Climate Change Data

Whole Foods Market

Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (2022)

Reporting Period: 2022

Environmental Metrics

Waste Generated:234,006 tons (recycled + organic diversion)

ESG Focus Areas

  • Responsible Sourcing
  • Climate, Carbon and Water
  • Waste and Packaging
  • People Impact
  • Transparency, Engagement and Reporting

Environmental Achievements

  • Over 72% of all waste kept out of landfills
  • Nearly 108,000 tons of food waste diverted from landfill through organic diversion programs
  • Over 127,000 tons of inedible waste diverted from landfill through recycling
  • 45 stores using low global warming potential refrigerants
  • 66 stores supplementing traditional energy supply with power from rooftop solar installations
  • Achieved a 21% improvement in energy performance versus 2010 (Better Buildings Challenge)

Social Achievements

  • 30+ million meals donated to local food banks and food rescue organizations
  • Nearly 1,000 unique food rescue and redistribution programs supported
  • $4.6+ million donated to non-profit organizations through our Team Member Directed Giving Program
  • 1,364 Team Members graduated from Career Development programs
  • 33,555 microloans funded through Whole Planet Foundation

Governance Achievements

  • Expanded human rights due diligence project to fresh and frozen tuna supply chains
  • Created and circulated packaging guidelines in partnership with key stakeholders
  • Created a waste diversion handbook for stores

Climate Goals & Targets

Long-term Goals:
  • Amazon's commitment to net-zero carbon by 2040
Medium-term Goals:
  • Cut food waste in half by 2030
Short-term Goals:
  • Expand recycling and compost programs to all stores
  • Increase waste diversion rate

Environmental Challenges

  • Climate change impacts on agriculture
  • Food waste
  • Water usage in stores and supply chain
  • Reducing carbon emissions across supply chain and operations
Mitigation Strategies
  • Supporting climate-smart agriculture (organic and regenerative)
  • Investing in alternative refrigerants and energy-efficient systems
  • Expanding food waste donation and diversion programs
  • Working with suppliers to measure and reduce carbon emissions
  • Implementing water conservation measures (e.g., Boss Defrost systems)
  • Partnering with HowGood to measure and improve the impact of food products

Supply Chain Management

Responsible Procurement
  • Sourced for Good program
  • Supplier Code of Conduct
  • Human rights due diligence

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Physical Risks
  • Extreme weather events
Transition Risks
  • Regulatory changes
Opportunities
  • Climate-smart agriculture
  • Energy efficiency improvements

Sustainable Products & Innovation

  • 365 by Whole Foods Market brand
  • Regenerative Organic Certified products

Awards & Recognition

  • Progressive Grocer Impact award
  • U.S. Department of Energy’s Better Buildings Challenge recognition