Sustainable Florida Best Practices Awards Program

| 10/1/2007

People	Profit	Planet

Large Business Best Practice Award

Publix Super Markets

Publix Super Markets, the largest employee-owned supermarket chain in the United States, recognizes the need to conserve resources by implementing sustainable practices – to make sure that more than just its logo is green.

With Get Into a Green Routine, Publix has developed a thoroughly integrated approach toward reducing waste, increasing recycling efforts, conserving energy and water and eliminating the use of hazardous materials by educating their associates in the part they play in the company’s sustainability.

With Get Into a Green Routine, Publix has a comprehensive sustainability plan. [Photo courtesy Publix Super Markets]

The program has helped to reduce electricity consumption by seven percent overall and approximately 23 percent in new stores. The company has begun the use of reusable crates for shipping and also donates surplus food to local food banks.

In 2006, Publix recycled more than 209,000 tons of cardboard and 7,600 tons of plastic as well as many other materials. The avoided landfill disposal costs (as a result of recycling) exceeded Publix’s garbage costs in 2005 and 2006.

Publix believes that every company has the potential to reduce energy usage and manage its waste to minimize the materials put in their garbage containers (which ultimately end up in a landfill or a waste-to-energy facility). By following the same process, each company can determine how best to achieve energy savings without sacrificing productivity or losing money.

What can you do?

• Measure your electricity usage, emissions, waste and water usage.
• Set measurable benchmark goals to reduce usage.
• Educate and motivate employees and customers about efforts to protect environment and reduce costs.
• Publicly report efforts and progress made.

Tags: Environment