Meijer Wins EPA SmartWay Environmental Excellence Award

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Meijer Inc. based here has been honored with a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) SmartWay Transport Partnership Environmental Excellence Award for its leadership in conserving energy and lowering greenhouse gas emissions from its transportation and freight activities.

Meijer won the award through an aggressive two-pronged effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by making its truck fleet as efficient as possible through maximizing trailer fullness and taking steps to increase fuel economy.

During its last fiscal year, these efforts resulted in more than 2.5 million fewer miles driven by Meijer, while still delivering equal amounts of merchandise to Meijer stores and facilities. Reducing the amount of miles driven also saved nearly 385,000 gallons of diesel fuel, which resulted in a reduction of more than 4,200 tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

"Our partnership with SmartWay Transport is an ideal situation, because it allows us to reinforce what Meijer is all about," said Mark Murray, president of Meijer. "Meijer focuses on health and wellness on a daily basis. Whether it's offering organic foods, providing free antibiotics or working toward a cleaner environment, what's good for our customers and team members is simply good business for us."

Meijer was one of 34 companies and organizations, and the only Michigan- based Truck Carrier company from the Partnerships' more than 600 Partners, to receive this distinction.

SmartWay was introduced by EPA and a select group of fifteen shipping and business leaders in 2004 as an innovative, market-based partnership to reduce fuel use, greenhouse gas emissions, and air pollutants from the freight sector.

Today, more than 600 businesses and organizations have joined the Partnership.
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