New monthly feature: Down on the Corner
7-Eleven Launches Emissions Offset Program at Gas Pumps
With a goal of planting 20,000 trees across Canada by October 2019, 7-Eleven Canada launched RENEW, an emissions offset program at 61 7-Eleven fueling locations in the Vancouver area.
The RENEW program is 7-Eleven’s collaboration with GreenPrint, a company promoting sustainability through the retail petroleum, fleet and consumer product industries.
The program is the first of its kind in Canada. Customers at participating fueling stations automatically offset their tailpipe emissions by purchasing the same high-quality fuel. For every litre of fuel purchased, GreenPrint calculates tailpipe emissions and 7-Eleven invests a corresponding amount into reforestation, green-scape projects, wildlife protection and renewable energy projects. As a result, tailpipe emissions may be offset by up to 30 per cent.
To go the extra mile, Vancouver area 7-Eleven employees have already begun planting trees as Tree Canada volunteers.
“Trees reduce the effects of climate change, they clean our air, they provide habitat to sustain biodiversity, and they help us live longer, healthier lives,” states Laura Cottle, a Tree Canada leader in Vancouver. “We thank 7-Eleven for their commitment to a greener Canada.”
“What is really great about this program is that customers don’t have to do anything different,” states Nick Angelo, senior director of Operations, 7-Eleven Canada. “They just fill up their tanks and we’ll do what it takes to offset carbon emissions.”
Tree Canada and the BC Chamber of Commerce helped launched 7-Eleven’s RENEW with a tree sapling giveaway and ribbon cutting on National Tree Day, September 26.
“It’s important to us, as leaders in the industry, to find ways to support our communities, to give back, and to make a difference,” said Angelo. “This program’s proven success in several U.S. states makes it an important strategy to help us meet our corporate social responsibility targets. RENEW furthers our efforts to reduce or offset our environmental footprint and offers customers an opportunity to make an impact and help their local communities.”
To date, as a result of the existing RENEW program in the U.S., more than 70,000 trees have been planted and over 24,000 tons of carbon has been offset.
“7-Eleven is an innovator in the gasoline industry,” said Pete Davis, founder and chief executive officer of GreenPrint. “They have proven their commitment to customers and the environment by expanding the RENEW program to Canada, continuing to seek out ways to better the earth and help the local communities where their stores reside.”
Rabba Fine Foods introduces New Look
Rabba Fine Foods recently introduced a new look at its 4869 Dundas Street West location in Etobicoke, Ontario.
The company describes the re-design as being that of an urban, European-inspired market concept featuring new lighting, carefully-curated design elements, wider aisles and a greater selection of fresh produce, deli options, and hot-and-ready home meal replacements.
“Our customers have been telling us they appreciate selection, space, and décor, as well as smaller packages for urban living and quality food options that are ready to enjoy,” said Peter Lombardi, category manager, Rabba Fine Foods. “We’ve gathered a strong team of passionate grocers, both inside and outside of the company, to work together to adjust our store layout, selection, and décor and we’re very pleased with the results.”
Rick Rabba, president, Rabba Fine Foods said the company plans to continue with renovations to other locations. Rabba is prepared to roll out the Etobicoke store design to all 34 locations in the future.
Rabba said the Dundas Street West store was chosen as the first to be re-designed out of loyalty to the neighbourhood and the store remained open throughout the renovation process.
“We’ve been here for over 30 years,” commented Rabba during an official unveiling of the new look celebration on September 29. “This was the second store to be named Rabba. It’s been a fixture in this community, and we wanted to give our customers a first-class store.”
The store includes a Tim Hortons coffee section, which Rabba notes as an important aspect of the re-design, along with their grab-and-go department. He also hinted that Rabba Fine Foods might be looking to open some new stores in the near future.
As well as being enjoyed by customers and staff, the September 29 celebration was attended by several guests, including Etobicoke-Lakeshore MP James Maloney, Ward 5 Councillor Justin Di Ciano, and Etobicoke Centre MPP Kinga Surma. Di Ciano presented Rabba Fine Foods founder Jack Rabba with a celebratory scroll from the city. He congratulated Rabba Fine Foods on the re-design and remarked that it was the result of the hard work of entrepreneurs to whom he wished much future success.
