MaineSource Becomes Ithaca's First 'Green'-Certified Grocery Store

Ithaca, NY, July 19, 2011- Environmentally conscious Ithaca consumers will be pleased to hear that the city is now home to a LEED®-certified green grocery store. MaineSource™ has received the distinction of LEED Silver Certification, established by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and verified by the Green Building Certification Institute. MaineSource is the first grocery store in Ithaca and the Finger Lakes region to achieve this.

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Green Matters

Being green is more than a trend; it’s a value we’ve put into action through innovative, eco-conscious programs and initiatives. MaineSource is making green-minded decisions and continuing to seek out green programs, services and products – such as organic produce – that make it simple and cost effective for customers to go green.

We view every MaineSource customer as a partner in our goal of a better, greener future. We hope you’ll join us and make a difference in protecting and preserving our planet.

Check out the ways we’ve gone green:

• We sell reusable bags at MaineSource stores.
• Chemicals used in MaineSource stores are being switched over to a new selection of “green” cleaning products which are better for the environment.
• We offer many environmentally conscious products such as organic produce, natural meats (beef, pork, chicken and fish), recycled and biodegradable paper products and plasticware.
• Many ethical Fair Trade-certified products are available such as coffee, tea, cocoa, sugar, rice and bananas.
• MaineSource stores offer wild-caught frozen and fresh seafood from fisheries that meet the standards of the Marine Stewardship Council.
• Our newest locations will be part of the green initiative with installation of motion-detecting switches and high-efficiency light bulbs, LED lighting for better efficiency and lower energy use, an environmentally friendly glycol refrigeration system offering reduced energy consumption, and an anti-sweat heating system for commercial refrigeration doors that reduces energy requirements.

When customers bring their own eco-friendly reusable bags to the store they receive a 5¢ discount. This helps in our efforts to conserve the consumption of plastic shopping bags and makes a significant economic impact.