ShopRite Reinforces Commitment to Sustainability with New “Earth Month Challenge” for Stores; Alexandra Emery Comments

ShopRite is excited to mark Earth Month by introducing an “Earth Month Challenge” for stores – encouraging ShopRite associates to explore new ways to reduce their store’s environmental impact and help communities served by ShopRite stores.

The friendly competition – taking place throughout April – challenges ShopRite stores to explore new ways to help the environment. From cleaning up local parks, planting trees and flowers or educating shoppers about sustainability best practices – ShopRite associates are doing their part during Earth Month to protect the planet through local action. The top three ShopRite stores that take the most actionable steps this April to reduce their environmental impact will be recognized with special store celebrations.

ShopRite stores have long been committed to reducing food waste, bolstering recycling efforts and increasing energy efficiency, and many stores have launched successful initiatives, including composting programs, solar technology, natural refrigerants and electric vehicle charging stations. ShopRite also partners with many different local organizations and environmental non-profit groups to help support the communities where ShopRite stores operate. Those volunteer efforts have included beach cleanups, community garden harvesting and tree plantings, to name a few.

“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, in a recent press release. “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 this month for special promotions on ShopRite’s popular private label line of Paperbird Blue products including Paperbird Blue Dishwasher Detergent Pacs, Paperbird Blue Free & Clear Liquid Dish Soap and Liquid Hand Soaps. Paperbird Blue Dishwasher Detergent Pacs use safer choice EPA bio-based ingredients and Paperbird Blue Free & Clear soaps are plant-based, allergen-free and free of dyes, fragrances, parabens and phthalates, and 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!