Whole Foods Phasing Out Plastic Gift Cards

In keeping with its eco-friendly stance, organic and natural food retailer Whole Food Markets has introduced two types of gift cards, one made from paper and the other from responsibly harvested wood, at its stores. These more sustainable options will replace the company’s 100 percent recycled plastic cards, which will still be accepted but eventually phased out.

The paper cards are 50 percent post-consumer waste. The Forest Stewardship Council has certified both card types, which have a lower carbon footprint and require less energy to be produced, as well as being reusable, recyclable and compostable.

“We are constantly looking for ways to reduce our environmental impact and further our green mission efforts,” said Chris Jensen, gift card team leader for Austin, Texas-based Whole Foods. “Moving away from plastic gift cards is one way we can help make a difference. We want to make gift giving not only as simple as possible but also environmentally friendly.”

The grocer’s stores will continue to recycle gift cards from Whole Foods and other retailers. To date, the company has recycled more than 265,000 plastic gift cards, thereby keeping them from landfills.

Among Whole Foods’ other green gift-giving ideas are e-gift cards that can be purchased online. The reloadable cards can be accessed via smartphone.