A supermarket chain in our area is doing its part to save energy, fuel and money and pass those savings along to customers.
Weis Markets goes by the motto "The power to save you more." Officials with the supermarket chain said that phrase is especially true since joining the Smartway Program this year. It's run through the Environmental Protection Agency.
Many of the Weis trucks now have skirts to reduce air flow and increase fuel efficiency.
"Our trucks use less fuel for the planet, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions," explained Weis Sustainability Manager Patti Olenick.
Newswatch 16 spent time at the Weis Markets Distribution Center in Milton. Olenick said the delivery trucks have speed control installed. They are restricted to no more than 62 miles an hour. She credits the drivers for making the program a success.
"They're the ones that drive the trucks every day. They know the speeds, they watch the idling times. We depend on them to make Smartway a success for our company," Olenick added.
Customers can also help Weis Markets save. There are bins at the entrance to every store where customers can recycle their plastic bags.
"Last year we recycled over 1.5 million pounds of bags. They're recycled into lumber, made into playground equipment, park benches and decking for your patios," said Olenick.
Every Weis store has an energy captain. That employee makes sure lights are turned off and coolers and freezer doors are closed.
"Whenever we're able to reduce operating costs, it helps our company as a whole keep cost down," added Olenick.
Weis officials said when it saves money, so do its customers.