Some call it "green" and others say it's being sustainable - at Winn-Dixie, we say it's smart. From reducing the packaging in our Winn-Dixie Brand products to installing recycling receptacles in our stores for customers to recycle plastic shopping bags, we see this as an opportunity to make less of an impact on our environment.

What are we doing?
Merchandising
Supply Chain
Waste Management & Recycling
Energy Management
Lifestyles & Community

What does it really mean?
We make decisions based on people - Associates, Customers, Vendors, Investors and Our Neighbors. We strive to protect and preserve the planet. In fact, we're finding ways to save on fuel, conserve energy and recycle. In addition, we are working with vendors to use packaging and products that are less impactful on the environment.

What sustainability means to us
At Winn-Dixie, we define sustainability as the business strategies and practices that promote the long-term well-being of the environment and society, as well as the financial heath of our Company. Simply put, it's doing the right things to maintain and protect the health of our people, our business and our planet.

What are we doing?

Merchandising

• Natural and Organic Products - Whether it's milk, eggs, butter, coffee or ready-to-heat pizzas, customers are finding natural and organic products under our Winn-Dixie Brand label that are better than, or equal to, the national brands. In addition, customers will now find Winn-Dixie Brand CFL bulbs which produce about 75 percent less heat than a conventional light bulb. That means they're safer to operate and can cut energy costs associated with home cooling.
• Concentrated natural laundry detergents - By developing our own line of 2X Ultra concentrated natural laundry detergents which work better in cold water than most other detergents work in warm water - This adds up to even more savings on electricity costs by not having to heat the water.
• Passion Growers Partnership - In 2008, Winn-Dixie began offering customers the opportunity to purchase roses that are grown by Passion Growers - a company focused on sustainability and social responsibility.
• Primo Water - Primo is the first nationally-sold bottled water that uses a bottle made from plants, not crude oil.

Supply Chain

• Multi-temperature trailers - These trailers are already decreasing the amount of fuel used, by allowing for the delivery of grocery, perishable and frozen foods in one trip.
• Auto-shift Transmission Tractors - The Eaton Auto Shift decreases fuel consumption of our fleet.

Waste Management & Recycling

• Corrugated recycling - In 2008, we recycled 130,000,000 pounds of corrugated cardboard.
• Last year we recycled more than 3,000,000 pounds of plastic from bags, stretch wraps and packaging.
• We have expanded our in-store plastic bag recycling program and now have a school-based program in communities throughout our operating area.
• In addition to reusing and repairing wood pallets, we recycled over 9,000,000 pounds of pallets through our mulching program.
• In 2008, we recycled 620,000 pounds of used cooking oil.
• In one year's time, we recycled more 150,000 pounds of IT related equipment from our stores and offices.
• Corporate office recycling program - In 2008, we began a recycling program for paper, cans and bottles.

Energy Management

• Roughly one-third of our stores are equipped with LED lighting systems that reduce energy usage by 70% (in comparison to traditional lighting). These lights are used in the Produce, Floral, Natural Foods, Meat and Frozen Foods departments, as well as in our Marquee Lighting.
• Almost 40% of our stores were retrofitted with energy systems that automatically control internal and external lighting. Refrigeration settings and store temperature for efficient use of electricity.
• All stores use heat reclaim from refrigeration racks which minimizes need to run hot water heater.
• All stores have sweatmisers which save energy by switching the freezer door-heat "on" only when needed.
• We have retrofit all our store lighting fixtures from T-12 lighting to more efficient T-8 lighting.

Lifestyles & Community

• Habitat for Humanity - Winn-Dixie and Kellogg have helped more than 10 families achieve the dream of homeownership.
• Youth At Play - As part of our commitment to becoming involved in the communities where we work and live, this program provides monetary and in-kind donations to community sports teams.
• A-Team - Rewards teachers and middle school students for their hard work in academics, attendance and overall positive attitudes. Winners receive complementary tickets to Jacksonville Jaguars games. Participating schools are found in Duval, St. Johns, Clay, Flagler, Baker, Nassau and Putnam Counties.
• Winn-Dixie Foundation - Our Foundation has underwritten the St. Vincent's Medical Center Breast Health Advocate program. The Breast Health Advocate provides support and advice to women on the First Coast who have been diagnosed with breast cancer at St. Vincent's Medical Center.
• Neighbors Helping Neighbors -This program allows customers and Associates to donate funds to the American Red Cross immediately following a natural disaster. The American Red Cross is able to provide food, water and other necessities to the victims.
• Corporate running team - In 2008, 60 Winn-Dixie Associates formed a training team to run in the 26.2 with Donna. Many of these Associates had never trained for a marathon prior to this event, but have formed an ongoing club and still run together several times each week.
• Pharmacy Wellness Program - 199 Events help during first 6 weeks of program; over 7,400 customers tested/screened.