Whitemarsh's Giant Supermarket 'Goes Green' For Earth Day

Giant Food Stores is looking to take several steps to be more environmentally responsible.

They are aiming to reduce the environmental impact of their operations while helping customers do their part to cut down on waste, according to a recent news release.

Here are five things the store is doing:

• “Meating” hunger relief needs. GIANT/MARTIN’S diverts 88% of its food waste to someplace other than a landfill through donations to local food banks, recycling or composting. As part of its Meat the Needs program, GIANT/MARTIN’S safely freezes and donates high quality protein meat, which would otherwise go unsold. In recent years, more than 2.6 million pounds of meat along with bread and other bakery items were provided to regional food banks to help feed those most in need.

• Building greener. Newer GIANT/MARTIN’S stores are built with innovative green building technologies that reduce energy consumption, conserve water and reduce the environmental impact of operations. Existing stores are also made more energy efficient through improved refrigerated display cases, environmentally friendly cooling systems and modified refrigerated food cases with closed doors.

• Turning bags into benches. GIANT/MARTIN’S customers can recycle their plastic bags at any store. The bags are then turned into park benches – with about 10,000 bags needed to make one bench. Since 1997, GIANT/MARTIN’S has donated more than 1,500 benches to local churches, schools, townships, parks and playgrounds. Another 50 benches will be donated this Earth Day.

• Cutting cardboard. All GIANT/MARTIN’S stores and distribution centers have reduced the amount of cardboard they handle and recycling all cardboard used in those use facilities. Enough cardboard is recycled to save approximately 990,000 trees annually.

• Sustainably sourced. GIANT/MARTIN’S ensures its seafood has been farmed or fished in an environmentally responsible way with more than 200 sustainable seafood items available in-store. All of the seafood sold from its in-store service counters is 100% sustainably and responsibly sourced. In addition 100% of GIANT/MARTIN’S Nature’s Promise and Own Brand seafood products are sustainably sourced.

This Earth Day and every day, GIANT/MARTIN’S is encouraging customers to make small changes in their lifestyles to help the environment. These include:

· Remember reusable. Bring reusable bags with you each and every time you shop. GIANT/MARTIN’S offers seasonally designed bags, including one for Earth Day, in all stores for $.99 and $1.99. GIANT/MARTIN’S better bagging methods have saved enough plastic bags to circle half the earth.

· Recycle. Everything from soup cans to plastic grocery bags can be recycled.

· Light up for LED. Replace traditional light bulbs in your home with LED ones to reduce electricity consumption. Don’t forget to turn off lights when not in use.

· Opt for organic. Utilize all-purpose cleaners to remove household grim without harsh fumes or harmful residue. Check the label as many rely on natural oils or are plant-based. GIANT/MARTIN’S Nature’s Promise “Free from” household products are free from harsh chemicals, including ingredients like added artificial dyes and fragrances.

· Reduce your carbon footprint. Combine errands to utilize less gas and reduce emissions.

Giant has several locations in Montgomery and Chester County, including:

• 700 Nutt Rd, Phoenixville
• Whitemarsh Plaza Shopping Center, 10 E Ridge Pike, Whitemarsh
• 698 Downingtown Pike, West Chester
• 225 Lancaster Ave, Malvern
• 2670 Egypt Rd, Norristown
• 310 S Henderson Rd, King of Prussia
• 967 S Township Line Rd, Royersford
• 1824 E Ridge Pike, Royersford
• 1540 Cowpath Rd, Hatfield
• 314 Horsham Rd, Horsham
• 50 E Wynnewood Rd, Wynnewood
• 10 E Ridge Pike, Conshohocken