ShopRite reinforces commitment to sustainability with new ‘Earth Month Challenge’ for stores
ShopRite is celebrating Earth Month by launching an “Earth Month Challenge,” a friendly competition that encourages ShopRite associates to find new ways to reduce their store’s environmental impact and support the communities they serve.
The challenge runs throughout April and motivates stores to take local action to help the environment. From cleaning up parks and planting trees to educating shoppers about sustainability best practices, ShopRite associates are stepping up to make a difference during Earth Month. The top three stores that take the most impactful steps this April will be recognized with special celebrations.
ShopRite stores have long been committed to sustainability efforts, including reducing food waste, increasing recycling, and improving energy efficiency. Many locations have also implemented initiatives such as composting programs, solar panel installations, natural refrigerants, and electric vehicle charging stations. In addition, ShopRite partners with local organizations and environmental nonprofits to support the neighborhoods they serve—through beach cleanups, community gardens, tree plantings, and more.
“At ShopRite, we believe it’s important to treat every day like Earth Day. Our family-owned stores remain committed to championing new ways to protect the environment and make our communities more sustainable,” said Alexandra Emery, Manager of Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility for ShopRite. “We hope the Earth Month Challenge inspires team members to consider new and innovative ways to do that.”
Just in time for spring cleaning season, shoppers can also look for special promotions on ShopRite’s private label Paperbird Blue product line, including Paperbird Blue Dishwasher Detergent Pacs, Free & Clear Liquid Dish Soap, and Liquid Hand Soaps. These products feature safer, bio-based ingredients certified by the EPA’s Safer Choice program. The Free & Clear soaps are plant-based, allergen-free, and free of dyes, fragrances, parabens, and phthalates. Plus, the packaging is made from 100% recycled content.
For over 50 years, ShopRite has supported and advanced a wide range of initiatives to reduce food waste, boost recycling and increase energy efficiency:
- Reducing Waste – Since opening our material recovery facility in the 1980s, ShopRite has diverted over 3.1 million tons of material from landfill. ShopRite’s family-owned stores also composted more than 22 million pounds of food waste in 2024, and donated six million pounds of fresh food to food banks and pantries that help people in need.
- Supporting Conservation Groups – ShopRite supports Environmental Non-Governmental Organizations (E-NGOs) at the state and local level that are committed to creating cleaner, more sustainable environments including The Audubon Society, Clean Ocean Action, The Greater Newark Conservancy and America’s Grow-A-Row.
- Reducing Energy Consumption – A growing number of ShopRite stores are using natural refrigerants that decrease energy use and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from refrigeration. Some family-owned ShopRite stores are also flipping the switch to solar-powered energy.
- Rolling Out EV Charging Stations – To help customers live sustainably, participating ShopRite locations provide EV charging stations for customers while they make their weekly grocery store run. Drivers can find public EVgo fast charging stations at the ShopRite of 1st State Plaza in Delaware and New Jersey’s Brookdale ShopRite, ShopRite of Flemington, ShopRite of Carteret, ShopRite of Glassboro, ShopRite of Williamstown and other locations.
- Associate Green Teams – ShopRite associates make up store Green Teams that work together to explore new ways to make stores and facilities more sustainable. They also partner with community organizations to volunteer and help support local environmental efforts. We have Green Teams covering more than 150 stores, and the number keeps growing.
