Dear Green American, Refrigerators in Trader Joe’s stores are leaking potent super-pollutant gases, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), into the atmosphere and accelerating the climate crisis. Trader Joe’s received the lowest score on Environmental Investigation Agency’s Climate-Friendly Supermarket Scorecard, and its refrigerant leaks were so bad it entered into a settlement with the U.S. government over its alleged violation of the Clean Air Act. Thanks to pressure from tens of thousands of consumers like you, at the end of 2022, Trader Joe’s announced on its sustainability page a first step towards tackling climate change by declaring all new stores would have ultra-low greenhouse gas coolants for its refrigeration systems. But that leaves a massive carbon footprint in its over 500 existing stores. This past year, we encouraged Trader Joe’s to adopt climate-friendly refrigerants for its remaining stores. But, instead of announcing further progress, as of the beginning of 2024, the company’s “Sustainability” page disappeared and was replaced by the word “Whoops” and the statement that the page no longer exists. Trader Joe’s needs to step up. With EPA regulations looming for HFC reductions and competitors like Whole Foods and Aldi already taking steps on refrigerants, Trader Joe’s is falling behind in protecting the communities it serves. Tell Trader Joe’s the time to act is now. |
