Grocers Go Green for Earth Day

In anticipation of Earth Day on April 22, grocery retailers nationwide are launching special promotions and events to highlight their corporate responsibility commitment, support of local environmental organizations and sustainability efforts, as well as offer shoppers in-store savings and the opportunity to give back to their communities.

SpartanNash has teamed up with Goodwill Industries for the eighth year in a row to hold Earth Week donation drives for its customers and associates from April 16-23. Customers who bring in donations to any participating Goodwill store in Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wisconsin on Saturday, April 21, or Sunday, April 22, will receive a coupon book with discounts for organic milk and cleaning products, as well as a coupon for $10 off a $25 or more purchase. The coupons are redeemable at Family Fare Supermarkets, D&W Fresh Market, VG’s Grocery, Econofoods, Family Fresh Market or any of SpartanNash’s more than 140 corporate-owned stores.

“We are excited to continue our partnership with Goodwill and challenge our associates and store guests to do some spring cleaning for a good cause,” said Meredith Gremel, VP of corporate affairs and communications, in a statement. “By donating clothing, electronics and household items to Goodwill, we can reduce landfill waste, promote reuse of products and create jobs through Goodwill’s job training programs. We also take this opportunity to raise awareness for the need to recycle, reuse and reinvest in workforce development training.”

SpartanNash is also hosting on-site donation drives at its distribution centers in Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma and Texas, along with the company’s four service centers in Grand Rapids, Mich.; Minneapolis; Indianapolis; and Norfolk, Va.

Since 2011, SpartanNash has diverted more than 211,500 pounds of materials from landfills, and Goodwill has converted the donations into 45,355 hours of workforce development training for people in their local communities.

Whole Foods Market will host its second quarterly Community Giving Day, also known as 5% Day, nationwide on April 19 in support of local and community environmental organizations in the U.S. and Canada, with nearly half of Whole Foods stores donating to The Nature Conservancy.

The retailer first launched Community Giving Day in 1993, during which 5% of the day’s net sales are donated to support local nonprofit or educational associations that align with the company’s core values. The funds contributed this quarter to The Nature Conservancy will support a number of conservation efforts across 32 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces.

“Focusing this quarterly 5% Day on local environmental programs and sustainability initiatives, including those led by The Nature Conservancy, was an exciting way to highlight our commitment to those values,” said Sonya Gafsi Oblisk, global VP of marketing for Whole Foods Market, in a statement. “The advancement of environmental stewardship is a key core value for our brand, which is the foundation of Whole Foods Market.”

Whole Foods said it will also invest in organizations, projects and programs that promote active environmental stewardship, including sustainable agriculture, expanding the organic market and conserving natural resources. The retailer estimates the total Community Giving Day donation will reach $2 million.

Natural Grocers is inviting its shoppers to pledge to protect the ladybug by vowing to never use chemicals that harm them or other beneficial insects, as well as commit to supporting 100% organic produce. The retailer is hosting a free educational class to teach customers how to make a natural, do-it-yourself weed killer, plus a three-day sale from April 20-22, featuring products from a number of environmentally friendly suppliers. Natural Grocers will also offer customers a free reusable shopping bag with their purchase during the sale, as well as a chance to win Natural Grocers gift cards.

“We are dedicated to protecting the environment because the health of the environment is directly linked to the health of the economy, and the health of all people,” Heather Isely, EVP of Natural Grocers, said in a statement. “This Earth Day, Natural Grocers selected the ladybug as its mascot because it symbolizes the importance beneficial insects play in the overall health of the economy and environment.”