As we prepare for the busy holiday season and all that goes along with helping our customers with their needs, we should continue to be mindful of our responsibilities to the environment and the communities we serve.

When you get the opportunity, review our Social and Environmental Stewardship Summary on publix.com. I’m proud of the work that’s been done to reinforce our commitment to sustainability.

In 2012, we continued to make improvements through the Green Routine program by saving electricity, increasing the amount we recycle and increasing the number of plastic bags saved, to name a few things.

Did you know, in 2012, we reached the 2 billion mark in saving plastic bags, and we’ll soon pass 3 billion? We saved more than 3 million miles of travel by our truck drivers picking up new product from our suppliers on their way back from store deliveries. We also donated or recycled more than 75 million pounds of food and food by-product.

Even with everything we’ve accomplished, during the holidays it can be easy to forget to maintain good habits. Although we’re busier than normal, it’s important to stay aware of our electricity and water use, what we’re recycling and how many bags we use, but it doesn’t stop there. We should pay even closer attention to our efforts on programs that help feed the hungry like our perishable food recovery and bakery donations.

It takes each of us to make a difference today for tomorrow. I hope you’ll join me and keep doing what’s right this holiday season.

Ed Crenshaw
CEO