Commissaries go green Published June 19, 2008 By Nancy O'Nell Defense Commisary Agency Public Affairs MCCLELLAN, Calif. -- From the sale of reusable cloth bags and "earth-friendly" products to solar energy, the Defense Commissary Agency is "going green." "Commissary customers have purchased more than one million reusable cloth bags since they were first offered last October," said Randy Chandler, DeCA's sales director. "And the compact fluorescent light bulbs and earth-friendly cleaning supplies have also been a hit with shoppers." The Peterson Commissary has sold 10,000 of the reusable bags, reports store administrator Kathy Pilley-Lynn. "The green bags are a rage with our customers," she said. "Shoppers bring the bags back and use them over and over again. Demand has been so high our bag supplier has, at times, had a hard time keeping up with our orders." DeCA is using alternative energy to conserve resources and lower costs. On May 28, DeCA dedicated a photovoltaic system at the Los Angeles Commissary, making it the first military commissary to be partially powered by solar energy. The Los Angeles store was selected for the demonstration project because of the location's abundant sunshine, high utility costs and a rebate program sponsored by the California Public Utilities Commission through their power provider, Southern California Edison. Solar power and the sale of earth-friendly products are just some of the many conservation programs in place at commissaries throughout the world. Other initiatives include: recycling, reducing energy use at stores, and partnering with the freight industry to ensure products are shipped to commissaries in the most environmentally friendly way possible. Along with other commissaries, the Peterson store has a history of conserving resources through recycling. "We recycle cardboard, pallets, and fat and bones," Mrs. Pilley-Lynn said. "And we are working to get a recycling bin in the store for customers who want to recycle plastic bags." Following implementation of an effective waste management plan in 2007, DeCA recycled more than 38,400 tons of cardboard, plastic and pallets, resulting in an increase of $1 million for the surcharge account. Surcharge money is used to build new commissaries and renovate existing ones. Under the agency's energy management program, commissaries use heat reclaimed from refrigeration systems for space and water heating. In addition, many stores, including Peterson, use energy-efficient, glass-door refrigerated display cases instead of open cases and display case lighting that automatically turns on and off. When the Peterson Commissary closes, and only stockers are present, half of the overhead lights automatically turn off. These ideas and other initiatives have cumulatively saved DeCA about $47.8 million in utility costs since 1995. "We are committed to being an environmental leader in the food marketing industry," said DeCA Director Phil Sakowitz. "A critical element of our leadership role is effective waste management leading to zero waste at commissaries nationwide. By working diligently and in an orderly manner toward zero waste, DeCA is able to improve its recycling volume and thus the surcharge revenue. Everyone benefits - customers, our installation partners, DeCA, and most importantly, the environment." For more information, look for "Go Green" campaign material at your local commissary.