If you had asked Darlene, our favorite local c-store manager, a few years ago “What does it mean to “go green”?” her reply would have included the words “leprechauns”, “selling those green beers for all that green money”, and “some Saint named Patrick”.  In today’s environmentally conscious world, however, “going green” has become not only both the responsible and trendy choice, but an economically savvy one at that. Nowadays, going green can actually save you green!

While companies like CMI can save you the cost of paper (and for the planet – the cost of a tree), the big industry buzz is how energy efficiency (from energy efficient refrigeration and HVAC to energy efficient light bulbs) can save you significant long term dollars. In fact, according to EnergyStar.gov, 38% of energy use in grocery & convenience stores can be attributed to refrigeration.  The report goes on to list some practical, no-cost tips on how to save on your refrigeration energy use. Examples would be:

• Check temperature settings - If settings are lower than necessary, chances are you are wasting energy. The most common recommended settings are between -14 degrees and -8 degrees Fahrenheit for freezers and between 35 degrees and 38 degrees Fahrenheit for refrigerators.
• Clean cooling coils – Dirt accumulation impairs proper heat transfer and lowers the efficiency and capacity of refrigerators.
• Check door seals - Tight seals and properly closing doors prevent warm air from entering the unit, which reduces cooling energy and prevents frost buildup. Use this rule of thumb: If you can easily slide a dollar bill into the seal, have the seal adjusted.
• Keep doors shut - Repeated fluctuations in temperature will damage food quality and will cost money.
• Maintain equipment - Perform any scheduled maintenance on the units and keep evaporator coils clean and free of ice build-up.

Simple steps like these are easy ways to get your stores thinking (and saving) green.

Yes, by some, the green movement may be seen as threat as more energy efficiency cars may, in theory, decrease the volumes of gasoline sold at the pump. However, in the long run, our industry will adjust as we have proven to be nimble enough to take on any challenge.  Convenience stores will still be the place to go to fuel your vehicle…be it with gasoline, diesel,  E-85 fuel, electric, biodiesel, green beer or whatever else the future holds for powering our modes of transportation.

One thing, however, will never change.  Darlene, our Irish lass wannabe, will still wear green on St. Patrick’s Day and peddle her green beers.  Her customers will still shop in her store…if only to see that friendly smile and hear her latest words of wisdom. Rumor has it, today she will be blessing customers with this old Irish prayer as they stop in for their pre-package corned beef sandwiches:

May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.”

Have a great Patty’s Day!