H-E-B is among top businesses in Texas that have been recognized for its conservation efforts and commitment to environmental sustainability.

The San Antonio-based retailer was one of 20 Texas companies across 10 industries that were honored by Texan by Nature, a conservation nonprofit organization founded by former First Lady Laura Bush. In partnership with Texas Monthly, the inaugural Texan by Nature 20 ranking, recognizes the best and most innovative work in conservation coming from Texas based business and operations. H-E-B was an honoree in the Food Industry category.

“Texas is a leader in business, and the TxN 20 shows that our state is also a leader in conservation,” Bush said. “I am thrilled to recognize the best initiatives, and I encourage other companies to follow their example. Let’s keep thriving for the next generation.”

Texan by Nature expanded upon H-E-B’s conservation programs, noting that in 2018 the company donated more than 32 million pounds of food to food banks in Texas and Mexico, is a member of the EPA’s GreenChill Partnership, a program with food retailers that aims to reduce refrigerant emissions and decrease their impact on the ozone layer. Throughout the year, H-E-B supports more than 75 environmental organizations in Texas.

“We believe that forming alliances with like-minded and conservation-passionate companies and organizations will be crucial to conserving our natural resources,” says Ted Lechner, H-E-B Reverse Logistics Manager. “We’re a company from Texas that works for all Texans, and H-E-B will always go above and beyond to support and protect our home now and for future generations.”

In the December issue of Texas Monthly, H-E-B was featured for its efforts to reduce packaging waste as well as “it’s commitment to conservation daily in nearly every aspect of its operations.” Last year, the retailer recycled 475 million pounds of cardboard, plastics, paper, metals, wood, truck tires and food waste. Through its reverse logistics operations, H-E-B keeps waste from the landfill using innovative measures such as collecting plastic at store entrances and pill bottles from its pharmacies, repurposes pallets and floral buckets, holds monthly auctions to sell surplus equipment, and diverts food scraps for animal feed and compost.

More information about H-E-B’s environmental efforts can be found here.