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Giant Food Stores aims for a smaller carbon footprint

Planting program will reduce carbon emissions from fuel stations

Russell Redman

April 20, 2018

2 Min Read
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Giant Food Stores and Martin’s Food Markets are taking a green-thumb approach to lessen the environmental impact of their fuel stations.

The Carlisle, Pa.-based supermarket chains, part of Ahold Delhaize USA, said Friday they’ve partnered with sustainability specialist GreenPrint on an emissions-reduction program that will shrink the carbon footprint at their 98 fuel locations.

Starting on May 15, for each gallon of gas customers pump at Giant and Martin’s fuel stations, GreenPrint will mobilize a network of local volunteers to conduct certified, proportional carbon-offset projects, such as creating local greenscapes or planting trees. The companies said the projects neutralize carbon emissions by up to 30%. 

Manuel_Haro_Giant_Carlisle_0.jpg"We believe it is our responsibility to make a positive difference in the environment, because it is the right thing to do. And we think the GreenPrint model is innovative and, frankly, pretty cool," Manuel Haro (left), vice president of strategy for Giant and Martin’s, said in a statement.

To monitor the effectiveness of the program, GreenPrint will provide real-time audited reports with details on carbon emissions, offsets purchased and retired and project investments.

"We see this as a game-changing program where we can directly address climate change, as it is harmful to the local food system,” Haro added. “Our ultimate goal is to be part of the solution that allows us to feed and bring families together for many years to come."

Giant and GreenPrint officials will kick off the program on May 15 in an event at Giant’s store and fuel station in Enola, Pa. In a related effort, Giant/Martin’s and GreenPrint have teamed up with the Arbor Day Foundation to plant 100,000 trees this year in the Mid-Atlantic region.

"Climate change is adversely impacting communities and agriculture here in the U.S. and worldwide," said Pete Davis, founder and chief executive officer of Atlanta-based GreenPrint, which works with over 42,000 corporate clients in 12 countries and cuts emissions on about 500 million gallons of fuel annually. "This is an exciting example of a recognized leader in the grocery industry investing in a program that will create a lasting impact in the environment for years to come, and we commend Giant/Martin’s on their bold commitment to do so."

Giant/Martin’s also is engaged in a variety of other green efforts and has committed to divert 90% of its waste from landfills by 2020. The supermarkets are operated by Giant Food Stores LLC, which has more than 170 locations in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia.

About the Author

Russell Redman

Senior Editor
Supermarket News

Russell Redman has served as senior editor at Supermarket News since April 2018, his second tour with the publication. In his current role, he handles daily news coverage for the SN website and contributes news and features for the print magazine, as well as participates in special projects, podcasts and webinars and attends industry events. Russ joined SN from Racher Press Inc.’s Chain Drug Review and Mass Market Retailers magazines, where he served as desk/online editor for more than nine years, covering the food/drug/mass retail sector. 

Russell Redman’s more than 30 years of experience in journalism span a range of editorial manager, editor, reporter/writer and digital roles at a variety of publications and websites covering a breadth of industries, including retailing, pharmacy/health care, IT, digital home, financial technology, financial services, real estate/commercial property, pro audio/video and film. He started his career in 1989 as a local news reporter and editor, covering community news and politics in Long Island, N.Y. His background also includes an earlier stint at Supermarket News as center store editor and then financial editor in the mid-1990s. Russ holds a B.A. in journalism (minor in political science) from Hofstra University, where he also earned a certificate in digital/social media marketing in November 2016.

Russell Redman’s experience:

Supermarket News - Informa
Senior Editor 
April 2018 - present

Chain Drug Review/Mass Market Retailers - Racher Press
Desk/Online Editor 
Sept. 2008 - March 2018

CRN magazine - CMP Media
Managing Editor
May 2000 - June 2007

Bank Systems & Technology - Miller Freeman
Executive Editor/Managing Editor
Dec. 1996 - May 2000

Supermarket News - Fairchild Publications
Financial Editor/Associate Editor
April 1995 - Dec. 1996 

Shopping Centers Today Magazine - ICSC 
Desk Editor/Assistant Editor
Dec. 1992 - April 1995

Testa Communications
Assistant Editor/Contributing Editor (Music & Sound Retailer, Post, Producer, Sound & Communications and DJ Times magazines)
Jan. 1991 - Dec. 1992 

American Banker/Bond Buyer
Copy Editor
Oct. 1990 - Jan. 1991 

This Week newspaper - Chanry Communications
Reporter/Editor
May 1989 - July 1990

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