There is a new breed of supermarket popping up over the Western United States that is intent on giving the eco-friendly consumer what it wants, a sustainable way to shop for those supplies that the farmers market doesn’t supply. Fresh and Easy supermarkets are leading the way with green building initiatives that puts them light years ahead of the others.
Saving energy
Southern California Edison, estimates that the Fresh and Easy buildings used about 30% less energy than a typical supermarket. They do this through many methods: they use LED lighting; increased insulation in the building resulting in less heating and air conditioning; refrigeration units are designed to use at least 10% less energy than standard units; night shades on the refrigeration cases to keep cool air from escaping and secondary-loop systems to reuse cool air. The stores also make optimum use of natural lighting in all their locations and overhead lights automatically dim when there is enough natural light to save energy.
Clean air
Fresh and Easy only use eco-friendly cleaning products to keep their stores clean and tidy. The buildings are also smoke-free and have increased ventilation for better air quality.
Reused & recycled
All the display and shipping materials are reused or recycled including materials like cardstock, shrink wrap, pallets, totes or damaged baskets. The grocery bags are made from 50% recycled materials and reusable bags are available for purchase in store, including one bag made from 100% unbleached cotton.
Solar
The Fresh and Easy distribution depot is partially powered by their solar panels. On the Fresh and Easy website there is an interactive live report on how much energy the panels are producing, how much energy the depot is using, temperature, wind speeds and power generated to date etc.
Products
More and more stores are offering ‘green’ products, from recycled paper towels to environmentally friendly bathroom cleaners. Fresh and Easy products are no nonsense store generic alternatives to the ‘big brand names” but at lower prices. They do this by using less packaging, omitting artificial colors and flavors and thinking about what the consumer wants: good healthy food at a reasonable price.
Next time you are doing your weekly grocery shop, check out your local Fresh and Easy store. They have a great selection of eco-friendly products in an eco-friendly environment!
