These associates take their green routine personally.

Our green routine program started in 2001 with a focus on conserving energy. Now, it also includes conserving water and natural resources, recycling and reducing waste. Last year, we introduced the green routine recognition program (GRRP) to educate associates about the green routine. GRRP recognizes stores excelling at a green routine on the district and regional level, and one associate from each division is selected as a green routine champion.

Atlanta Division: Grocery Clerk Justin Harris, #1426, Nashville, Tennessee

Within Justin’s first year as a Publix associate, he’s taken ownership of the green routine program in his store.

“Justin really leads the team in green initiatives,” said Store Manager Michael Mayhew. “He’s not afraid to say something when others forget to turn off lights or close doors, and they respond positively.”

Justin recycles and conserves electricity at home, as well, because he believes everyone should have a green routine.

“We all live on this planet, so we need to take care of it,” he said.

Charlotte Division: DSD Clerk John Paynter, #1589, Glen Allen, Virginia

“We have to take care of our planet,” said John. “I have children, and I want them to have a good place to live when I’m gone. So, we need to reuse what we can and recycle. I think every company should have a program like this.”

Store Manager Will McKenzie said being green carries over to John’s work and comes naturally to him. “He was very excited to be part of the green routine program,” said Will.

John works hard to make sure everything that can be recycled is labeled properly and returned to our recycling center.

“I think the perception is Publix is a company that cares,” said John. “A lot of people care about the environment and want to know companies aren’t just filling up landfills. We recycle a lot at Publix.”

Jacksonville Division: Pharmacy Manager Rob Young, #659, Orlando, Florida

For Rob, having a green routine is a way of looking out for future generations. In fact, he has solar panels on his house!

“I wish we could all go solar,” he said. “The energy is right there.”

Store Manager Patrick Foradori said Rob pushes his team to recycle mixed papers and any other recyclable items within the pharmacy. He also encourages customers to recycle their prescription bottles.

“It’s always been part of my life,” Rob said. “I’m the person who is always turning off lights after I leave a room.”

Lakeland Division: Customer Service Manager Emilee Hooper, #1004, Bradenton, Florida

Emilee said she practices a green routine because she believes it’s the right thing to do, both for Publix and our communities.

“The biggest thing is awareness, and that’s what I work on with associates,” said Emilee. “I take the time to explain the why, and I make sure new hires know we have this program in place from the get-go.”

Store Manager Kent Davis said: “Emilee starts with the ideas Publix provides and thinks about how she can expand or improve on them. She takes everything to the next level.”

Miami Division: Assistant Store Manager Mandy Erhardt, #747, Plantation, Florida

Store Manager Glenn Pritchard said Mandy is one of the best communicators he’s ever worked with — and he’s been a store manager since 1988!

“When she speaks to associates about sustainability, she gives direction about what to do at the store,” he said. “Mandy has developed a culture for how we do things, and she believes in what she’s saying.”

In addition to coaching, she actively looks for ways to help reduce the use of plastic bags and implemented a program to help associates remember to use reusable bags.

“Publix cares about our community and the environment,” Mandy said. “It starts from the top, and if I’m not that leader, I can’t get my team to follow.”