‘Green Days of Savings’ help commissary patrons save environment, money

By Sallie Cauthers, DeCA marketing and mass communications specialist

FORT LEE, Va. Being “green” is more than a passing fad for the Defense Commissary Agency. In April, the agency is observing Earth Day with several promotions and demonstrations to help customers extend their buying power as well as raise their awareness of protecting the environment.

In addition to the commissaries’ month-long emphasis, Earth Day, April 22, is a one-day-only event featuring special savings and coupons on environmentally friendly products as well as in-store product demonstrations and “Earth Day Sale” giveaways.

“During April, we want our customers to be aware of the various opportunities to save plenty of green on ‘green’ products in their commissaries,” said Chris Burns, DeCA sales director. “Although we do offer special sales promotions around Earth Day, we try our best to be environmentally responsible year round.”

As part of DeCA’s “Green Days of Savings” promotion, customers can get a free reusable shopping bag when they purchase two boxes of participating cereals. They can also see product demonstrations with free samples the week of April 17 and receive high-value coupons and products as well as coupons for the free reusable bags.

In addition to April’s promotional items, the commissary benefit offers yearly discounts on energy-saving compact fluorescent bulbs and savings on green cleaning products that include floor and surface cleaners, laundry softeners, tissues and wipes. The “green” lineup also includes a wide range of organic food items, such as milk, baby food, and organic dog and cat foods.

“Although many organizations jumped on the ‘Go Green’ bandwagon, we made environmental management a key part of how we operate,” Burns said. “We identified environmental responsibility as a major priority in 2005, and that responsibility shapes how new commissaries are built, as far as energy-efficient lighting and refrigeration.”

DeCA is one of the few agencies whose environmental program meets Department of Defense and federal government standards for pollution prevention, compliance with environmental regulations and continual improvement. The commissary agency received the 2010 Federal Energy and Water Management Award, Oct. 7, 2010, as the result of its efforts and progress in the reduction of energy, water and green house gas emissions. On that same day, the agency also received a Fiscal 2010 Bronze Level Federal Electronic Challenge Award Goal for its work in reducing the environmental and energy impact on electronic equipment acquisition, use and disposal.

On behalf of the commissary’s “Green Days of Savings,” one of DeCA’s industry partners will donate up to $15,000 to the National Parks Conservation Association. This private organization helps preserve the nation’s historical treasures and restores America’s national parks. Check with your local commissary for in-store promotional material regarding this event.