What Code Green Really Means At Whole Foods

A lot of us shop at Whole Foods. But have you ever heard the term "code green" being amplified on the loudspeakers during your grocery runs? Hopefully none of the produce you just loaded into your shopping cart is at stake, right?

Have no fear, because this phrase has nothing to do with the bag of spinach in your hands. According to @Ibpaz on a Reddit thread, "code green" actually just means for staff to check if the garbage chutes of a store are open, as well as to ensure if the garbage is properly being separated from recycling items.

So as alarming as it might be to hear "code green" echo throughout your local Whole Foods while you were just perusing the frozen meals aisle, you don't have to worry. It's just a reminder to employees to check the garbage chute, and stay committed to the chain's "Mission in Action."

Whole Foods has a great commitment to environmental sustainability, as shown on the "Environmental Stewardship" page on its website. The supermarket chain makes efforts to reduce single-use plastics and actively fights food waste by repurposing and using imperfect produce in many of its food products. In addition, Whole Foods stores are sustainably furnished and energy efficient. According to its "Built Environment" webpage, stores are designed to best use energy for power, refrigeration, and other store operations.

"Code green" is just another way Whole Foods shows its dedication to being an eco-friendly vendor. According to Waste Today Magazine, many recycling programs that local Whole Foods stores participate in assist with composting and renewable energy efforts, therefore making it important to make sure unused products are sorted through properly. Having an action item for "code green," simply helps Whole Foods stay committed to its pledge to environmental sustainability, and as consumers, we appreciate that!