Publix Moving Toward Sustainability
Posted on | May 16, 2010 | No Comments
Publix becomes the first grocery store chain to make headlines for its sustainable seafood policy since Greenpeace released its Carting Away the Oceans report last month. However, the two events are not linked. Publix has been working hard on its program and policies for the past year. SOP reports on the employee-owned company’s exciting plans.
With over 1,000 stores in the southeastern U.S., Publix stands to have a major positive effect on the health of many fisheries and our oceans. Greenpeace ranked the supermarket chain 17th out of twenty North American retailers, leaving much room for improvement. It is clear to SOP that Publix harbors good intentions as it makes plans to roll out its innovative program.
To help set standards for its sustainable seafood program, the company teamed up with several non-governmental organizations (NGOs): Ocean Trust, Ocean Conservancy, and Sustainable Fisheries Partnership (SFP). SFP is coordinating a project where seafood products in the store will fall into one of three categories: sustainable, needs improvement, needs major improvement. The NGO and Publix will pressure suppliers in the latter two categories to improve their fisheries through whatever means are necessary. Changes to the fisheries could include switching to a less destructive gear, not fishing in ecologically sensitive areas, or working with regulators to craft better management measures.
Over time, SFP and Publix will monitor the fisheries’ performance and health. If suppliers of troubled fish stocks do not make changes or the stocks show no improvement, the grocery store chain will cut ties with suppliers or the fish species in question. One shortcoming of the program is that it does not reflect the urgent action that some fish stocks demand. But, SOP sees this as a sensible long term strategy that will ultimately help our oceans and keep Publix and its suppliers in business for a long time.
Tags: Carting Away the Oceans > Greenpeace > NGO > Ocean Conservancy > Ocean Trust > Publix > Sustainable Fisheries Partnership
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