Environmental Programs
Recycling Programs
Wakefern-supported stores recycle a total of 90,000 tons of cardboard per year. In addition to corrugated and waxed cardboard, these stores recycle plastic wrap, plastic bags, newspapers, magazines, circulars, books, office paper, pharmacy stock pill bottles, and black plastic flower containers.
Wakefern has actively diverted recyclable material out of its municipal waste stream since the 1970’s.
In addition, overstocked produce and other perishables are donated to local food banks as a part of the company’s community outreach programs.
At-Retail Reusable Bag Programs
Wakefern-supported retail stores promote the use and purchase of recycled and reusable shopping bags as an alternative to new plastic bags. Customers who bring their own paper or plastic bags receive a 2¢ per bag credit, and those with non-disposable bags receive 5¢. The 2¢ credit initiative was implemented in the early 1990s, and the 5¢ plan was introduced in July 2008.
These incentives have pushed shoppers to be more conscientious in the use and reuse of shopping bags. In 2008, Wakefern-supported retail store customers reused more than 22.3 million paper and plastic bags.
Green Product Procurement
Wakefern works to procure green products to offer to the retail stores it services. These products include compact fluorescent lights (CFL), environmental back-to-school supplies, hybrid batteries, bamboo cutting boards, home water filtration systems, non-bleached coffee filters, organic kitchen towels, natural sponges, and bagged organic soil.
Conservation Partnerships
Wakefern has worked for many years to cultivate environmental partnerships with a number of organizations.
Some of these partnerships include the following:
Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions (ANJEC)
ANJEC, a non-profit organization, helps New Jersey environmental commissions, individuals, local and state agencies to preserve natural resources and to promote sustainable communities.
Alliance for New Jersey Environmental Education (ANJEE)
ANJEE provides a networking forum for New Jersey's enviromental educators, facilitating the advancement of environmental education in local, state and global communities.
Audubon Society of New Jersey
The Audubon Society has been preserving wildlife and natural systems since 1897.
Clean Ocean Action
Wakefern works with Clean Ocean Action on their annual beach cleanups throughout New Jersey.
Clearwater of New Jersey
This organization actively educates children and adults about the importance of clean water. This group is best known for its portable environmental classroom and its annual music and environmental festival in Asbury Park, NJ.
Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey
Conserve Wildlife is a non-profit organization dedicated to New Jersey's wildlife. Wakefern has provided funding and other services benefiting Conserve Wildlife and its initiatives.
Greater Newark Conservancy
This organization promotes environmental stewardship to improve the qualtiy of life in New Jersey's urban communities. The Conservancy has four program areas - environmental education, community greening and gardening, job training and advocacy for environmental justice.
Hackensack Riverkeeper
The Riverkeeper advocates the responsible restoration and conservation of the various fish and wildlife habitats that exist within the Hackensack River watershed. Wakefern and the Hackensack Riverkeeper have worked for a number of years on the World Series of Birding fund-raising event.
Institute for Sustainable Enterprises (ISE)
ISE at Fairleigh Dickinson University educates current and future leaders of business, government, non-profit and educational institutions about sustainability.
Island Beach State Park Nature Center
Every year, this organization is vital in rebuilding and stablilizing the dunes of Island Beach State Park.
New Jersey Clean Communities Council
The Clean Communities Council is New Jersey's only statewide litter-abatement program and offers children and adults many opportunities to get involved in litter cleanups.