THIS IS MY SPOT.
BOB GARRITY, VICE PRESIDENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY, GIANT EAGLE
What reason does Giant Eagle have to be green?
It's simple: we're committed to improving the communities in which we do business. That's why we decided more than 15 years ago to have a conservation department dedicated solely to working on issues like recycling, energy management, and more.
What steps have you taken to make Giant Eagle a greener place?
Our work on green initiatives extends across our entire chain of stores. Most of them are EnergyStar–rated, and many use LED lighting, white roofing, wind energy, and extensive recycling systems. We built the nation's first LEED-certified supermarket in Brunswick, Ohio, and we're currently evaluating the opportunity for LEED certification at one of our Columbus stores as well.
What challenges have you encountered along the way?
The biggest challenge is continually finding ways to improve our environmental footprint. And, of course, we want to educate our consumers about our green efforts in the most transparent, straightforward way possible.
What has been most rewarding about the effort?
We are people with families, too–and we want to create healthy communities for our children and grandchildren. It's our responsibility to do the right thing. Not to mention, it makes good business sense. These are rewards that reach across the entire spectrum.
What advice would you give other Columbus businesses about being green?
The learning curve can be steep, and it's okay to start small. Do what your resources permit, and gradually increase your efforts over time. Ultimately, what's important is doing something that makes a real contribution in your community–and isn't just a green marketing gimmick.