Losing More of the Plastic Paunch at Whole Foods

In addition to the magical plastic bag disappearing act that took place on Earth Day at Whole Foods stores around the nation, the company has also tightened the belt on another major use of plastic—to go containers.

Instead of the usual plastic, cardboard, or styrofoam (gasp!) containers found in most supermarket self-service food sections, Whole Foods customers now pile their ready-made salads and other such sundries into completely compostable containers.

Many stores also have composting programs, which complete a full circle of local sustainability. Store refuse is composted, the compost is sold, and the profits are donated to local charities.

“This is just another part of our green mission, and it represents one of our core values, which is caring for our communities and our environment,” says Whole Foods spokesperson Kate Lowery.

Here is a sampling of some of the other local and nationwide Whole Foods environmental initiatives:

• Offsets 100 percent of electricity used in every facility through the purchase of wind energy carbon credits
• Collects and recycles small batteries
• Uses recycled paper products
• Builds “green”: two stores are Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certified with plans to construct similar stores soon
• Working to reduce water use, and overall waste

And remember, when you take the new biodegradable containers home, the final step is up to you.