ShopRite & the Environment

For decades, the ShopRite family has been concerned about the environment and conserving natural resources. Our stores have implemented policies, procedures and initiatives to reduce our environmental impact -- from the installation of solar panels on the roofs of the ShopRites of Wharton and Garwood, N.J., to extensive recycling and composting efforts to the “GREEN” technologies such as super-efficient refrigeration systems and energy-saving lighting systems in many of our stores.

In addition to our in-store programs, our participation in local environmental initiatives gives us a chance to do even more for the world around us. These sustainability efforts allow us to work side-by-side with other community members looking to make a difference.

Photo (above, right): Solar panels on the roof of the ShopRite of Wharton, N.J.

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ShopRite has been active in environmental initiatives for more than three decades – long before it became fashionable to do so.

 

Bag Re-Use Program ~ In 1992, ShopRite implemented a bag re-use program. One of the first of its kind in the Northeast, customers who re-use their plastic, paper or any other re-usable shopping bag are rebated $.02 per bag off of their shopping order. In May 2008, we started rebating $.05 to those customers choosing to use non-disposable bags. In 2010 more than 55 million bags were reused by ShopRite customers, saving them over $5.6 million off their grocery bill. In fact, in the last three years ShopRite customers have kept over 125 million bags out of landfills while fewer resources were needed to create new bags. For more information on our bag re-use program, click here.

Recycling Center ~ ShopRite is also active in keeping other materials out of the waste stream. Since 1977, ShopRite has operated its own recycling center in Elizabeth, New Jersey. The facility, which operates 16 hours a day and six days a week, recycles plastic bags, shrink wrap and corrugated card board. In 2006, ShopRite expanded its recycling program to include white stock pill bottles from its pharmacy department while in 2009 the program was expanded to include wire bound wooden crates, fluorescent light bulbs and non-PCB ballasts. In 2010, ShopRite recycled 110,000 tons of cardboard, 2,751 tons of plastic film and bags, 812 tons of newspaper, 378 tons of office paper, 102 tons of metal, 1,975 tons of waxed corrugated, and 181 tons of hard plastic.

ShopRite Earth News ~ To help educate its customers and communities, ShopRite publishes an environmental newsletter called ShopRite Earth News. Since 2000, this award-winning publication helps inform ShopRite customers on how they can become more “green” through reducing their own energy use, composting at home to reduce waste and other ways they can help reduce their impact on the environment. Click here to check out the newest edition.

ShopRite Community Sponsorships & Conservation Efforts ~ For many years, ShopRite has provided funding and cleanup materials to community groups making a difference. From litter abatement, coastal cleanups and tree plantings to threatened and endangered wildlife efforts, ShopRite has been there!

Each year, ShopRite conducts its own “ShopRite Earth Day Challenge.” This annual event has been in place for 11 years and challenges volunteers to beautify their communities by cleaning up litter from local parks and beaches and planting flowers. Last year, 3,000 volunteers gathered in New Jersey and Connecticut to clean up more than 20 communities across the state, wearing gloves and using trash bags donated by ShopRite.

In addition to those steadfast programs, our stores have implemented policies, procedures and initiatives to reduce our environmental impact. This has included the installation of solar panels on the roofs of the ShopRite’s of Wharton, Garwood and Jersey City, NJ, extensive composting efforts, and the installation of super-efficient “green” refrigeration systems and energy-saving lighting systems in many of our stores. Sustainability is a journey and we are all on it together!

Wakefern Food Corp. / ShopRite ~ From a small, struggling cooperative with eight members – all owners of their own grocery stores – Wakefern Food Corp. has grown into the largest retailer-owned cooperative in the United States. Founded in 1946, the cooperative is comprised of 47 members who today individually own and operate more than 228 supermarkets under the ShopRite banner in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware. In 1996, Wakefern introduced PriceRite stores, extending the company’s reach into Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Today, there are 45 PriceRite stores in five states.