Macy’s Announces New Sustainability Practices

The department store giant plans to enforce new sustainable practices by the end of 2011.

Macy’s, a United States department store chain of mid-to-high range, has announced the store will perform a new series of steps in its ongoing drive to operate with more sustainability and to improve the environment.

The company noted that in fall 2011, they will begin using environmentally friendly matte black hangers for most apparel sold in the stores, replacing the clear hangers that have been in the industry for several decades.

They will eliminate the foam packaging (cups, bowls, plates and to-go containers) and in-store restaurants nationwide by the end of 2011. The number has decreased by about 50 percent and will further be reduced to zero by the end of 2011.

They are increasing the use of solar power systems they use in the stores and other facilities. In May, a new 3.5-megawatt, high-efficiency solar power system will go on the roof of its online fulfillment center in Goodyear. Developed in partnership with SunPower, it will be one of the largest rooftop solar power systems in the United States. By the end of 2011 they expect to have 49 solar power systems on the roofs of its stores, fulfillment and distribution centers.

Macy’s went into partnership with ECOtality, a leader in clean electric transportation and storage technologies that address the world’s global energy challenges. The plan is to become the first major department store to pilot the use of self-serve electric vehicle charging stations, through The EV Project.

The company has become a Recyclebank Rewards Partner, allowing customers across America to earn special discounts at Macy’s when they increase household recycling, reduce energy and practice green lifestyles. They have increased the company’s energy saving by installing energy-saving LED light bulbs in stores nationwide. By doing this the company reduces energy consumption by up to 73 percent.

Macy’s continue to encourage their credit account customers to receive their monthly billing statements online. At the end of March 2011, more than 4.1 million customer accounts are receiving billing statements online, an increase of 23 percent from a year earlier. This has reduced paper use by 520,000 pounds annually.

About Macy’s:

Macy’s, Inc., with corporate offices in Cincinnati and New York, is one of the nation’s premier retailers, with fiscal 2010 sales of $25 billion. The company operates about 850 department stores in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico under the names of Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s, as well as the Macys.com and Bloomingdales.com websites. The company produces the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which has been held in New York City annually since 1924.

* Published by AZ Big Media