Comments on: A Better Gift Card

By: N

Mon, 27 Dec 2010 05:11:09 +0000

Why not offer Whole Foods cards back to customers? Some won’t mind a used card.

By: Vic Palmer

Vic Palmer — Wed, 19 May 2010 21:40:41 +0000

Why don’t you just have instant emailable cards so you skip all the paper including the mailing and envelope? Lot’s of places less progressive than you do this.

By: Chris Jensen

Chris Jensen — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:01:21 +0000

@ Dionne: Thanks for your note. We don’t believe that PVC is superior to PLA, and we are actively working to find a functional and sustainable renewable packaging material. However, we have chosen not to support the use of Polylactide (PLA) plastics as they are generally made from genetically modified (GMO) corn. We believe that products genetically modified crops should not be marketed as a environmentally advantageous in any way, and we will not actively support PLA plastics until they are available made directly from non-GMO or organic corn.

While we do allow PLA packaging in products sold in our stores, we do not market them as a “green” or sustainable alternative to plastic packaging materials.

By: Dionne

Dionne — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:02:00 +0000

So I was interested in knowing if Whole Foods stance on PLA means that you believe that PVC is actually a better alternative then PLA. PLA is derived entirely from annually renewable resources like corn, making it an environmentally preferable option to petroleum-based plastic. PVC consumer products also present a hazard to consumers. Plasticisers are not bound to the plastic and can leach out over time. PLA contributes 40 percent less greenhouse gases to the atmosphere than traditional plastic materials. The process of PLA allows all genetic content to be removed so that the finial product is GMO free. Also some PLA manufacturers allow you to purchase resin that is certified as having no “genetic content,” participate in a source off-set program for non-genetically modified maize purchases, or purchase identity-preserved GMO-free specified seed-to-finished-product traceability. PLA to me seems like a step in the right direction, especially since it takes us in the direction of being less dependent on petroleum based products.

By: Debbie

Debbie — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 01:51:30 +0000

I was glad to read about your recyclable gift cards. Where can we bring them in the store? Do you have a box set up somewhere like where you have the place to recycle batteries and such?

By: Whole Foods Gift Certificate :: Holiday Giveaway : Raw Epicurean

Whole Foods Gift Certificate :: Holiday Giveaway : Raw Epicurean — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 07:13:30 +0000

[...] markets and I have a great holiday gift to give to celebrate the holidays. I have one [1] $50.00 Whole Foods Gift Card , courtesy of Whole Foods Market, Santa Monica, [...]

By: claire

claire — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 21:19:49 +0000

This is awesome! A also love your holiday paper bag! Please check out my blog entry today — I found many uses to recycle/upcycle the Whole Foods paper bag

By: Chris Jensen

Chris Jensen — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:10:22 +0000

@Thien-Kim: thank you for your question. We can accept other store’s gift cards for recycling, and we’d be happy to do so! The more cards kept out of landfill, the better off we’ll all be!

By: Thien-Kim

Thien-Kim — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 03:35:53 +0000

Wow, had no idea so much thought went into your gift cards. Will you be accepting other stores gift cards for recycling too?

By: Margo

Margo — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 22:38:26 +0000

I’m impressed that you considered so many options for your green gift cards.
I’m grateful that you did not chose the corn-based option. Based on my personal research, I believe that so much corn is being used from developing countries that the poor people of these nations (many with corn-based diets), cannot afford their staple. I think going green is admirable, but not if it leaves people hungry. Thinking of a starving child who is in this condition partly because of my possible ethanol purchase makes me weep.
Again, kudos for all the options and for leading the way.