Trader Joe's Is Making Major Changes to Its Stores
We're big fans of Trader Joe's for its affordable groceries and amazing store-brand products, but big changes are coming to the aisles soon. Turns out those expertly organized refrigerators that line the store walls have been the subject of an environmental legal battle, and it's time for the grocery chain to make some improvements.
The Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Justice have slammed TJ's for failing to make repairs to its refrigerators, which apparently have caused leaks of R-22, a hydrocholorofluorocarbon used as a coolant. Turns out the substance is a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to ozone depletion-a major global issue that environmentalists are working to fix.
To settle the case, Trader Joe's has agreed to spend $2 million over the next three years to reduce leaks from their refrigeration equipment at 453 stores across the country. The chain will also pay $500,000 as a civil penalty for alleged violations of the Clean Air Act. Safeway and Costco have made similar settlements in the past due to refrigerant issues.
Moving forward, TJ's will need to implement non-ozone depleting refrigerants at all new stores and major remodels, provide detailed reports on leak monitoring to the EPA and reduce its corporate-wide average leak rate. The greenhouse gas emissions reductions from these changes are estimated to equal the amount from over 6,500 passenger vehicles driven in one year. Whoa.
We're all for taking proactive measures against global warming, but the burning question here is whether grocery prices will spike due to the expensive changes. Could EPA-induced grocery inflation sabotage our Cookie Butter obsession? Please, say it ain't so.
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