Montreal, April 7, 2016 – Earth day on April 22nd is the right time for people to remind themselves about the importance of things they do for the good of the environment. And we at IGA are no exception! We deploy a great number of environmental initiatives. Whether it's to combat food waste, implement a healthy waste management system, recycle and recover as much material as possible, or help Quebecers reduce their environmental impact, we want to do our part all through the year.

Equipping Quebecers to reduce waste at home

In 2015, no less than 96 "À vos frigos" workshops were organized by Fonds Éco IGA in collaboration with La Tablée des Chefs and Jour de la Terre Québec. Workshop participants from throughout the province, who numbered 1,200, received tips and advice about reducing food waste in their homes. "The success of our À vos frigos workshops was so great that they’ll be back, stronger than ever in September 2016, which makes us truly proud!" explains Marie-Noëlle Cano, Director of Communications & Sustainability at Sobeys Québec.

In a similar vein, customers who want to reduce their own environmental footprint can register on the Jour de la Terre website for a chance to receive a rainwater barrel or compost bin at a reduced price from their local IGA. This popular program has been offered by IGA grocers for 5 years now.

And multiplying in-store efforts

In addition to doing so much for their customers, IGA grocers are proud to be industry leaders in applying sustainable, concrete measures in their stores. Whether it's through Fonds Éco IGA, where they have just invested their eight $1 million, or through independent initiatives, a great number of projects have been implemented, including:

• the waste management optimization program (WMO) which enables stores to make good use of compostable and recyclable materials, fat and bones, plastic wrap, and used oils 
• the polystyrene recycling project established in 30 stores
• the desire to reduce nonrecyclable packaging
• the offset of greenhouse gas emissions, particularly by planting trees in Blainville and Oka in collaboration with CO2 Environnement
• food donations to local charities
• LEED^® certification, demonstrating energy efficiency, earned by certain stores
• Action Réduction certification for healthy waste management (47 certified stores)

IGA grocers are happy to celebrate Earth Day and proud to continue their work throughout the year, in addition to encouraging their customers to make responsible choices every day.

About Fonds Éco IGA
Fonds Éco IGA was founded in 2008 by Quebec’s IGA grocers who will donate their eighth $1 million this year. It is managed by Jour de la Terre Québec, a force for sustainable development in communities throughout Quebec. It supports initiatives that respond to environmental realities and aim to protect, conserve, and promote sustainable environmental practices throughout Quebec. Since its creation, Fonds Éco IGA has financed the distribution of close to 63,000 rainwater barrels and countless other projects in all regions of Quebec and some towns in New Brunswick as well. iga.net/fondsecoiga

For information:
Laurie Fossat
Communications Advisor, Sobeys Québec
514-324-1010, ext. 2158 | Laurie.Fossat@sobeys.com