the environment, improve efficiency in its supply chain and stores, and address social issues.

March 13, 2012

Sustainability is a core part of most retailers' strategies, but unless you have someone to lead the charge, those efforts can fall by the wayside.

CINCINNATI — Sustainability is a core part of most retailers' strategies, but unless you have someone to lead the charge, those efforts can fall by the wayside. Kroger has taken steps to ensure its sustainable initiatives are met by hiring Suzanne Lindsay to fill the new role of director of sustainability. Lindsay will direct Kroger's internal sustainability initiatives and will lead the company's sustainability leadership team.

March 8, 2012

Walmart is guilty of greenwashing to enhance it corporate reputation, and it would take the company three centuries at the current pace to reach its goal of being supplied 100% by renewable energy, according to a group critical of Walmart sustainability efforts that others have lauded.

Walmart is guilty of greenwashing to enhance it corporate reputation, and it would take the company three centuries at the current pace to reach its goal of being supplied 100% by renewable energy, according to a group critical of Walmart sustainability efforts that others have lauded.

January 31, 2012

Office Depot announced Tuesday the release of its 2011 Corporate Citizenship Report, highlighting its commitment to business, ethics, diversity, environmental sustainability and community.

BOCA RATON, Fla. — Office Depot announced Tuesday the release of its 2011 Corporate Citizenship Report, highlighting its commitment to business, ethics, diversity, environmental sustainability and community.

Highlights of the report include diversity initiatives such as its Historically Underutilized Businesses catalog, which features products by businesses owned by minorities, women, the disabled and veterans; its ranking as the greenest retailer in America; and its compliance training initiatives.

January 30, 2012

The Retail Industry Leaders Association has released its first report on sustainability practices among some of its retail members.

WASHINGTON — The Retail Industry Leaders Association has released its first report on sustainability practices among some of its retail members. The 2012 Retail Sustainability Report highlights sustainability leadership in the retail industry and highlights company examples to highlight the innovative work of the industry and illustrate what it can anticipate over the coming years.

January 13, 2012

Walmart’s sharpest critics will acknowledge that much good has come of the company’s sustainability efforts, but there are voices who maintain an inherent conflict exists between saving the planet and a business model based on selling as much low-priced stuff as possible to as many people as possible.

December 15, 2011

Kohl’s Department Stores will pilot electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at 33 stores nationwide.

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. — Kohl’s Department Stores will pilot electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at 33  stores nationwide. Each participating Kohl’s store will have one to four parking spaces reserved for EV drivers to charge at no cost while they shop. Charging stations can be activated by EV drivers in various ways including radio frequency identification (RFID) cards available at Kohl’s customer service desk and via phone numbers provided on the charging stations. 

October 13, 2011

Ikea officially plugged-in two Blink Level 2 electric vehicle charging stations at its Portland, Ore., store as part of its partnership with ECOtality, a leader in clean electric transportation and storage technologies.

PORTLAND, Ore. — Ikea officially plugged-in two Blink Level 2 electric vehicle charging stations at its Portland, Ore., store as part of its partnership with ECOtality, a leader in clean electric transportation and storage technologies.

The initiative is the first such project for Ikea in the United States. Similar installations aa planned at eight other Ikea stores in the Western United States.

September 21, 2011

Ikea demonstrated the retail industry's commitment to the environment and sustainability by taking part in Climate Week, which is taking place in New York City this week.

CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. — Ikea demonstrated the retail industry's commitment to the environment and sustainability by taking part in Climate Week, which is taking place in New York City this week. Ikea U.S. president Mike Ward was part of a 6-person sustainability panel held at 7 World Trade Center on Sept 19. Others on the panel included NYC mayor Michael Bloomberg and former British prime minister Tony Blair.

September 19, 2011

Duane Reade has added Smith Electric Vehicles' Newton zero-emission, all-electric commercial trucks to its delivery fleet.

NEW YORK, and KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Duane Reade has added Smith Electric Vehicles' Newton zero-emission, all-electric commercial trucks to its delivery fleet.

With the addition of these medium-duty trucks, Duane Reade is the first retail pharmacy in the United States to choose fleet electrification through a pilot program with Smith Electric Vehicles, a global leader in zero-emission, all-electric commercial vehicles.

September 6, 2011

The economic challenges sweeping the country have been tough, but, like most things in life, it’s not the challenging times that define you, but what you do during them. For leaders in the retail industry the last few years have led to great innovation, providing the retail industry every opportunity to reinvent in areas across their operations including in the area of environmental sustainability.

The economic challenges sweeping the country have been tough, but, like most things in life, it’s not the challenging times that define you, but what you do during them. For leaders in the retail industry the last few years have led to great innovation, providing the retail industry every opportunity to reinvent in areas across their operations including in the area of environmental sustainability. 

August 15, 2011

The Professional Recyclers of Pennsylvania recently recognized Weis Markets for its commitment to recycling and its innovative program to recycle waxed cardboard used to ship and store fresh vegetables and meats, the grocer announced Monday.

SUNBURY, Pa. — The Professional Recyclers of Pennsylvania recently recognized Weis Markets for its commitment to recycling and its innovative program to recycle waxed cardboard used to ship and store fresh vegetables and meats, the grocer announced Monday.

In 2010, Weis Markets teamed up with Envirolog to recycle its waxed cardboard and produce Envirolog fireplace logs, which are sold in Weis Markets stores.  Typically, supermarkets send most of their waxed cardboard to landfills since it is difficult to recycle.