Publix Backs Sustainable Fisheries Partnership

To mark Earth Day, Publix Super Markets will donate 50 cents per pound, up to $40,000, to Sustainable Fisheries Partnership (SFP) when customers buy any wild domestic shrimp April 17-27.

SFP’s mission is to maintain a healthy ocean and aquatic ecosystem by rebuilding depleted fish stocks and reducing the environmental impacts of fishing and farm fishing. The Publix donation would help the Honolulu-based independent, non-governmental organization provide fisheries located along the Gulf of Mexico with the resources and tools necessary to operate more sustainably.

“As a retailer passionately committed to eco-savvy practices, our support of SFP speaks directly to our sustainable philosophy of meeting today’s demands without compromising what’s essential for tomorrow,” noted Maria Brous, media and community relations director at Lakeland, Fla.-based Publix. “We are uniquely positioned to share information with our customers to enrich the quality of life for our communities and aquatic ecosystems, all while doing our part to preserve and conserve.”

As well as contributing to SFP, Publix will celebrate Earth Day by offering customers the following:

• A $1-off coupon for GE 10-, 13-, 20- or 26-watt Energy Smart CFL 2-pack light bulbs and a free Publix reusable bag (valued up to 99 cents). Coupons are available at www.publix.com/sustainability April 14-27 and expire April 30.
• The 2010-2011 Newspapers in Education (NIE) “Go Green” tabloid featuring information on how customers and their kids can help care for the community (also available on www.publix.com/sustainability).
• A free reusable bag key chain on April 22 for using or buying a reusable bag.
• Environmental awareness brochures available at all Publix Information Centers that describe the company’s green initiatives
•  Messages regarding Publix’s environmental efficiencies and environmental tips help establish eco-friendly routines among shoppers, conveyed via in-store signage throughout the month of April

In 2001, Publix developed “Get Into a Green Routine,” a program for environmental responsibility. The program began with education and emphasis on energy conservation and now encompasses waste reduction, recycling and conservation of other resources, including water. Through this program and other conservation projects such as lighting and refrigeration improvements, Publix has saved more than 1 billion kilowatt hours, the equivalent of a reduction of more than 600,000 tons of greenhouse gas (carbon dioxide) and enough kilowatt hours to power 65,000 homes for one year. Additionally, the program has helped lower companywide electricity usage by more than 8 percent in existing stores and by 23 percent in new store designs.

Privately owned and operated by its 147,500 employees, Publix has 1,034 stores in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama and Tennessee.