Energy for the Environment

I recently started working at Publix, and while I was in the back rooms, doing computer training, I noticed a poster about Publix’s commitment to sustainability:

Clearly, Publix as a company is taking steps to ensure more sustainable processes. But how effective are their initiatives?

The thing is, as a bagger and cashier, I am aware of the huge amounts of plastic bags that get used every hour, or every day. One customer with a cartful of items can use 20+ plastic bags! And while some customers bring in reusable bags, the ratio just isn’t ideal. Don’t lose hope just yet though… Publix’s bags are recyclable, and are put through a process that turns the bags into pellets that can be made into other items, like furniture or fences. I’ll link the video describing that process below. The catch is– who is actually recycling their bags? Are all customers aware that Publix’s bags are recyclable, or are they just throwing the bags away? So while Publix’s recycling ambitions are certainly great steps, I think more education and awareness needs to happen to make groundbreaking change. 

Next up, Publix’s philanthropy efforts. It’s not news that Publix has partnered with many companies and nonprofits to donate or match money. Just this past week, the Publix I work at was requesting donations for the local food bank that Publix would match! And on the poster (and on Publix’s website), Publix has shown that they have donated to Everglades restoration (National Audubon Society and National Park Foundation), aquaculture sustainability, and more. How much can Publix really donate to one cause though, as they select many nonprofits to partner with every year? Overall, I believe that Publix is doing their best to donate to environmental efforts, but they are also committed to supporting non environmental based efforts, like food banks.

Lastly, let’s discuss water conservation. Large companies, like Publix, use an enormous amount of water to support everyday systems, transportation, food products, and more. Under the Water Conservation category on their website, Publix has listed several projects, including water-cooled condensers and low-flow toilets that save water. However, it seems that Publix is still working on new projects, and the bigger and more impactful projects are still being designed and innovated.

In conclusion, my opinion is that Publix is a good brand committed to the environment, and while steps still need to be taken, they are certainly on the right track.

Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed!

Sources:

https://sustainability.publix.com/

What happens to plastic bags when you recycle them at Publix?