When it comes to practicing innumerable and varied environmental measures, Jacksonville, Florida based Winn-Dixie supermarkets are definitely out in the forefront. Many of their innovative measures fall into the “Why didn’t I think of that?” category.
For instance, equipment and parts for routine maintenance of stores and offices are ordered uncrated or unpacked whenever possible, and reused if appropriate, providing the used parts do not affect operational efficiency. Other measures are definitely on the cutting edge; for instance, the company was a leader in introducing stay-on tabs for company produced Chek beverage cans in 1976, thereby removing aluminum ring pulls from the waste stream. In 1991, they introduced photodegradable, “Easy Open Tear Tab” carriers for their Chek beverages to replace the plastic ring holders that are not biodegradable and often pose a hazard to wildlife.
Winn-Dixie’s energy conservation program program is aimed at achieving optimum efficiency and eliminating waste in all areas. Purchasing the most energy-efficient equipment is one step the company has taken; for instance, equipment was installed to reclaim rejected heat from refrigeration systems to provide both air temperature comfort and water heating. The use of computer controlled and monitored refrigeration and air conditioning systems also saves energy. While maintaining acceptable light levels, the use of reflectorized lighting reduces the amount of lamps and ballasts needed by about 50 percent.
Other steps include monitoring utility bills to guard against excessive use, increasing building insulation and decreasing building surface glass. To encourage and maintain employee awareness, an energy conservation awareness training video was created for retail associates. Also, awareness posters and stickers were put on walls and near equipment switches. Oil was conserved when their backhaul program was implemented and more than 802,000 miles were saved by their delivery tractor trailer fleet .
To reduce waste and conserve resources used in packaging, Winn-Dixie is taking several steps. First, most produce is available to customers in bulk, not prepackaged. In their offices, all documents are reproduced front and back to conserve paper use. Computer paper reports are downsized, consolidated and/or eliminated. In addition, an electronic mail system has been established throughout company offices to reduce paper usage. Packaging is being reduced on all private label products such as paper towels, bath tissue, napkins, paper plates, detergents and cracker boxes. Small boxes are being reused to pack customers’ purchased products rather than using paper bags.
Winn-Dixie also has made many efforts in the recycling area. Scraps of fat and bone from the meat department are utilized in animal food. Used deli cooking oils are utilized in soapmaking. Egg cartons are made from recycled material and are recyclable after use. Company letterhead is printed on recycled paper, and silver is reclaimed from film processing in the company’s photographic department. Reusable produce crates, lugs and hampers are returned to growers and farmers. Wooden pallets in the distribution center are repaired for reuse, thus helping to save trees. Nonrepairable wooden pallets are returned to crate builders for recycling.
“Recycling and conservation are the right things to do, from both a business and ecology point of view. Neither requires any real sacrifice for the company, so obviously helping to protect the environment is an all around good thing,” said G.E. “Mickey” Clerc, vice president of Winn -Dixie.
What’s in it for Winn-Dixie?
Aside from goodwill and a sense of achievement acquired through Winn-Dixie’s multifaceted energy saving, resource conserving and recycling programs, they are sure their environmental awareness programs also have brought financial benefits to the company.