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Seasonal food: availability, promotion
environment. Recent months have environmental ‘footprint’. We found greener choices (such as seasonal supermarket telephone helplines to provide
seen a number of the big stores stores showing leadership in some produce or sustainable fish) or green information on seasonal produce.
pledge to cut waste and plastic bag areas, but no single retailer – even behaviour (such as recycling, or
use, stock more local and seasonal our top scorer – rated well in every reducing carrier bag use). As few of OK t~ëíÉW=~Åíáçå=íç=êÉÇìÅÉI=êÉìëÉ=
~åÇ=êÉÅóÅäÉ
produce and use more green energy. area that we looked at. All the us understand how our everyday Recycled content: declared recycled content
supermarkets in our survey have choices impact on the environment, of breakfast cereal packaging, toilet paper
While the NCC welcomes these
significant potential to improve their this is a lost opportunity to engage and kitchen towels.
steps, our ground-breaking research
consumer-facing ‘green’ credentials. the public, and to support Carrier bags: incentives to reduce use, or
shows there is much more that encourage reuse of carrier bags, including
behaviour change towards more
supermarkets can do.This report Small changes by supermarkets and ‘bags for life’.
sustainable consumption.
identifies simple actions that all their customers really can make a
supermarkets can take now to help difference. Most of us shop in Food – through the way it is PK k~íìêÉW=ëìééçêíáåÖ=ëìëí~áå~ÄäÉ
their customers be greener shoppers. supermarkets regularly, and just four produced, processed, packaged and ëçìêÅáåÖ
retailers – Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s transported – is the average Fish: availability of sustainably sourced fish
Our supermarket survey – (including those with Marine Stewardship
and Morrisons – take three-quarters household’s number one impact on
conducted in March this year – goes Council (MSC) certification) and information
of what we spend on groceries. climate change, calculated to be
behind the headlines to rate the top to consumers.
Because of their size, a decision by responsible for around a third of our Trees: availability of toilet paper and kitchen
eight food stores on a range of
these to reduce excess packaging and climate impacts(1).The CO2 emission towels, and wooden kitchenware certified
consumer-focused environmental
source more local, seasonal food, for from air-freighting just one small by the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC),
indicators (see panel, right), or with high recycled content.
example, would provide significant punnet of out-of-season strawberries
including food transport and
environmental benefits. from New Zealand is equivalent to
seasonality, waste and recycling, QK pìëí~áå~ÄäÉ=Ñ~êãáåÖ
eleven school runs in the car. But we
support for more sustainable We were particularly disappointed Organics: availability of organic choices in
found it wasn’t always easy for
sourcing (fish and wood products) by the low level of engagement with ten food products.
shoppers to tell where food came
and sustainable farming. customers on green issues that we Pesticides: clear communication of
from and it was impossible, typically, pesticide reduction strategies, or other ‘low
found in-store and through our
to tell how it was transported. chemical’ options.
We know that many people want All companies told us that they lîÉê~ää=ê~íáåÖë
to do their bit for the environment, recognise their role in helping to
but the green choice is often more tackle the global environmental
difficult, more expensive, or harder challenge. Some, but not all, told us t~áíêçëÉ Ä
b
to find – or find out about. of specific targets that they aim to j~êâë=C=péÉåÅÉê bÅ
The solution lies in making achieve in coming years. But we want p~áåëÄìêóÛë Å
greener choices and behaviour to see more ambition, more clarity in ^ëÇ~ b
easier, in making them part of companies’ targets.We want to see Ç
`çJçé
b
people’s everyday experiences. them reporting annually to improve b Ç
qÉëÅç
their ratings for all our indicators. Ç
And that’s where supermarkets come jçêêáëçåë É=
in.We want to see supermarkets pçãÉêÑáÉäÇ É=
being a positive catalyst for change.
eçï=íÜÉ=Åçãé~åáÉë=ëÅçêÉÇ
By choosing the products they make
• Overall,Waitrose rated best – B – tÉ=ê~íÉÇ=ëìéÉêã~êâÉíë=ìëáåÖ=~å=^Jb=ê~íáåÖ
available for us to buy (‘choice-
with good scores on sustainable ëóëíÉã=EáåëéáêÉÇ=Äó=ÉåÉêÖó=ÉÑÑáÅáÉåÅó=ê~íáåÖë
editing’) they can help bring out the
sourcing. But it also had the highest ìëÉÇ=Ñçê=ÑêáÇÖÉë=~åÇ=ÇáëÜï~ëÜÉêëFK
responsible consumer in all of us by
number of fruit likely to have been
making environmentally-friendly ^=Z=ÉñÅÉääÉåí
airfreighted.
products the norm, not just a niche _=Z=ÖççÇ
Our survey was designed to reflect We chose larger stores that could
the experience of ordinary reasonably be expected to provide a
consumers. Its findings are based on wide range of products and
what we found in-store and on promotions and to reflect the
telephone helpline surveys shopping experiences of consumers
conducted in March 2006.The in our two areas.
overall company ratings give equal
In addition, we wrote to companies
weight to each of our four key areas.
asking for details of their relevant
We included the top eight food policies (these are summarised in
retailers in our survey: Asda, Co-op, appendix one).We present our
Marks & Spencer, Morrisons, findings in the context of what
Sainsbury’s, Somerfield,Tesco and companies told us, but our ratings
Waitrose. For each company, we are based on what we found in-store.
surveyed two stores; our findings are
based on an average of these.We
selected one store in the Northeast
of England centred on Newcastle,
and one in the Southeast, focusing
on stores close to urban centres, in a
broad cluster touching on the
counties of Surrey, Berkshire
and Hampshire.
The NCC’s Greening Supermarkets Challenge
We think supermarkets can do more to help their customers to make greener choices. In our specific key areas:
We call on supermarkets to pledge their support for our Greening Supermarkets
cççÇ=íê~åëéçêí
Challenge and:
Source, identify and promote UK seasonal produce all year round. Help consumers to
ã~âÉ=ÖêÉÉå=ã~áåëíêÉ~ã=Ó=åçí=àìëí=~=åáÅÜÉ=ã~êâÉí=Ñçê=ÖêÉÉå=ëÜçééÉêëK
reconnect their eating to the seasons.
Ensure that all own-brand products and packaging meet high environmental
standards. For example, set targets for all products to be sustainably sourced and all Monitor and reduce the amount of produce that is transported long distances,
paper products and packaging to have recycled content. particularly by road and airfreight. Put the mode of transport on the label.
ã~âÉ=áí=É~ëáÉê=Ñçê=ÅçåëìãÉêë=Ó=í~âÉ=äÉëë=ëìëí~áå~ÄäÉ=éêçÇìÅíë=çÑÑ=íÜÉ
ëÜÉäîÉëK For example, set targets for when all products, including fish and wood t~ëíÉ
products, will be sourced sustainably.
Make greater use of recycled materials. For example, in packaging and mainstream
áåÑçêãI=ÉåÖ~ÖÉ=~åÇ=áåëéáêÉ=óçìê=ÅìëíçãÉêë=Ó=use creative communication to paper products, to reduce the demand for natural resources, set targets for 100 per
engage customers with ways in which they, and your company actions, can make cent recycled content.
a difference.
Set ambitious targets for reducing the use of plastic carrier bags and encouraging
äÉ~Ç=Äó=Éñ~ãéäÉ=Ó=help make people feel they are part of something bigger. reuse and recycling of the rest.
For example, introduce front-of-store recycling.
çÑÑÉê=áåÅÉåíáîÉë=Ó make green the ‘positive choice’ by offering loyalty card points k~íìêÉ
or other incentives, including price offers for greener choices.
Set ambitious targets for sustainable sourcing, including 100 per cent sustainably
ÄÉ=~ëéáê~íáçå~ä=Ó publish a strategy with clear targets to improve ratings for all of sourced fish and wood products.
the NCC’s indicators, as part of the company’s environmental corporate social
Communicate with customers about sustainable choices, including offering incentives
responsibility (CSR) policy, and report annually.
to support behaviour change. Take the least sustainable products off the shelves.
pìëí~áå~ÄäÉ=Ñ~êãáåÖ
Set targets for increasing the range of organic and other ‘low chemical’ food options.
Set ambitious targets for eliminating ‘risky’ chemicals, including pesticides from food
production, and for minimising pestici de residues in food. Publish results of residue
testing programmes annually.
4
The report cards
Name
:
Asda Date o
f repo
rt
006 Co-op
Name: March 2 March
o~íáåÖ 2006
report
Date of
Éåíë cççÇ=í
`çãã ê~åëé `çãã
B çêí Éåíë
est
the high Seaso
nal UK
M o rr is ons, had %), and food -sourc
h veg (69 ed
åëéçêí long wit light
cççÇ=íê~ Good. A n of UK-sourced g most to high er Showi o~íáå
ed fo od
pro p o rt io k et d oin cu stom UK-so ng potentia Ö
l UK-sou
rc
superma
r for more l
promo urced, but h : 55% of sea
Seasona was the eg. Opportunitylity’. t
B ri ti sh v ‘s e a s on a on pro ions apart f ad little sig sonal veg w
tion on d r n
referre ucts. Helpl om a few U posting or as
informa d i n C
E produc to local sto ne unable t ion Jack fla
on own- gh r
‘long de available. H e which prodo help, but gs
content
clare d recycled toilet paper, thou t~ëíÉ istanc a u
e’ frui d the small ced list of U
de or let
t~ëíÉ Poor: no real packaging ’ own-brand toi n’t Reduc
t from es
outsid t amount of
K
use a nd recycl
e
b rand ce told us ‘Shades ntent. This was e
and re , reuse
e Euro
pe.
re y o
Reduce, compan 40% recycled c disincentives on uce cycle
s d
paper ha on the label. No us it plans to re Room
declared gs found. Told found for improvem
a
carrier b g use by 40%. paper wthat had m ent: only c
o
plastic b
a rating ith 100% re re than one ompany we
recycl ), but poor o cycled cont own-label to
e e
packa d content o verall due to nt (giving ilet D
D g n a
ounter s
taff use ex ing or ince own-brand no declared B
t: fish c Two MSC- c n
ov em en k~íìê Compa ept availabi tives to red cereal
r impr ation. s to É plastic ny told us lity of ‘bags uce carrier b
Room fo provide inform Told us it plan bags a it f ag
k~íìêÉ o .
unable t products found C standard
Fish nd comhas pioneere or life’.
postab d
Fish certified ly fish from MS ext 3-5 years. le pack degradable
n aging
stock on ble fisheries in Poor: u .
sustain
a
E sustai nable to pro
e n
found able fish. Nvide inform
chenwar per
oden kit a Trees . o MSC ati
S C -c ertified wo ‘Shades’ toilet p -labell on on
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Poor: no ompany told u ontent (but not Showi ducts
found. C FSC-certified c E
pìëí~ kitche ng potentia
Trees has 60% on label). áå~ÄäÉ conten
nware
produc
l: one-
thid of
=Ñ~êã
declared Organ áåÖ t in on t w
e own- s FSC-certi ooden
D brand fi
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range of tion. aper.
: limited o
~êãáåÖ provement me in-store promSome Showi
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Room f roduce with so nge this year. sectionng potentia
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organic triple organic ra organ s with little : small fres
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s/pesticid Plans to oducts found. good l c. Some LE variety, in produce
Organic a c
LEAF pr ‘Conve belling on AF product luding C
s
and co ntionally g non-organic found and
‘We ba ntrolling pe rown; reduc produce:
i
lîÉê~ other r n more pest sticide use’ ng, bannin
etailer icides a g
ää=Åçã
ãÉå ’. than a nd posters:
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ç ã ã É åíë=~åÇ K prod o
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and prom lag cy neerin .
rer on s ourcing sonality – but municate its re g pack Has potent
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Top sco to signpost se e Asda to com aging ia
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do more rs. We encouragpaper. o impr
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on its ow
6
cer
Marks & Spen Name:
Name:
March 2006 Date of re Morrisons
t port
Date of repor March 200
o~íáåÖ 6
`çããÉåíë
`çããÉå
D cççÇ=íê~å íë
cççÇ=íê~åëéçê
í emphasis on ëéçêí
ovement: more
Room for impr seasonal and exotic produce Seasonal U o~íáåÖ
urced food -
promoting non rced in-season vegetables. e K-sourced
Seasonal UK-so u l food Room for
than on UK-so on seasonal produce availab im
proportion provement: had hi
n
No informatio e. Along with Waitrose, had o g
(B rating) f UK-sourced seaso hest
through helplin ore fruit likely to have been n
signpostin but this was let dow al veg D
m
comparatively g distance, including n
particular g and promotions. H by lack of
n
airfreighted lo ries and blackberries and ly
flag up us unhelpful. Only c elpline was
er
Mexican raspb arines. e o
from India of airfreight (for p mpany to
ct
Australian ne o
company and apples from th megranates
told us it e
D t~ëíÉ minimises US) though
use.
t~ëíÉ eakfast cereal
ovement: all br
Room for impr ined a minimum 50% Reduce, re
and recycle ta use and re
Reduce, reuse packaging con (B rating) but let down by cycle
Poor: only
t
recycled conten paper or kitchen roll with c
‘bags for l ompany not to offe
t o
having no toile content and no incentives t . if r
paper and e’. Offered an own-b reusable
ed e’
declared recycl g use, other than ‘bags for lif k
but no dec itchen roll with recy rand toilet E
a
reduce carrier b l
brand cere ared recycled conten cled content,
al packagi t in own-
A ng.
ources all fish k~íìêÉ
ing the way. S
k~íìêÉ Excellent: lead ly managed sources. Fish
b h
Fish from sustaina issue with customers throug Poor: no M
s
Communicate ters in-store. Staff able to S
Fresh fish C-labelled products
s
leaflets and po ation. c
informati ounters unable to p found.
m
help with infor D products.
on on sust r
ainably so ovide E
SC-certified urced
rovement: no F d
Room for imp ware. However, company tol Trees
n
Trees wooden kitche ted to sourcing increasing Room for i
t
us it is commi C-certified products as m
kitchenwa provement: a quar
amounts of FS F Forestry Trade Network. r te
tell us of a e FSC-certified. Com r of wooden
member of WW red FSC-certified cardboard ny commi p
tments to any didn’t D
ee
Also, has pion and is working towards FSC sourc
ing.
s
sandwich pack n for tissue products.
io
FSC certificat
f C pìëí~áå~Ä
pìëí~áå~ÄäÉ=Ñ~
êãáåÖ y good range o äÉ=Ñ~êãáå
tial: reasonabl Ö
Showing poten s available (16%) with some Organics/pe
t
Organics/pestic
ides organic produc on organic produce. sticides
Room for i
s
price promotion s of its commitment to m
organic op provement: restrict
u ta.
Company told pesticide residues testing da t ed
(11%). Somions in surveyed foo range of
publish its own d
doesn’t cos e promotion (‘Organ categories
D
t the earth’ i
) in South c food that
east store.
É C lîÉê~ää=Åç
Éåíë=~åÇ=ëÅçê ããÉåíë=~
lîÉê~ää=Åçãã fish
r sustainable to place
åÇ=ëÅçêÉ
d top scorer fo Overall po
era ll, showin g potential an unication. Has opportunity ion of o
seasonal v r rating. Apart from
Ov rt
customer comm d reduce propo company eg (71%), did not s having the highes
sourcing and on UK seasonal produce an h
more emphasisoduce. greater emnot to offer reusable ine in any other ca t proportion of UK
phasis to a ‘b t
airfreighted pr ll environmags for life’. Opportegory. Only E
ental sust un
ainability ity to give
policies.
7
Name:
Date of re Somerfie
port ld
March 20
06
s
Sainsbury’
Name: `çããÉ
March 2006 cççÇ=íê~
åëéçêí åíë
rt
Date of repo o~íáåÖ Seasonal
UK-sourc o~íáåÖ
ed food
Showing
`çããÉåíë
were UK- potential: 62% of
s
D promotion ourced, with seve in-season veg
r
éçêí 9% of in-sea of
son veg though li s and displays f al price C
cççÇ=íê~åë provement: 5 ing t o
In-store mtle emphasis on s r UK produce,
Room for im ced, but little signpost tion e
-sourced fo
od r
were UK-sou No seasonality inform
a featured agazine feature asonality.
Seasonal UK . n o
fruit like on-UK produce. Ln seasonality
seasonality
m helpline. l
Company y to have been air ow proportion of
available fro t~ëíÉ
says it m fre
ent in C to cost. inimises ighted.
ecycled cont Reduce, airfreigh
t due
t~ëíÉ o w in g po te ntial: high r eal packaging (B); reuse an
d recycle
Sh cer
e and recycle f breakfast products Poor: no d
Reduce, reus two-thirds o er and two kitchen roll own by
on e t o ilet p a p
en t (B) . Le t d breakfast eclared recycled c
o
ecycled cont ic bag use brand toi cereal packaging ntent on
with 100% r centives to reduce plast e’ (D). l ,
n
having no i ailability of ‘bags for l tic bags.
if content. et paper or kitchen and no own- E
O
v s incentive ffers ‘bags for lif roll with recycled
other than a recycling bins for pla s e
d One store for reducing pla ’, but no other
One store ha had recyc sti
ling bins c bag use.
options B for plasti
nge of MSC ing c bags.
he widest ra d k~íìêÉ
k~íìêÉ Good: had t products on sale) inclu uch as
s
(8 out of 72 tives to popular species Some Fish
a .
Fish some altern promotion of products fish
le h Room for
cod, but litt mation available at fres t out
r found bu improvement: thr
helpful info fishmonger able to poin ast t e
e No fresh with no promotio e MSC products
counter, and ptions. Notice in South lable f
o i helpdesk ish counters in ei n or signposting.
sustainable ng skate no longer ava unable to th D
i
store explain nability concerns. provide in er store and
i Trees formation
due to susta en C .
arter of wood told us
tential: a qu y Poor: no F
Showing po FSC-certified. Compan g found in SC-certified wood
n
Trees kitchenware ed to sourcing increasi either sto
re.
en kitche
nware
tt s
it is commi SC-certified products a ork. pìëí~áå~
ÄäÉ=Ñ~êã
E
F tw
amounts of WF Forestry Trade Ne áåÖ
member of W Organics/
pesticides
B
rganic Poor: prov
pìëí~áå~ÄäÉ=
Ñ~êãáåÖ centage of o %) and i
only 4% ded the least orga
e highest per 21
Good: had th rveyed food categories ( on for o n
food categ f options were org ic choice –
ti
Organics/pes
ticides options in su rket to have organic op s ories. anic in s
urveyed
E
a e
only superm ts available in both stor de use
c i
all ten produ icy on responsible pestic
l s.
surveyed. Po e conventional product o lîÉê~ää=Å
çããÉåíë
m t
found on so d us of its commitment ng data. =~åÇ=ëÅç
êÉ
l ti Has cons
Company to n pesticide residues tes sustaina iderable potential
w
publish its o of UK se ble sourcing polic to improve rating
a
and sign sonal produce. H ies and waste. So s, particularly on
posting. as opport u
unity to rced reasonable l
increase e
promotionvel E
C
íë=~åÇ =ëÅçêÉ
lîÉ ê~ää=ÅçããÉå ng leadersh
ip on
permark ets and showi urcing. Room for
g four su e fish so produce.
Top of the bi ticides and sustainabl posting UK in-season
s
organics/pe t in sourcing and sign
improvemen
8
Name:
Date of
report
March
Tesco Waitrose
2006
Name: 06
March 20
port o~íáåÖ
cççÇ=í
ê~åëéç `çãã Date of re
êí Éåíë
åíë
Season
al UK-s `çããÉ
ourced
food
Room f
o~íáåÖ C
o eason veg
were UK r improvemen % of in-s
signpos -sourced, but t. 61% of in-s çÇ=íê~åëé
çêí
g p ot ential: 53 eye-catching
cç Show in with specific
e
Particu ting of season no noticeable ason veg ed food sourced, wers. No
larly u UK-sourc were UK- on on British gro sily accessible
nhelpfu al produce. D Seasonal i a
informat ignposting. No e but was the only
t~ëíÉ l helplin s
e. seasonal on from helpline, ewritten list
i
Reduce informat able to send a typ est number of
h
, reuse
and rec company request. Had hig freighted,
ycle
Showin following y to have been air nic strawberries
l a
packag g potential: ha fruit like apricots and org ealand.
g
i
offered ng had recycl lf of breakfast includin erries from New Z
b
o e
with rec ne toilet paper d content of 7 cereal and blue
C
to prom ycled content. and two kitch 5%; C
ote reus e
able ‘ba Was the only n rolls ers of
checkou ree-quart 75-
Kitchen ts, including gs for life’ at company t~ëíÉ ing p otential: th ging had between ilet
p Show al pa ck a bra nd to
towel is roll carried st rice promotion reuse an
d recycle cere own-
breakfast led content. One 00% recycled
a Reduce,
therefor made from rec tement ‘This . c 1
80% recy kitchen roll with uce plastic bag
e k
which i helps reduce ycled paper an itchen d
paper and o incentives to re gs for life’.
s t
k~íìêÉ
bins for land filled.’ She amount of d N
content. availability of ‘b
a
carrier t w
bags. ores had recyc aste use excep
t
Fish ling
t of 63)
B
ducts (ou
Room f
o f ive MSC pro he most helpful
found o r improvemen ck ed t
Good: sto ounter staff were nformation,
k~íìêÉ
No info ut of over 150 t: one MSC pr c i
and fish vey, able to offer , on fish and
o
failed t rmation avail products surv duct Fish r
in our su printed material
s
o a e
much e understand ble. Fish coun yed. D g
includin ility.
Trees xplaine questio
d. ns, how ter staff sustaina
b A
ever f wooden
ll range o ll FSC-certified.
Poor: on : the sma
pìëí~áå certified ly 5 % of wood Excellent re products were a s to source only
a i
~ÄäÉ=Ñ~
êãáåÖ
. en kitch
enware kitchenw told us its policy er (such as FSC).
Trees b
Organic
FSC- Company ntly certified tim
s/pestic E independ
e
ides
Showin
reasona g potential: ver B
16% of bly good rang y large stores . largest d
~ÄäÉ=Ñ~êã
áåÖ insbury’s e
o e w
food cat ptions were or of organic ch ith C pìëí~áå secon d only to Sa ions within survey
egories. ganic i o Good: opt sted
n surve ices. of organ ic
tions sig npo
yed pesticides proportion 19%). Organic op ange of LEAF
Organics/ (
products ‘O’ on shelf tag. R
lîÉê~ää with blue lso available.
a
=Åçãã
Éåíë=~ products
åÇ=ëÅç
Poor ov êÉ
e
on all a rall score for .
B
s pects, the UK êÉ sourcing K
Showin ’
g poten including suss largest retai =~åÇ=ëÅç tainable
çããÉåíë es on sus ion of seasonal U
tial on t le
waste a ainable sourc r. Has room t lîÉê~ää=Å ith good polici
roport duce.
nd redu in o
cing ca g and season improve etailer, w signpost higher p out-of-season pro
op rated r d d
rrier ba a
g use. lity. D Overall, t tial to source an unt of airfreighte
Has potennd to reduce amo
produce a
9
The results
1 Food transport: reducing its impact on climate change
tÜ~í=áë=íÜÉ=áëëìÉ\ Many consumers are concerned tÜ~í=ïÉ=ÇáÇ coffee, tea and chocolate – foods
Modern intensive farming has been about the effects of pesticides on the We looked for the availability of that are regularly bought by
criticised for its impact on the environment and human health. organic options for the following UK consumers.
environment. Farmland wildlife has Some pesticides are of special ten selected products: PAN UK advised that
experienced serious decline, soil concern due to their propensity to
Apples encouragement for consumers to
quality has deteriorated and persist (that is, to not break down in
Bananas favour organic or other ‘low
agriculture is now the second largest the environment into less harmful
Bread chemical’ options in these food
polluter of water in the country(22). chemicals) and to accumulate
Celery categories would help to reduce
It has been calculated that a switch through the food chain.This can
Cocoa/hot chocolate specific pesticide risks, both for
to organic production could save have adverse effects on wildlife and
Lettuce (whole) farmers and the environment.
£1.13bn per year in negative biodiversity, and on food production
workers, their families and the Oranges We also looked for in-store
environmental impacts(23).
environment. Supermarkets can help Pears customer information about
There is a growing market for minimise our, and the environment’s, Potatoes pesticide policies or organic
food produced to higher exposure to potentially harmful or Tea. produce.We rated companies on
environmental standards, including risky chemicals. the percentage of surveyed products
organic.The environmental benefits that were organic (with a target of
To rate supermarkets on how We selected these products in
of organic agriculture include higher 25 per cent) and also gave
well they help customers to choose consultation with the Pesticides
levels of biodiversity, lower additional points for LEAF options
products that have less Action Network (PAN) UK(26).
environmental pollution from and customer information
environmental impact, we have All have been associated with
pesticides and less waste. Lower use (including pesticide policies) on
examined two areas: provision of pesticide concerns in agricultural
of energy also contributes to conventional produce.
produce from organic and other use, including pollution, bio-
reductions in CO2 emissions(24).
low-input farming systems (such accumulation and adverse effects on
as LEAF(25)); and practices on wildlife. Our list also includes
communicating pesticide commonly-bought products that are
reduction strategies. associated with pesticide problems in
developing countries – bananas,
24
tÜ~í=ïÉ=ÑçìåÇ in-store posters explaining its oÉí~áäÉê=ê~íáåÖë=Ñçê=çêÖ~åáÅë=
pesticide reduction policy. ~åÇ=éÉëíáÅáÇÉë
• Sainsbury’s and Waitrose are taking
a lead. Sainsbury’s had the highest • Generally, there was little
percentage of organic products in explanation of organic or LEAF
our categories (21 per cent). It was principles in-store, although the
p~áåëÄìêóÛë
b Å Ä
t~áíêçëÉ Ä
the only supermarket to have one Southeast Asda store carried signs
for all ten products, available in explaining basic organic principles. `çJçé Å
both stores surveyed.We also found j~êâë=C=péÉåÅÉê
Ç Å
customer information on qÉëÅç
Ç Å
tÜ~í=íÜÉ=Åçãé~åáÉë=íçäÇ=ìë
responsible pesticide use on some ^ëÇ~
Ç
non-organic products.Waitrose had • All supermarkets said they were jçêêáëçåë ÉÉ= Ç
19 per cent organic products and a committed to reducing pesticide pçãÉêÑáÉäÇ É=
É
good range of well promoted residues and some (Co-op, M&S,
LEAF-certified produce. Sainsbury’s and Tesco) that they
• M&S and Tesco had a reasonably have banned suspect chemicals.
good range (16 per cent). • Co-op, M&S and Sainsbury’s said
Somerfield provided the least they are committed to publishing
organic choice (four per cent). their residue testing data.
• We found a range of LEAF-labelled • Sainsbury’s told us it is the leading
produce in Waitrose and, to a lesser organic supermarket; and Asda,
extent, in Asda and the Co-op. that it is trebling its range of
• Overall, there were very few price organic food this year.
promotions on organic products • M&S told us of its support for
compared to conventional products. LEAF.Waitrose says it is the only
• Co-op declared its pesticide policy retailer to insist all its British
on packs and posters; M&S had growers adopt it.
25
The way forward
Right now, we are at a turning point. sourcing and Tesco on recycling, for expectations and behaviour. Our survey Consumer information is the first step in
Supermarkets are recognising that there example, are testament to the leadership found that most staff at supermarkets’ adressing these questions. But choice-
is much more they can do to reduce their that retailers are showing in important fresh fish counters didn’t even know editing – removing the least sustainable
impact on the environment and to help areas of consumer-facing sustainability. what our surveyors were asking about – options to make ‘green’ choices the
their customers be greener. That’s the even when ‘sustainably sourced fish’ was norm rather than the exception can be
We welcome these initiatives, but our
challenge we set out in this report. explained to them. And our survey of more effective. The experience of our
research clearly shows that there is
We don’t claim to have the last word supermarket telephone helplines found survey is that retailers still see ‘green’ as a
scope for much more action – particularly
on the subject. Rather we are making no supermarket could easily provide a list niche market. For example, the recycled
in engaging their customers. We believe
an important step towards more of in-season produce. toilet paper and kitchen roll that we
there is only so far that retailers can
sustainable behaviour. found were not typically mainstream
go without taking their customers We know that enabling consumer
products and did not offer a choice of
As a consumer organisation, we focus on with them on the path towards behaviour change is no trivial task.
pack sizes or colours. One challenge to
understanding the consumer experience. sustainable consumption. There is a considerable gap – the so-
supermarkets is to make recycled paper
We have set out to judge how well called ‘value-action’ gap – between
Unless consumers are helped to products the norm – not the exception.
supermarkets support their customers people’s attitudes and aspirations, which
understand the impacts of airfreighted
towards more environmentally sustainable are often pro-environmental, and their And let’s not forget a good helping of
‘out of season’ produce, they will
behaviour. As the Sustainable everyday behaviour. Understanding the inspiration: leading by example can make
continue to expect organic airfreighted
Consumption Roundtable (which the NCC barriers, and offering incentives, are the all the difference. If we can see
strawberries flown from New Zealand in
co-hosted) points out in its report, I will if keys to unlocking sustainable supermarkets reducing their impacts on
March – as we found in Waitrose. And
you will (27), it is unrealistic to expect the consumption. Supermarkets can do a lot the environment – for example, by
supermarkets will continue to say they
heroic minority of green consumers to to remove the barriers, including habit, prominently reducing waste and
are simply offering customers what they
solve environmental problems that face us cost, availability and confusion. supporting recycling and renewable
want. As Somerfield told us, they ‘will
all. We must find ways of making it easier energy – then we are much more likely
always ensure availability out of season if Even if consumers are inclined towards
for everybody to make sustainable choices to join in.
there is sufficient consumer demand’. sustainable choice, it is often far from
the norm rather than the exception.
clear what this is. Faced with thousands We are asking supermarkets to pledge
As choice-editors, retailers have a key role If we are to ensure sustainable fish
of products on supermarket shelves on a their support for our Greening
in helping to make this happen. stocks for future generations by de-listing
busy Saturday morning, which of us can Supermarkets Challenge, to set clear
at-risk species, we need to help
In our survey we found evidence that honestly say we know which are the environmental targets which will directly
consumers to adjust their expectations
they are starting to do this. Policies and greener choices? Fish is good for health, involve their customers, and to report on
at the fish counter.
commitments from Sainsbury’s and M&S but are there any left in the sea? Is their progress.
on sustainable fish sourcing, Waitrose on We know that information alone doesn’t organic a good choice, or is fair-trade
sustainable wood sourcing, Co-op on necessarily result in behaviour change – better? Such questions can leave us
pesticide reduction, Asda on local but it’s an important tool for changing overwhelmed and disempowered.
Appendix Summary of retailers’ company policies
^ëÇ~
Overall policy/targets million miles) since 2003. A projected deep Carrier bags All its fresh fish counters promote sustainably-
Asda’s main environmental objectives are: sea port in Teeside will further reduce road Asda’s pilot single-bag dispenser aims to sourced ‘Catch of the Day’ fish. By September
miles by 1.5 million. Asda’s delivery trucks reduce carrier bag use by 40 per cent. Asda 2006, Asda aims to provide detailed labelling
• to reduce its energy consumption and
collect from suppliers on their return journeys, plans to introduce carrier bag recycling information on fish, including the nation of
greenhouse gas emissions
saving 0.5 million miles. facilities nationwide by the end of 2006, and capture, rather than fisheries zone.
• zero waste to landfill by 2010
has reduced its reusable ‘Bag for Life’ from Trees
• absolute reductions in packaging weight by 10p to 5p.
Energy All Asda’s hardwood garden furniture is
end of March 2010.
Asda intends to operate 2MW wind turbines Recycling FSC-certified. Asda’s own brand ‘Shades’
on all its distribution centres by the end of Asda opened four new recycling facilities this toilet tissue (the UK best-seller) has 60 per
1. Climate change 2007, as part of a drive to reduce its carbon year. In 2005, Asda recycled 140,000 metric cent FSC-certified, and 40 per cent recycled,
emissions by 80,000 tonnes (from a 2001 tonnes of cardboard, 500 metric tonnes of content. This year Asda joined the roundtable
Seasonality
baseline, as part of the UK Emissions Trading plastic packaging and 1.8m litres of vegetable on sustainable palm oil.
• Asda aims to buy UK produce subject to
Scheme) – and is working towards 100 per oil, from back of store.
availability, quality and food safety; ninety
cent renewable energy. Asda’s ‘Carbon Club’ Asda has supported the Big Recycle initiative, 4. Sustainable farming
per cent of what can be sourced in the UK,
helps to identify opportunities for energy promoting domestic recycling with the
is. Asda was the first UK supermarket to Organics/pesticides
efficiency in its supply chain. strapline ‘Asda making recycling easy’.
stop importing carrots, through extending
Asda supports the development of industry-
the growing season. Most stores have facilities for recycling glass, wide standards and practices, such as organic
• Asda sells over 1,500 products from over 2. Waste aluminum, steel and plastic, newspapers and standards and sustainable packaging. It will
300 small and micro UK-based producers Packaging magazines, textiles and shoes. Every store has treble its range of organic food this year.
who supply to eight ‘food hubs’ around recycling facilities for mobile phones and
Asda’s policy limits the weight and volume of Asda supports integrated crop management
the country. printer cartridges.
packaging to the minimum necessary for (ICM) techniques to reduce use of chemical
• Asda magazine runs monthly In safety, hygiene and quality. pesticide use. Asda’s ‘pesticide reduction
Season features, recipes and stories on 3. Nature schemes’ aim to reduce residues, and its
Asda is signed up to the ‘Courtauld
local producers. suppliers work to (LOD) limit of detection
Commitment’, working with the Sustainable fish
government’s Waste Resources Action levels (0.01mg/kg) rather than maximum
Asda no longer sells ‘at risk’ species:
Programme (WRAP) to: residue limits (MRLs).
Transport swordfish, shark, skate wings, ling, huss (dog
• design out excess packaging waste by the fish) and Dover Sole. It aims within the next Asda advocates schemes to reduce, and set
Asda is working to reduce its CO2 emissions.
end of March 2008 3-5 years to source its wild-caught fish only targets to eliminate, use of the more
Its distribution lorries – among the most fuel-
from MSC-certified fisheries. Asda is working hazardous chemicals such as carbendazim,
efficient on UK roads – are being converted • deliver absolute reductions in packaging
to develop ‘best practice’ in the fish catching lindane, chlorpryriphos, aldicarb and
to run on a bio-diesel mix, which will reduce weight by end of March 2010
and farming sectors. It is calling for the vinclozolin.
emissions by three per cent. Use of rail freight
• tackle the amount that food consumers
has reduced road miles by five per cent (4.5 North Sea to be declared a marine
throw away by the end of March 2010.
conservation zone.
27
`çJçé
Overall policy/targets 2. Waste introduced. Every store has recycling facilities All Co-op brand kitchenware is FSC-certified,
Co-op aims to reduce its environmental Packaging for mobile phones and ink jet cartridges. and cutting boards are made from old trees
impact. The company’s key performance Co-op packaging is labelled with its from rubber plantations.
Co-op avoids packaging materials which
indicators include energy use, CO2 emissions, hamper recycling. It is working with WRAP (as constituent materials to aid recycling, and its
waste and reuse/recycling, and it reports on above) to eliminate unnecessary packaging. website can help customers to locate nearest 4. Sustainable farming
these annually. recycling facilities (where space permits).
Organics/pesticides
Co-op updated its ‘Responsible Retailing’
Carrier bags Co-op has banned some pesticides and
manifesto in 2004 following its biggest-ever 3. Nature
In 2002, Co-op introduced Britain’s first tightened controls on others, and reports
survey into consumers’ ethical concerns,
degradable plastic carrier bag. Its sliced bread Sustainable fish transparently on its pesticide residue testing.
including environment and sustainability.
and fresh produce now also use degradable Co-op aims to source its fish in line with Co-op works with farmers worldwide to
bags. Co-op aims to move towards Marine Stewardship Council, and actively improve chemical controls, use more benign
1. Climate change compostable starch-based plastic, and already avoids vulnerable species. Co-op does not chemicals, and reduce reliance on chemicals.
Seasonality uses this technology for its organic produce purchase fish where the origin or method of In the UK this focuses on potatoes, carrots,
Co-op promotes seasonal fruits with ‘new packaging. catch is unknown, and does not knowingly onions, mushrooms and cauliflowers, and
season’ and ‘best in season’ labels, with a One Co-op replaceable ‘Bag for Life’ can save purchase ‘blackfish’ – caught over-quota. overseas on coffee, pineapples, bananas,
strong emphasis on UK products. up to 35 carrier bags. Co-op is one of only two national retailers exotic fruit and vegetables. There are plans to
requiring all farmed fish to be humanely focus also on cereals, cocoa and high risk
stunned prior to slaughter. Its farmed prawns crops (lettuce, citrus, top and soft fruit).
Transport Recycling
are sourced from well-established farms in
Co-op is developing a programme to reduce Co-op recycles paper, glass, aluminium/steel Indonesia and Ecuador. Farms in areas of
its transport impacts and CO2 emissions. Only cans and plastics from its stores, depots mangrove forest depletion are not used.
a minority of its products are airfreighted, and and offices.
only where there is no alternative – such as Co-op’s own-brand toilet paper and kitchen
perishable exotic produce. Trees
towels are recycled from waste paper from its
Solar panels are fitted to roofs of about 50 offices – 890 tonnes a year. This scheme has Co-op has a long-term aim to source all
Co-op trailers to provide energy for trailer received the Green Apple award for forest products from well-managed forests
batteries (mainly used to power lifting decks). Environmental Best Practice. that have been certified to credible
certification standards.
Co-op uses recycled packaging materials for
own brand goods wherever possible – such as Current FSC-certified products include kitchen
Energy
recycled board for tissue cartons and washing woodware, BBQ charcoal and some paper
In November 2004, Co-operative Group products, including own-brand quilted
powder cartons.
announced its aim to power all its mainland bathroom tissue and stationery (upcoming).
UK sites completely by windfarm or Larger stores provide recycling facilities for
Co-op reviews all wood products annually as a
hydropower. This will making the Co-op one glass, paper and cans – with plastic being
member of the WWF Forestry Trade Network.
28 of the UK’s largest users of green energy.
j~êâë=C=péÉåÅÉê
Overall policy/targets Transport electricity. M&S aims to use 50 per cent Recycling
Sustainable food production and M&S aims to develop key performance renewable energy in its stores by 2010. Traditional town centre stores cannot offer car
consumption are central to M&S future indicators and to reduce carbon impact from park recycling facilities. In 2002 M&S became
strategy. M&S aspires to lead in its international food sourcing. None of its 2. Waste the only major food retailer to eliminate PVC
understanding retail impacts on climate top 30 food raw materials – over two-thirds from its food packaging, to improve plastic
Packaging
change and to develop strategies. M&S is the of food sold – are airfreighted. It has reduced recycling.
only major retailer to publish an independent imports and airfreight in some areas – for M&S aims for all packaging to be recyclable or
annual Corporate Social Responsibility report. example, by extending UK growing seasons. made from renewable materials and, where
this is not possible, to minimise waste. M&S 3. Nature
M&S ‘Look Behind the Label’ campaign M&S has pioneered the hub and spoke
features sustainable fishing, packaging, has signed the government’s ‘Courtauld Sustainable fish
transport distribution system utilising local
fairtrade and animal welfare. Commitment’ on reducing waste. M&S commitment to sustainable fishing has
depots. It was the first food retailer to use
returnable plastic trays: seventy per cent of Thirty to fifty per cent of plastic in M&S been recognised by Marine Conservation Society,
M&S foods are carried in returnable trays, the smoothie bottles and salad bowls is recycled. Greenpeace and Seafood Choices Alliance.
1. Climate change
highest percentage in the UK. M&S is introducing degradable cornstarch- All M&S fish is MSC-certified or sourced from
Seasonality based plastic punnets and clear sandwich pack
Through increased vehicle capacity and fuel fisheries recognised as well-managed but not
M&S ‘Seasons Finest’ labelling promotes films. M&S won the Best Retail Recycling yet certified – for example, all cod is Icelandic
efficiency, more efficient delivery scheduling
British produce – such as new potatoes, Initiative in the 2005 National Recycling – and avoids ‘at risk’ fish: skates/rays and
and driver training, M&S has cut road fuel use
asparagus, tomatoes, strawberries, Awards and the 2005 Institute of Grocery rockfish were delisted in 2005. M&S policy
by 26 per cent over three years while increasing
raspberries, apples. Seasonal fish – Cornish Distribution (IGD)/Tetra Pak Environmental applies to both fish sold and fish used as an
the number of stores by 44 per cent.
sardines and line-caught mackerel, Torbay Award. M&S is working with WRAP to reduce ingredient. M&S sponsors ‘Invest in Fish
sole, Scottish lobster – are highlighted. the amount of packaging on ready meals. (South-West)’ and has funded restocking
M&S ‘buy British’ strategy aims to increase Energy schemes for wild Atlantic salmon and
consumer understanding of seasonal M&S stores use five per cent less energy, Carrier bags Cornish lobster.
production. All fresh chicken, turkey, duck, emitting nine per cent less CO2, than in 2002/3 Its farmed fish is covered by codes of practice
M&S offers a range of alternatives to carrier
eggs, salmon, beef and carrots, and 65 per – despite selling more food in 44 per cent more for feed and growing. Every farm is audited
bags – for example, 2.5 million 15p reusable
cent of apples and pears, are British. stores. This is equivalent to 14 per cent less for M&S animal welfare and environmental
bags in the last year, and woven ‘shoppers’
M&S has regional supply chains in Ireland, CO2 emission per retail square foot, and M&S impact standards.
for repeated reuse. M&S has worked with
Wales, Scotland and Cornwall (mainly dairy aims to reach a 30 per cent reduction.
WRAP on carrier bag reuse initiatives. M&S communicates with customers on pack
and bread). M&S sell limited quantities of M&S won the 2005 Sunday Telegraph/Carbon and website, in-store, and through advertising.
M&S has conducted trials on degradable
local produce at certain times of the year. Trust Energy Efficiency Innovation Award for M&S ‘Look behind the Label’ campaign
polythene bags made from cornstarch as an
A future toolkit will help small suppliers to do its system to remotely monitor and adjust included full-page adverts for responsible fish
environmentally sustainable solution to
business with M&S cost-effectively. store refrigeration. Since April 2006 all its sourcing in most national newspapers.
degradable plastic made with heavy metal
stores in England and Wales use greener
additives, which can contaminate the soil as it
energy sources for both heating and
breaks down.
29
Morrisons
Trees raspberries and apples and methyl bromide Overall policy/targets by rail freight. In 2006 Morrisons opened the
M&S membership of the WWF-backed Forest replacements in strawberry production. Morrisons aims to reduce its environmental UK’s first BioEthanol E85 fuel pumps at 10 sites
& Trade Network commits it to reporting on M&S independent residue testing programme impact through continuous improvement that in England.
its total use of wood, and sourcing more FSC- covers 47,500 product/active ingredient minimises risks and negative impacts.
certified wood. combinations annually. It was one of the first 2. Waste
M&S has provided the first FSC-certified retailers to publish this data on its website.
1. Climate change Packaging
cardboard packs in the UK: its 80 million
packs for cut sandwiches sold annually are Seasonality Co-op avoids packaging materials which
now made from FSC-certified board (replacing Morrisons sources from the UK wherever hamper recycling. It is working with WRAP to
plastic). This will be rolled out to other possible. In season, it aims for 100 per cent eliminate unnecessary packaging.
cardboard food packaging. Packaging for British-sourced produce – for example,
ready meals uses recycled board. M&S is rhubarb, broccoli, courgettes and sprouts and Carrier bags
working towards FSC certification for its tissue virtually all potatoes, carrots, onions, cabbage
Morrisons has tried various ways of
paper products. and cauliflower. It promotes ‘in season’
encouraging carrier bag reuse, including a
M&S kitchenware is made from traceable products – for example, broccoli and rhubarb
reward scheme, with limited success.
rubberwood and other well-managed wood. – through advertising and in-store materials.
Current focus is on responsible use and
Morrisons has many local suppliers of fresh disposal. Every carrier bag carries the message:
fruit and vegetables, tailoring local products ‘Please reuse this bag and help protect the
4. Sustainable farming to local stores. It has worked to extend the environment’. It is looking at smaller bags and
Organics/pesticides UK growing season for certain produce. degradable options.
M&S is a strong supporter of integrated crop Produce is labelled with country of origin.
Longer-lasting charity carrier bags are available
management and a founder member of LEAF. and most stores supply cardboard boxes. After
All its suppliers work to M&S’ ‘Field to Fork’ Transport a successful trial, facilities for carrier bag
leading standards – including pesticide use. recycling are being rolled out to most stores.
M&S’ pesticide minimisation policy includes Morrisons avoids airfreight wherever possible,
the use of biological control systems in crop only excepting where there is no other viable
production overseas. or practical alternative or source of the Packaging
produce, and only for perishable foods.
M&S is reviewing its pesticide policy, having Morrisons has signed the ‘Courtauld
achieved many of its 2003 objectives. M&S Morrissons is working to reduce the Commitment’ to eliminate or reduce
banned 60 pesticides in 2003 and is phasing environmental impact of its transport fleet packaging, and is pursuing a number of
out 19 more. In 2004 it was rated the leading through maintenance, new engineering projects with WRAP. Its fresh food ‘Market
retailer on minimising pesticides by Friends of developments, fuel efficiency, driver training Street’ offers many items loose with minimal
the Earth. M&S is working toward reduced or and, where possible, back-haulage. It has a packaging. Packaging for some own-brand
zero pesticide use – for example, residue-free number of compressed natural gas powered products includes recycled material. Stock
vehicles and some bulk product is transported movements use returnable baskets.
30
Sainsbury’s
Overall policy/targets 2. Waste rubberwood and bamboo. In some cases the Overall policy/targets
Somerfield’s key performance indicators are Packaging wood is supplier-certified as recycled or Tesco aims to reduce its energy use per
currently under review following the store’s reclaimed, but cannot be FSC-certified. square foot by half by 2010, against a 2000
Somerfield accepts any packaging of
purchase by a private equity group. appropriate food grade. It uses recycled paper For cost reasons, there is no recycled content baseline. It aims to reduce C02 emissions
labels. Aluminium and tin cans and glass in toilet paper, kitchen towels or tissues, from its vehicle fleet (per case delivered) by
bottles have a recycled content. Recycled scrap except for its ‘Makes Sense’ facial tissues. 30 per cent, and to increase store waste
1. Climate change recycled to 80 per cent, over the next
plastic is used in plastic refuse sacks. It has no
Seasonality three years.
recycled plastic packaging. 4. Sustainable farming
Somerfield magazine and in-store point of
sale highlight seasonal produce. Somerfield Organics/pesticides
Carrier bags 1. Climate change
purchases from the UK in season, provided Somerfield offers organic products where
quality meets specifications. Typically half of Somerfield has minimised the thickness of its there is space and demand. The company is Seasonality
fruit and vegetables is UK-sourced. Somerfield carrier bags as far as is possible. Its bags are working with the Assured Produce Scheme Tesco aims to increase its British produce.
works with suppliers to extend the growing degradable and break down over 6-12 (ACP) and EurepGap to minimise pesticide use. It helps small suppliers, works with farmers to
season where possible, though it recognises months. With support from WRAP, the It aims to achieve ‘no detectable residues’ by extend growing seasons, and clearly labels
local objections to polytunnels. company‘s trial ‘bags for life’ promotion will means of good agricultural practice. food origins. Tesco promotes British and
Somerfield always ensures availability roll out to all stores later in 2006. regional foods in-store. It aims to increase
out of season if there is sufficient regional produce available and increase its
consumer demand. celebration of British seasons this year.
Recycling
Stores recover and recycle cardboard and
Transport plastic. Carrier bags are recovered in all stores Transport
Somerfield aims to minimise airfreight and recycled. Tesco is moving from air to sea freight wherever
primarily due to the cost. The company is possible. It is improving the efficiency of its
working with WRAP to develop a new film to distribution fleet and aims to reduce CO2
3. Nature emissions per case of goods delivered by 30 per
protect produce, enabling more lines to be
Sustainable fish cent over next three years, including using rail
transported by ship.
Somerfield policy is to avoid and replace ‘at transport instead of road.
The company is reducing CO2 emissions from
risk’ fish: it removed huss, swordfish and
its vehicle fleet through purchase of new
monkfish in 2005 and skate in 2006. Energy
fuel-efficient vehicles and looking into
alternative fuels. Tesco has established a £100 million fund for
Trees sustainable environmental technology such as
Somerfield uses FSC-certified stock for all its wind turbines, solar panels, combined heat and
virgin wood products except for pine, power and gasification. It intends to reduce its
33
energy use per square foot by half by 2010, Recycling species in store by increasing the range Tesco aims to increase this to 100 per cent by
against a 2000 baseline. Tesco has opened two Tesco wants to lead on recycling and aims to stocked, providing clear origin labelling, 2007. The standards include use of pesticides
model ‘energy efficient stores’; this model will encourage customers to double the amount training staff in sustainability issues and and fertilisers, responsible use of energy, water
apply to all new stores. they bring to stores to recycle: nine out of ten promoting the MSC in-store. In March 2006 and other natural resources, pollution
customers say they would recycle more if it Tesco introduced organic cod. prevention, and wildlife and landscape
were easier. This could account for ten per conversation.
2. Waste
cent of the UK total needed to meet EU Trees Tesco has reviewed the use of 10,000
Packaging
packaging recycling targets by 2008. Over the pesticides used on 90 crops worldwide.
In July 2005 Tesco signed the ‘Courtauld Tesco never knowingly purchases timber
past two years Tesco has invested in innovative It has banned 260 and more strictly controlled
Commitment’ to help reduce the growth in from illegal sources. All sources of timber
recycling machines which sort plastic, metal 1,000 more.
household waste, and its packaging strategy for garden furniture are either FSC-approved
and glass, and plans to add 100 more in front
group is working to reduce waste throughout or members of the Tropical Forest Trust
of store this year.
the business. The cardboard used for fresh (TFT) who are committed to achieving
Tesco has increased the store waste it recycles FSC certification.
pizzas has been reduced by 60 per cent.
from 55 per cent to 71 per cent over four
Tesco is committed to purchasing tissue and
years, working toward 80 per cent over the
disposable paper from legal, sustainable
Carrier bags next three. It is testing gasification to find clean
sources. All pulp used for own-brand toilet
ways to generate energy from food waste.
Tesco is working to reduce carrier bag use by rolls, paper towels, facial tissues, wet wipes
a quarter (one million fewer bags) by 2008 and nappies is made from recycled waste or
and has introduced a Clubcard incentive 3. Nature timber from well-managed forests; there is a
scheme for customers reusing bags. It will choice of tissue products containing totally
Sustainable fish
introduce degradable bags to all stores by recycled content, 30 per cent recycled
September 2006 and reduce the amount of Tesco is committed to sustainability in its
content, or virgin pulp. In 2005/6 Tesco sold
plastic in its bags by ten per cent in 2005/6. seafood sourcing and avoids over-fished or
80 million rolls of 100 per cent recycled Value
It has increased promotion of ‘bags for life’ vulnerable stocks by sourcing from MSC-
toilet paper. Tesco is making recycled content
and other reusable carriers. ‘Bags for life’, certified fisheries. Tesco works with fisheries to
clearer on its labels.
made from 100 per cent recycled plastic, gain MSC certification. Tesco sells more MSC-
feature prominent recycling messages. certified products than any other supermarket.
Tesco.com delivery drivers are trained to ask In 2005/6 all Tesco fresh fish counters were 4. Sustainable farming
customers to return used bags and staff are MSC-certified. Tesco aims to introduce five Organics/pesticides
trained to use fewer bags when packing new MSC-certified lines in 2006/7. It also
Tesco’s integrated farm management scheme,
customers’ shopping. All stores have works with suppliers and the industry to
‘Nature’s Choice’, ensures that fruit,
prominent carrier bag recycling units. improve sustainability of fisheries and fishing
vegetables and salad meet high safety and
methods, including minimising harm to other
environmental standards. Ninety per cent of
species. Tesco promotes sustainable fish
suppliers met the requirements. In 2005/6 and
34
Waitrose
Overall policy/targets Transport the reusable ‘bag for life’ in 1997. These are farmed fish from well-managed sources –
Waitrose CSR targets include energy, waste, Transport represents 19 per cent of Waitrose’s recycled into ‘plaswood’ furniture when approximately half of all fish sold.
emissions, transport and packaging. carbon footprint (calculated since 2000). replaced. Each year the Waitrose ‘bag for life’ Waitrose is committed to increasing customer
Although total mileage is increasing as a saves over 50 million conventional carrier awareness of sustainability through its
• Waste: increase in waste recycled by 10 per
result of significant growth in business over bags. Waitrose also has a biodegradable jute website, leaflets in branches and staff on
cent in 2006 and reduction in waste
the last two years, total mileage per £million wine bag and heavy duty carrier bags. It is service counters. Fish specialists in each
produced per £1million turnover by 10 per
of sales is decreasing year on year. Waitrose conducting trials for in-store carrier bag branch receive comprehensive training to
cent, based on 2003 figures
aims to produce ten per cent less CO2 recycling facilities. ensure they can speak to customers with
• Emissions: ten per cent reduction in CO2
emissions per £million of sales by 2010 (based confidence and authority.
emissions per £million of sales by 2010,
on 2000 figures). Waitrose is improving its Recycling
based on 2000 figures
fuel efficiency and use and evaluating the
• Transport: fewer miles driven per £million of Packaging includes recycled content where Trees
effect on food miles of local deliveries.
sales year-on-year possible. Over 70 per cent of shops offer Waitrose subscribes to John Lewis
customer recycling facilities. All stores recycle Partnership’s policy to source only
• Packaging: weight of packaging relative to
Energy cardboard and plastic, which representing 45 independently certified timber, such as FSC.
sales not to exceed 2002 baseline.
Waitrose aims to five per cent less energy than per cent of waste. Waitrose’s own-brand tissue and toilet papers
2003 by 2008, and ten per cent by 2013. use only FSC-certified paper,100 per cent
1. Climate change recycled products or those which have
3. Nature
Seasonality achieved the EU Ecolabel standard.
2. Waste Sustainable fish
Waitrose has a strong policy of buying British
Packaging Waitrose sources all fish from well-managed
and selecting local and regional produce – for 4. Sustainable farming
Waitrose has signed the WRAP ‘Courtauld fisheries, using responsible fishing methods. It
example, during British growing season 70
Commitment’ to minimise product packaging. works with MSC and delists fish where there Organics/pesticides
per cent of apples and 100 per cent of
Packaging consumption relative to sales has are concerns about sustainable resources: Waitrose offers one of the widest organic
strawberries are UK-sourced. All Waitrose
fallen – 24 per cent less in 2005 than in 2002. North Sea cod and haddock fishery were ranges – more than 1,300 products. Waitrose
milk, cream and eggs and over half of fresh
It is trialling biodegradable materials in its delisted in 1999 and in 1996 Waitrose was organic sales have a 17 per cent share of the
vegetables are sourced in the UK.
organic product ranges. the first retailer to stop selling fresh, wild organic market, against Waitrose’s 3.8 per
Waitrose has more than 170 local (within 30 Atlantic salmon. It has stopped selling marlin,
Waitrose has a commitment that the weight cent overall market share.
miles of the shop) suppliers, providing over wild Atlantic salmon, blue fin tuna, sturgeon
500 product lines. Products are clearly of its packaging relative to sales will not Waitrose uses the LEAF marque extensively
products, shark, ling, dogfish, Chilean sea
labelled to support local businesses and raise exceed the 2002 baseline. and is the only retailer to insist that all its
bass, Atlantic halibut, threatened skate and
awareness of seasonality and food miles. British growers adopt it.
rays and orange roughy.
Waitrose promotes British products when in Carrier bags Waitrose’s policy either restricts or
Over seven years it has converted all fresh and
season. Its recently launched sourcing website prohibits altogether the use of a number of
Waitrose aims to discourage carrier bag use smoked cod and haddock to line-caught,
provides information on its British, regional agro-chemicals.
and was the first UK supermarket to introduce greatly reducing impact on the marine
and local sourcing commitments. environment. It also sells a wide selection of 35
Notes and references
1. See, for example, Tukker, A et al, 10. Triodos Bank/Farmers Weekly magazine 22. Royal Agricultural Society of England,
Environmental impact of products survey, www.triodos.co.uk, 2006. Differentiation: a sustainable future for
(EIPRO): analysis of the life cycle 11. January to December 2005 UK import UK agriculture, July 2006.
environmental impacts related to the model statistics for fresh fruit and 23. Pretty, J., Lang, T. et al, Farm costs and
total final consumption of the EU25, vegetables. Data collected by HM food miles: an assessment of the full
European Science and Technology Revenue and Customs’ Tariff and cost of the UK food basket, Food Policy
Observatory, 2005. Statistical Department. Data supplied by 30 (1), 2005.
2. As ref. 1. Business and Trade Statistics Ltd. 24. Defra, Organic Action Plan, 2002.
3. Energy Review: Statement by the Rt Hon 12. www.womens-institute.org.uk. 25. Linking Environment and Farming, the
Alistair Darling, Secretary of State for 13. WRAP, pers.comm., 19 September 2005. LEAF Marque certification standards cover
Trade and Industry, 11 July 2006. soil management, energy and water
14. WRAP, Carrier bag usage and attitudes
4. Transport 2000 Trust, Wise moves: benchmark and target market study efficiency, crop protection and animal
exploring the relationship between food, research findings, Andrew Irving husbandry. See www.leafuk.org.
transport and CO2, 2003. Associates Market Research, March 2005. 26. www.pan-uk.org.
5. Defra, Food industry sustainability 15. Lord Rooker, Minister of State, Defra, 27. Sustainable Consumption Roundtable,
strategy, 2006. House of Lords, 12 July 2006 I will if you will Towards sustainable
6. CO2 emissions from airfreight calculated 16. Green alliance, Note of Green Alliance consumption, NCC/ Sustainable
using Defra’s Environmental reporting: seminar: Is the future for food-packaging Development Commission, 2006.
guidelines for company reporting on compostable or recycleable?
greenhouse gas emissions March 2006.
(www.defra.gov.uk). Distance from New
17. WWF, www.panda.org, (accessed April
Zealand 18332km. The ‘school run’ is
2006).
made in a mid-size car (1.4-2.1 litres)
making a return journey total 1.93 km (or 18. FAO, Review of the state of world marine
0.6 miles each way). fishery resources, Rome: Food and
Agriculture Organisation of the UN, 2005.
7. Garnett, T., Fruit & vegetables and UK
greenhouse gas emissions: exploring the 19. Greenpeace, A recipe for disaster:
relationship, Food and Climate Research supermarkets’ insatiable appetite for
Network, University of Surrey, July 2006. seafood, 2005.
8. IGD, Connecting consumers with farming 20. www.msc.org.
and food produce, 2005. 21. www.fsc-uk.org.
9. IGD, Retail and foodservice opportunities
for local food, 2006.
36