INDIANAPOLIS, Jan. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- SustainableGrocer.com© is pleased to announce that Costco has been selected as the 2009 Sustainable Grocer of the Year. Founded by James Sinegal and Jeffery Brotman, Costco opened its first warehouse in 1983 in Seattle, Washington.  Since that time CEO James Sinegal has directed the continued growth and success of Costco through innovative management practices and sound customer service.  As the recipient of the 2009 SustainableGrocer.com© Sustainable Grocer of the Year Award, Costco has proven to be an industry leader in the following areas:

• Efforts in energy reduction
• Wallet friendly shopping "Making It As Affordable As Possible"
• Substantial Organic Food Offerings
• Recycling programs, consumers and employees  
• Private label principles, buying practices, packaging and value
• Geographic presence
• Corporate social responsibility

In addition to their efforts in implementing sustainable business practices, Costco carries a large variety of organic food products as a way to provide both sustainable leadership and customer satisfaction to their label conscious shopper.  They have also demonstrated success in reducing packaging waste, installed alternative energy systems for stores when possible and have further reduced their carbon footprint through effective delivery systems which utilize the most efficient trucks available.  

Costco is a member based organization designed to serve members needs through product value and variety, including a selection of organic and sustainable products.  For more information, store locations and organic product availability please visit www.costco.com.  

SustainableGrocer.com© monitors sustainability practices within the food and grocery retail sector, and recognizes organizations which demonstrate responsible and verifiable steps towards more sustainable practices.  For more information about SustainableGrocer.com© go to www.sustainablegrocer.com.  

SOURCE SustainableGrocer.com

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http://www.sustainablegrocer.com
http://www.costco.com