During Serve to Preserve: A Summit on Global Climate Change on Friday, one of the leaders of Publix was part of a leadership roundtable. He told us that in addition to researching solar energy, Publix is "looking at alternative [methods] of refrigeration and air conditioning." He also stated that Publix is"recognizing that it’s good for business and it’s also good for the environment," which was really one of the general themes of the conference overall. He continued, "Something else that’s been a real benefit since we’ve gotten into this is: we employ about 140,000 people in five states in the Southeast and what we’re learning is that young people that we appeal to for employment, what we find is that they expect business to do a good job…"
And so it goes that Publix continues its foray into specialty stores. In September, the first Publix Greenwise Market will open in September in Palm Beach Gardens. They are attempting LEED certification on the building, organic certification for prepared foods, and more. Miami’s not next on the list for a Greenwise Market, however: Boca Raton, Tampa & Vero Beach stores are planned to open after the Palm Beach Gardens branch.
Just last month, Publix received the Sustainable Large Business Best Practice Award from the Council for Sustainable Florida. Specific programs that Publix submitted with their application for the award include:
Get into a Green Routine, a Publix program launched in 2002 to educate associates on energy conservation. Since launching, the company has succeeded in reducing electricity usage by an average of 7 percent overall and approximately 23 percent in new stores.
Publix reduce-and-reuse before recycling program, where plastic is re-used for the shipping of product. Recycling efforts in 2006, lead Publix to recycle more than 209,000 tons of cardboard and 7,600 tons of plastic.
Okay Publix, we’re listening. Now let’s see how you can really affect change and get your customers to bring their own bags. How about charging for bags like IKEA does? Or putting out more "loose" fruits & veggies, instead of packaging them in Styrofoam & plastic wrap? Or labeling foods so that we can tell which ones (if any) are local?
5 Responses to “Publix to Open Green Supermarket”
Oh wow, this is awesome! I love Publix even more! Where shopping is a pleasure (and organic) hehehe
I love the Greenwise stuff. And I agree, I’d love to see more loose produce.
Know of any kind of subscription farming in southern Florida?
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I’ve found that sometimes a good visual can make all the difference to a blog post, so I’m always sure to include at least one. They brighten the place up a little too.