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Green News

NOCO Unveils New Store at Buffalo Niagara International Airport
The new, state-of-the-art convenience store includes kiosk check-in for flights, expanded Charlie The Butcher offerings and green building technologies.
Posted Dec 13, 2011

Oregon Gas Station Goes for ‘Net Zero’
The Chevron location has been called “the most sustainable station in America.”
Posted Oct 26, 2011

Tim Hortons Announces New Cup-to-Tray Recycling Program
The QSR becomes the first in Canada to “close the loop” and recycle its used cups into another product it uses, take-out-trays.
Posted Oct 24, 2011

Kwik Trip’s Green Initiatives Generate Big Savings
About half of the convenience stores in the country qualified for LEED certification are owned and operated by Kwik Trip.
Posted Aug 29, 2011

White House Seeks New Corn-Free Biofuel Industry
A new initiative is expected to jumpstart development of a new biofuel industry that uses algae and wood chips instead of corn.
Posted Aug 18, 2011

7-Eleven Handee Marts Offer PepsiCo Dream Machine Recycling Kiosks
The kiosks will help increase on-the-go recycling access.
Posted Jun 15, 2011

Subway Unveils LEED-Certified Stores In North Carolina
The environmentally friendly restaurants include recycled flooring, Energy Star-rated HVAC systems, low flow and flush fixtures in restrooms and more natural light.
Posted May 23, 2011

PepsiCo Ships Eco-Friendly Fountain Cups
Operators can select the cup best suited to their locally available recycling and composting disposal facilities.
Posted May 23, 2011

Japan 7-Eleven Refits 5,000 Stores With Power-Saving Bulbs
The change is part of a 10 billion yen initiative to counter expected power problems in parts of the country this summer.
Posted Apr 18, 2011

Top 25 Cities Gear Up for EVs
Ford Motor Co. is working with cities and utility partners to identify key infrastructure building blocks that will enable metropolitan areas to be EV ready.
Posted Apr 15, 2011

Fort Wayne Marathon Embraces Recycling
The station has a new recycling center that gives points to consumers who recycle plastic bottles and aluminum cans.
Posted Mar 28, 2011

PepsiCo Unveils Green Bottle
The new bottle is entirely petroleum-free and boasts a zero-carbon footprint.
Posted Mar 17, 2011

NC Starts Statewide Recycling Initiative for Plastic Bags
The state becomes the fourth one to join “A Bag’s Life” recycling education movement.
Posted Mar 14, 2011

Frito-Lay Debuts Quieter SunChips Bag in Canada
After the debacle of its compostable, but noisy, previous attempt, the company hopes its new version will fine more favor.
Posted Feb 28, 2011

Tests Find High Levels of Lead in Reusable Bags
Tests performed on reusable bags at dozens of retailers reveal unsafe lead levels.
Posted Jan 27, 2011

Mars Wins 2010 Award for Corporate Excellence for Commitment to Cocoa Sustainability
The recognition by the U.S. State Department underscores the company’s long-term commitment to advancing cocoa Sustainability and economic development in Ghana.
Posted Jan 4, 2011

California Approves Cap-and-Trade Rules
The regulations limit greenhouse-gas emissions for the state.
Posted Dec 20, 2010

Delaware Recycling Law Goes Into Effect
The recycling law replaces the state’s bottle deposit law.
Posted Dec 6, 2010

Green Restaurants Go Beyond Good Food
A growing number of eating establishments have helping the planet as a top priority.
Posted Nov 22, 2010

Lead Levels High in Reusable Grocery Bags
An investigation into reusable bags sold in Publix and Winn-Dixie turned up elevated lead levels in the some bag materials.
Posted Nov 15, 2010

GE Invests in Electric Vehicles
The company plans to get ahead of a potential electric vehicle boom by purchasing 25,000 of GM’s Chevrolet Volt.
Posted Nov 12, 2010

Californians To Vote on Greenhouse Gas Law
NACS encourages California retailers to send a message to the country and support Prop 23, which would postpone aggressive environmental regulations until the state’s economy stabilizes.
Posted Oct 21, 2010

Walmart Looks to the Locals
The retailer outlined a new sustainable agriculture strategy, which features plans to put more locally sourced foods in its U.S. stores.
Posted Oct 15, 2010

EPA Recognizes Giant Eagle for Sustainable Best Practices
Retailer received multiple EPA honors for its green and environmental efforts.
Posted Sep 24, 2010

Thumbs Down on Corporate Green Efforts
Consumers are skeptical when it comes to corporate claims about their efforts of "going green."
Posted Sep 2, 2010

Consumers Concerned About Packaged Beverages’ Impact on Environment
A recent study discovered that consumers want to recycle more packaged beverages.
Posted Aug 18, 2010

Stop & Shop Installs Solar Panels
The Northeast grocer hopes to reduce its carbon footprint by 20 percent by 2015.
Posted Jul 30, 2010

Starbucks Expands Recycling Program With Coffee Cups in Chicago
Even in cities unfriendly to recycling, Starbucks is stepping up its recycling efforts.
Posted Jul 1, 2010

California Grocers Support Uniform Standard for Carryout Bags
California proposal would ban the free distribution of single-use carryout bags and require the sale of single-use recycled paper bags.
Posted Jun 3, 2010

Deal Reached for EPA Rules Vote
After the Memorial Day recess, the Senate will vote on reversing the agency’s ability to regulate greenhouse gas emissions.
Posted May 26, 2010

White House to Expand Auto Emissions Standards
The new fuel economy standards will be for cars and trucks, including medium- and heavy-duty trucks.
Posted May 24, 2010

Sen. Murkowski to Seek Vote on Jettisoning Endangerment Finding
The measure would void a few EPA rules relating to greenhouse gas emissions.
Posted May 19, 2010

Coca-Cola Launches the Greening of the Nation’s Capital
Coca-Cola reduces environmental footprint through green innovations and a recycling program with National Parks Service.
Posted May 3, 2010

PepsiCo, Waste Management Offer Recycling Kiosks
The Dream Machine kiosks reward users for recycling plastic bottles and aluminum cans.
Posted Apr 23, 2010

Ottawa Campus Bans Bottled Water
Beginning September 1, students and faculty will have to find the nearest tap to quench their thirst.
Posted Apr 23, 2010

U.S. Rethinks Electric-Car Fuel Ratings
New policy would lower fuel estimates for Chevy Volt and Nissan Leaf, which earlier had promised 230 and 367 miles per gallon, respectively.
Posted Apr 20, 2010

Whole Foods Adds Car-Charging Station
Customers can “plug in” at Whole Foods’ flagship store in Austin, Texas.
Posted Apr 13, 2010

Dasani Celebrates New PlantBottle Packaging
The green Dasani caps on new bottles deliver the recycling message worldwide.
Posted Apr 12, 2010

Green Continues to Be Good for Retailers
Mintel research shows consumers continue to buy natural, despite difficult economy.
Posted Mar 29, 2010

Coca-Cola, Molson Coors Are Going Dark
The companies are turning off the lights across the global in support of Earth Hour this Saturday.
Posted Mar 26, 2010

New Environmental Rest Stops Planned for Ohio Turnpike
Green rest areas will feature ethanol fueling stations and electric car recharging bays.
Posted Mar 25, 2010

Giant Eagle's GetGo C-Store Earns LEED Silver Status
The LEED designation builds on Giant Eagle's commitment to responsible resource use.
Posted Mar 19, 2010

Stripes Gets Energy Efficient
Stripes has received rebates for implementing energy-efficient solutions such as lighting and HVAC.
Posted Mar 19, 2010

PepsiCo Launches Program to Reduce Tropicana’s Carbon Footprint
Initiative will test whether cutting-edge fertilizer has the potential to dramatically reduce carbon emissions and alter agricultural landscape.
Posted Mar 19, 2010

Procter & Gamble to Launch ‘Future Friendly’ Campaign
The environmental initiative markets the company’s eco-efforts and conservation education.
Posted Mar 18, 2010

EPA Losing PR War on Climate Change
The agency says it has "lost the messaging war."
Posted Mar 10, 2010

Climate Trio Hopes To Make Headway With Different Tack
Proposal for cap-and-trade alternative coming soon, with moderates on both sides remaining cautiously optimistic.
Posted Mar 4, 2010

California Passes Short-Term Beverage-Recycling Fix
California Grocers Association continues working on a long-term legislative fix to restore ‘landmark’ program.
Posted Mar 4, 2010

Senators To Propose Abandoning Cap-And-Trade
Senators Kerry, Graham, and Lieberman to propose ‘radical’ overhaul of climate legislation while applying different carbon controls to individual industries.
Posted Mar 2, 2010

Walmart to Eliminate Greenhouse Gas Emissions From Global Supply Chain
The retailer will collaborate with suppliers and environmental experts to develop, measure and independently assess carbon reductions.
Posted Mar 1, 2010

Bloom Energy Boasts Fuel-Cell Breakthrough
Silicon Valley start-up says its devices significantly reduce emissions and reduce energy prices.
Posted Feb 26, 2010

GACS Members To Benefit From GEFA Grant
Association program is one of 16 funded by federal energy stimulus grants.
Posted Feb 16, 2010

Lawsuit Challenges EPA’s Endangerment Finding
A dozen representatives and 17 companies and associations joined together in the lawsuit against the agency’s branding of greenhouse gas emissions as dangerous to people’s health.
Posted Feb 15, 2010

Arizona Bows Out of Western Climate Change Plan
State officials say participation in the greenhouse-gas emissions plan would hinder economic recovery in Arizona.
Posted Feb 12, 2010

Study: Bottled Water Has Small Environmental Footprint
Nestle Waters North America releases a comprehensive, peer-reviewed scientific evaluation to examine carbon footprints of packaged beverages.
Posted Feb 8, 2010

Tesco Opens First Zero Carbon Store
New store uses 50 percent less energy; company aims to become carbon-neutral by 2050.
Posted Feb 4, 2010

Save the Planet, Drink a Beer
Goose Island launches eco-friendly beer.
Posted Feb 4, 2010

PepsiCo to Launch HFC-Free Cooler
Pepsi is set to launch the first HFC-free coolers in the United States, which consume 44 percent less energy and reduce direct greenhouse gases by 99 percent.
Posted Feb 4, 2010

Obama Vows to Cut Emissions by 28 percent Within a Decade
The pledge is contingent on approval of climate change legislation.
Posted Feb 1, 2010

People Willing to Spend More on Green
A new study finds that consumers open their wallets wider for environmentally friendly and sustainable products.
Posted Jan 25, 2010

Green Focus at Detroit Auto Show
The North American International Auto Show, which opens January 16, has taken a more eco-friendly approach.
Posted Jan 13, 2010

Engineered Tobacco Plants Have More Biofuel Potential
Researchers have discovered a way to add more oil to tobacco plant leaves, which could make them more attractive as a biofuel source.
Posted Jan 4, 2010

EPA Comes Under Attack for Plans to Regulate Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Opponents are raising legal issues and also mounting political attacks.
Posted Dec 31, 2009

Turning Emissions Disclosure Into Business Virtue
The Carbon Disclosure Project has U.S. companies voluntarily submitting detailed reports of their carbon emissions, a strategy that some feel helps encourage investment.
Posted Dec 30, 2009

Time to Ban BPA from Food and Beverage Containers?
Senator Feinstein makes the case for BPA legislation that she introduced earlier this year.
Posted Dec 22, 2009

EPA Recognizes Anheuser-Busch for Greenhouse Gas Reduction
The brewer meets its goal a year in advance while it continues its efforts to increase use of alternative fuels.
Posted Dec 7, 2009

Green Buildings Increase Productivity
A new study finds that tenants in eco-friendly environments also have few sick days.
Posted Dec 2, 2009

Color McDonald’s Green
The fast-food chain reinvents its European logo to reflect a more eco-friendly image.
Posted Nov 25, 2009

U.S. to Identify Emission Reduction Targets
The goals will be contingent on passage of U.S. climate change legislation.
Posted Nov 25, 2009

California Recycling Program Is on the Rocks
State’s budget woes are forcing the closure of recycling centers, leading to a projected drop in recycling rates.
Posted Nov 24, 2009

Kum & Go Gets Environmental With Biodegradable Bottle
Convenience retailer is now offering Hiland Premium Artesian Water in the ENSO biodegradable plastic bottle.
Posted Nov 20, 2009

Winemakers Face Climate Change with Dread
Some consider moving physical locations to preserve operations.
Posted Nov 19, 2009

Green Building to Support 7.9 Million U.S. Jobs
USGBC/Booz Allen Hamilton report shows green construction to contribute $554 billion to U.S. GDP in four years.
Posted Nov 13, 2009

General Mills Among ‘Greenest Companies’ in U.S.
Newsweek ranks the company 96th overall among America's 500 largest corporations.
Posted Nov 13, 2009

Bottled Water Recycling Rate Increases
Industry makes significant improvements in bottled water container recycling rates.
Posted Nov 13, 2009

New Mars Plant Goes Solar
Chocolate manufacturing plant starts taking full output from 2 MW solar garden.
Posted Nov 11, 2009

NASCAR Looks to the Green
The race car industry attempts to clean up its image by using more green technology, including biofuel.
Posted Nov 2, 2009

Plastic Bag Tax Slightly Lowers Demand
Hong Kong’s plastic bag tax has not deterred as many customers as expected from using plastic.
Posted Nov 2, 2009

Gasoline Station Embraces Green
The station became the first in the nation to earn be certified green by the Green Business League.
Posted Oct 26, 2009

Congreenience Experience Educates Attendees on Going Green
The Congreenience Store at the NACS Show takes away common misconceptions about implementing eco-friendly solutions in c-stores.
Posted Oct 21, 2009

Carrefour Joins Green Movement With Plastic Bag Campaign
The supermarket chain decided to use not-so-nice wording that links plastic bags with excrement.
Posted Oct 19, 2009

Solar Charging Station Deployed in San Diego
Solar powered electric vehicle charging station by SunPods Inc. is unveiled in San Jose.
Posted Oct 16, 2009

A Greener Freezer
Ben & Jerry’s and General Electric separately consider freezers that use less energy.
Posted Sep 29, 2009

'Got Your Bags?' Campaign Kicks Off in Sacramento
California's launches statewide effort to promote reusable shopping bags and increase plastic bag recycling.
Posted Sep 22, 2009

Burger King Drive-Thru Generates Energy
A New Jersey location is experimenting with capturing kinetic energy from vehicles driving up to the drive-thru window.
Posted Sep 14, 2009

California Grocers Association Launches Reusable Carryout Bag Campaign
City of Santa Barbara hopes to increase awareness and use of reusable carryout bags.
Posted Sep 1, 2009

Seattle Voters Reject 20-Cent Grocery Bag Fee
Referendum is defeated 58 percent to 42 percent.
Posted Aug 20, 2009

Tesco Displays Milk’s Carbon Footprint
The supermarket chain becomes the United Kingdom’s first retailer to add carbon footprints to its private-label milk.
Posted Aug 19, 2009

Groceries Go Greener With Smarter Packaging
Southwestern Michigan retailers and manufacturers are making a concerted effort to reduce their carbon footprints.
Posted Aug 13, 2009

Kraft Foods Lowers Water Usage
The food manufacturer has reduced its worldwide plant water use by more than 20 percent since 2005.
Posted Aug 12, 2009

Minnesota Foodservice Distributor Achieves Green Business Certification
Decreased carbon footprint, lower carbon dioxide emissions, and reduced operational costs reflect company’s commitment to social responsibility.
Posted Aug 4, 2009

Walmart Requires Suppliers to Report Environmental Impact
Responses will be integrated into a labeling program for Walmart customers.
Posted Jul 21, 2009

Naked Juice, Earthbound Farm Convert Entirely to Eco-Friendly Packaging
The two companies each said that they will use 100 percent recycled plastic for their food and beverage containers.
Posted Jul 13, 2009

McDonald’s to Offer Car Recharge While You Eat
Not enough juice to get home? No problem. McDonald’s is launching recharging stations for electric cars.
Posted Jul 9, 2009

Valero Utilizes the Wind
The company installed 33 windmills to provide a Texas refinery with green electricity.
Posted Jul 1, 2009

Administration Announces Energy Efficiency Actions
Obama administration lays out its plans to promote energy efficiency and save billions of dollars for U.S. consumers.
Posted Jul 1, 2009

Green Coffee: Starbucks Seeks LEED Certification
New global store design strategy amplifies the company’s focus on coffee heritage, local relevance and environmental responsibility.
Posted Jun 29, 2009

Call for Green Retailers!
Green Gas Stations pilot program seeks retailers who are implementing environmental best practices.
Posted Jun 25, 2009

Yellow Gold
More foodservice operators are turning grease into biofuel to save money.
Posted Jun 15, 2009

The Much Maligned Plastic Bag
Cities and states look into bans and taxes as a way to curb plastic bag usage.
Posted Jun 15, 2009

D.C. Considers Assessing Fees for Plastic, Disposable Shopping Bags
The District of Columbia is trying to reduce the use of disposable bags from grocery stores and other retailers.
Posted Jun 9, 2009

Seattle Stores Promote Use of Reusable Bags
As part of a voluntary program, local grocers encourage shoppers to bring their own bags.
Posted May 26, 2009

Green Restaurant Association Partners with NY State Restaurant Association
Partnership hopes to turn New York restaurants green.
Posted May 22, 2009

A Sweet Bottle
Coke’s new “PlantBottle” is comprised of sugarcane and molasses for easy recycling and decomposing.
Posted May 18, 2009

The Revival of All-Electric Cars
Lighter, more efficient batteries are bringing back the electric auto.
Posted Apr 29, 2009

What’s a ‘Green Job?’
The Bureau of Labor Statistics finds that because of limited data, there is no consensus as to what constitutes eco-friendly employment.
Posted Apr 29, 2009

Mars Initiates Waste Reduction Program
Manufacturer partners with upcyling firm Terracyle to reduce packaging waste.
Posted Apr 21, 2009

Green Buying Remains Strong
A recent poll finds that the majority of consumers are buying the same or increased amount of eco-friendly products.
Posted Apr 20, 2009

EPA Finds Greenhouse Gases Pose Threat to Public Health, Welfare
The agency’s proposed finding comes in response to a 2007 U.S. Supreme Court ruling.
Posted Apr 20, 2009

SunChips Unveils Compostable Packaging
The snack brand’s organic-based bag will decompose in 14 weeks.
Posted Apr 20, 2009

Greenwashing Affects 98% of Products
Don’t believe everything you read when it comes to “all natural” or “organic” label claims.
Posted Apr 16, 2009

Campbell, Coke Green Their Growth
Two companies focus their promotions on efforts to help the environment.
Posted Apr 15, 2009

EPA Details New Energy Star Requirements
Requirements for commercial refrigerators and freezers take effect January 1, 2010.
Posted Apr 13, 2009

Mars Raises the Bar On Sustainable Cocoa
Rainforest Alliance Collaboration is important step towards green goals.
Posted Apr 10, 2009

Solo Cup Company Joins With Keep America Beautiful
Partnership includes Bare By Solo product donations, education and employee volunteerism.
Posted Mar 30, 2009

Pepsi Cuts Plastic
Aquafina bottles will become one of the lightest bottled waters in the United States.
Posted Mar 26, 2009

Energy Efficiency for Small Businesses
Energy management companies are helping fast-food restaurants and other small businesses become more energy efficient.
Posted Mar 25, 2009

MA Grocers Going Green
Grocers move to reduce the number of disposable paper and plastic bags.
Posted Mar 19, 2009

Council to Revisit Plastic Bottle Debate
Decision to scrap plastic drink containers could be reconsidered.
Posted Mar 19, 2009

New Mexico to Extend Hybrid Car Tax Break
Proposed law extends the state’s existing motor vehicle tax break favoring hybrid car purchases.
Posted Mar 13, 2009

Governors Consider Eco-Friendly Fuels at I-5 Rest Stops
Washington, Oregon and California governors envision a “green freeway” from Canadian border to Mexico.
Posted Mar 10, 2009

Yum! Brands Turns Green
A Massachusetts KFC-Taco Bell site incorporates environmentally friendly elements.
Posted Mar 10, 2009

U.S., Canada Join on Energy Plan
President Obama and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced last week an energy initiative to strengthen NAFTA on the environment.
Posted Feb 23, 2009

Energy Policy Bill to Precede Climate Change Legislation
The U.S. Senate will soon address energy policy; defers consideration of climate change.
Posted Feb 20, 2009

Live! Green Valley Grocery at NACS TV
The company is reinventing itself and its stores with state-of-the-art green design elements and technology.
Posted Jan 20, 2009


It Is Easy Being Green
The NACS Show featured a “Congreenience Store” spotlighting ways retailers can become greener.
Posted Dec 17, 2009

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The NACS Green Toolkit

A global guide to implementing a green and sustainable convenience store. Read more about this evolving Toolkit.