Whole Foods Market is our ethical grocer of the week!
It’s near impossible to walk into a Whole Foods Market and not instantly be transported by its welcoming allure to somewhere near food heaven. Perhaps its the enchanting ambiance, the overall shopping experience or both. Whatever it is, Whole Foods Market seems to instantly tap into to the part of you that craves all things wellness.
Founded in 1980, Whole Foods Market currently has more than 500 stores in North America and the UK. Over the course of 40 years Whole Foods has become the world’s leader in natural and organic foods. It exclusively sells products free from hydrogenated fats and artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
Whole Foods gained that status by seeking out the finest natural and organic foods available, maintaining the strictest quality standards in the industry, and having an unshakable commitment to sustainable agriculture.
Yet, Whole Foods Market does a lot more that most aren’t aware of that justifiably earns them a spot on the list of ethical grocers. Check out this impressive list of earth-friendly practices.
- Printing and packaging using recycled paper and water- or vegetable-based
- Composting to decrease landfill waste
- Carpooling and public transportation support for team members
- Flushless urinals and low-flow toilets
- No single-use plastic bags at checkout since 2008
- 100% post-consumer recycled-content paper bags
- Rain-water collection systems for non-consumable purposes
- Reusable grocery bags at affordable prices
- Reusable dishes and flatware in our dining areas
- Reclaimed wood, bricks and other materials in construction
- Recycling cardboard, paperboard, paper, glass, plastic and metal
- Collection bins for batteries, printer cartridges, cell phones, corks, plastic bags and toothbrushes
- Company and community recycling drives for electronics
- Supporter of Recycle Across America
- Zero Waste Business Council certification
In addition, all Whole Foods Market stores participate in food waste diversion and recycling programs, such as composting, anaerobic digestion to create renewable energy, and animal feed programs. They have also partnered with the national organization Food Donation Connection, annually donating millions of pounds of perishable and nonperishable food to local food banks and food rescue agencies across the United States.
Whole Foods has 60 stores that are powered from rooftop solar installations with more in development. Also, some stores have battery storage installations.
Additionally, Whole Foods stores are making great strides in sustainable, green designs. Many of their stores have been or are in the process of Green Globes or LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification.
Whole Foods has more than earned it’s title as the world’s leader in natural and organic foods. It is likely that Whole Foods will continue to lead the rest of the industry as a example of what it truly takes to make the world and its inhabitants whole.
So those are the reasons why Whole Foods Market is our ethical grocer of the week. Are you are Whole Foods fan?
