Retailers with an environmental conscience

The push toward sustainability is in full force in Corporate America. Timothy Treadwell, environmental director at Juice Energy Inc., an electricity supplier with a focus on renewable sources, believes retailers who take the initiative on climate issues should be rewarded for their efforts.

Juice Energy and its staff of environmental and energy experts identified 10 companies as frontrunners in the shift to green business:

Patagonia. In 1998, Patagonia became the first California-based company to buy electricity from 100% renewable energy sources and achieved LEED gold certification for its Nevada distribution center. Patagonia is a leader in recycling, with its Common Threads Garment Recycling Program, which recycles used fleece for use in new products.

Kohl’s. Kohl’s is the second largest retail purchaser of green power and the largest among department stores. Kohl’s will complete the largest rooftop solar project in the U.S. next year, with installations at 63 of 80 California locations.

Whole Foods. A natural and organic supermarket, Whole Foods purchases green power equal to 100% of its electricity use.

prAna. In 2005, the outdoor and lifestyle apparel wholesaler launched its Natural Power Initiative to purchase green power equal to the electricity use of all 250 prAna retailers, the company’s corporate headquarters and the homes of all its full-time employees.

REI. REI has committed to reducing CO2 emissions by 1/3 from the 2006 baseline by the end of 2009.

The rest of the top 10:

• UPS.
• Timberland.
• Nike.
• Wal-Mart.
• Target.

--Kevin

Comments

[Kathy J, Washington Gardener]

I'm very surprised and pleased to hear about Kohls as they never struck me as having a "green" message -- I do not shop there much, but will make it a point to choose them over their direct competitors now.