Retailers Celebrate Earth Month

Kroger, H-E-B, and Hannaford recently revealed separate plans to honor Earth Month by promoting environmental well-being.

Kroger launched a campaign wherein, until April 30, customers can round up their purchases to the nearest dollar amount at checkout to benefit the World Wildlife Foundation. Kroger’s philanthropic arm, Zero Hunger | Zero Waste will match donations up to $50,000.

"Earth Month is more than a month of awareness, it's a chance to refocus our commitment to advance positive impacts for our planet," said Keith Dailey, Kroger's group VP of corporate affairs and chief sustainability officer, in a statement. "Kroger is proud to support healthy, thriving communities during Earth Month and every day through our Zero Hunger | Zero Waste impact plan.”

Additionally, Kroger unveiled designed reusable bags to support the Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation: every purchase will donate $1 to the initiative. The foundation supports efforts to end hunger and food waste, according to Kroger.

In an effort to support environmental stewardship, H-E-B said it was launching multiple environmental programs across Texas. The retailer also announced the recipients of the 2024 H-E-B Community Recycling Grant.

H-E-B worked with the nonprofit organization Keep Texas Beautiful to provide funding for a community recycling drop-off center in Floresville, Texas. The retailer also recently updated its plastic bag recycling bins to make them more visible and informative, according to H-E-B.

To motivate tree-planting efforts across the state, customers can donate to the Trees for Texans initiative between April 10 and May 7.

For the recycling grant program, the grocer is donating $250,000 to several projects that focus on increasing access to recycling in rural and underserved communities by funding infrastructure improvements, and educational recycling resources.

To help educate consumers about food waste, Hannaford revealed that dietitians are sharing tips and strategies to reduce food waste at home, both online and in-store.

“Reducing food waste plays a powerful role in preserving the long-term health and sustainability of our communities,” said Mary LaVanway, registered dietitian at Hannaford Supermarkets, in a statement. “Earth Month is the perfect time to explore easy ways to reduce food waste in home kitchens, and we’re excited to share strategies with customers looking to make healthier choices for themselves and the environment.”

Some tips include being creative with leftovers and exploring the pantry to incorporate forgotten items before they expire.