New Leaf Community Markets Achieves Milestone

Good “Bag Habit” Generates $700,000 for Local Nonprofits!

Since New Leaf Community Markets introduced the Envirotoken program in 1993 at the suggestion of long-time, and to-this-day customer Ron Goodman, New Leaf shoppers have reused bags over 7 million times, resulting in donations by New Leaf Community Markets of over $700,000 to local non-profit groups on the Central Coast working to support the environment, or who are focused on hunger relief, and K-12 education programs.

Every time customers reuses a shopping bag, they receive token worth 10 cents they can direct to one of several local non-profit organizations. For most years since 1993, customers of each New Leaf store have voted in the beneficiaries of the program. Dozens of nonprofits have received donations including CCOF, Clean Oceans Project, Homeless Garden Project, Native Animal Rescue, Save our Shores, Surfrider Foundation, and many more.

A certified green business, New Leaf has been a leader in supporting the environment since it was founded. “For some two decades New Leaf Community Markets has supported and partnered with Ecology Action to enhance our popular Bike to Work Day and Earth Day events. New Leaf prepares a delicious free breakfast for cyclists. People who ride bikes appreciate good, nutritious food which New Leaf provides daily, which is why New Leaf bike parking racks are usually full,” said Piet Canin, vice president of transportation, Ecology Action.

New Leaf Community Markets was the first on the Central Coast to launch a program to encourage grocery bag reuse; many other area retailers have followed suit. The store has implemented many eco-friendly practices. The latest change is doing away with plastic straws in favor of more environmentally-friendly paper straws. Customers also have the option of enrolling in e-receipts, in lieu of a paper receipt at the register. E-receipt subscribers get access to special promotions and coupons. Shoppers may also select “no receipt” at checkout to eliminates paper waste. New Leaf has a policy documenting its commitment to environment; office-wide recycling includes paper, cardboard, plastic, glass and metal, and composting; offices use sustainable, recycled, reclaimed, and non-toxic office materials and furniture; has incentives for carpooling or public transportation; has implemented energy efficiency improvements, water efficiency improvements, and waste reduction programs; and uses environmentally preferred materials in most products and packaging.

The natural grocery store has also been a leader in championing the buy local movement, which reduces impacts on the environment by reducing transportation needs and carbon emissions. New Leaf Community Markets is the first grocer in California to become certified as a B Corporation, meaning it is a for-profit business certified by the nonprofit B Lab that meets rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency. To consistently meet the stringent certification standards, New Leaf tracks their impact on food waste, water usage, supplier sustainability, and other areas that affect environmental performance

Earth Day Sponsor

As an Earth Day sponsor of the Santa Cruz Earth Day Festival on April 21 at San Lorenzo Park, New Leaf Community Markets will give away 500 reusable shopping bags and sign participants up for neighborhood clean ups throughout Santa Cruz to take place on April 22.

About New Leaf Community Markets

A natural grocer with four stores along the Central Coast, New Leaf Community Markets has been serving the community for 32 years. New Leaf is committed to offering customers choices that have the most beneficial impact on their health and the health of the environment. Helping customers make informed decisions is an integral part of this commitment. A wholly owned subsidiary of New Seasons Market since November 2013, New Leaf is the first grocer in California to achieve B Corporation certification, which means that New Leaf uses the power of business to solve social and economic problems. New Leaf’s mission, to nourish and sustain our community, is reflected in the 10 percent of profits given annually to support local nonprofits working to improve the quality of life. Connect at: newleaf.com