Albertsons to Clean Up Parks for Earth Day

BOISE, Idaho -- As part of a 2006 Earth Day celebration campaign, Albertsons' California and Nevada stores will each adopt a nearby park, playground, or beach to clean up, in an effort to bring attention to and help solve the problem of litter.

In each of Albertsons' 475 stores throughout California and Nevada, the company is asking shoppers this week to nominate which public space in their community they would like their store to clean.

"This is a phenomenal commitment that Albertsons is making to our communities," said Eben Schwartz, Coastal Cleanup Day director for the California Coastal Commission. "Litter, especially plastic bag debris, is a leading cause of death for California's marine life and a huge problem in our landfills, Albertsons should be commended for their leadership on this issue."

Albertsons will announce the locations chosen in stores on April 10, 2006, and the clean-up events will take place between April 17 and April 30. Customers who choose to join Albertsons at the clean-up events will be given reusable shopping bags. Earth Day is April 22.

"Last year, Albertsons recycled over 6,000 tons of plastic bags, wrap, and film," said Pete Van Helden, president and c.e.o. of Albertsons' California division. "Our company is doing its part to reduce plastic bag consumption and minimize the impact of plastic in the waste stream and it is my hope that our Earth Day program will draw our shopper's attention to this important cause."

The California Coastal Commission will supply Albertsons associates with resources and materials for the clean-ups. These events are being held in association with Albertsons' associate volunteer network, which in California and Nevada, has already contributed over 350,000 hours of volunteer time in their communities in the past year.

Last year Albertsons provided nearly $101 million in cash and in-kind donations to the communities it serves, with support focused on hunger relief, education and development of youth, neighborhood environments and health and nutrition.

Albertsons operates approximately 2,500 stores in 37 states across the U.S. Its banners include Albertsons, Acme, Shaw's, Jewel-Osco, Sav-on Drugs, Osco Drug, and Star Market, as well as Super Saver and Bristol Farms, which are operated independently.
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