Here at Target, we’re committed to reducing our footprint in service of a better future for our guests, team members and communities. And this Earth Month, we’re making it easier than ever for our guests to make more sustainable choices and save on affordable products for their daily lives.
From April 18-24, in honor of Earth Week, Target Circle members can snag 15% off select products, including items made with sustainably sourced materials from guest-favorite brands like Universal Thread. Plus, Target Circle members will have the option to direct Target’s giving to the Arbor Day Foundation, whose mission is to support a greener planet. To date, Target Circle members have helped direct over $500,000 in support of Earth-friendly nonprofits.
All year round, Target’s got your back when it comes to brands featuring recyclable or compostable products or items made with sustainably sourced materials. And this month, we’re adding even more starting with a curated collection of home cleaning essentials from Grove Collaborative, featuring recyclable glass and aluminum items designed to make sustainable living easy. We’re also welcoming a new line of storage essentials from Matter, which features compostable products using natural, renewable and sustainable materials.
We’re committed to making more sustainable choices across our operations, too. Read on for a look at how our team members are bringing our sustainability goals to life.
Infusing sustainability into our owned brand products — from materials to manufacturing
Across our owned brands, Target’s making strides to improve our sustainability practices. One example: Our Spritz line of party supplies, which we reimagined with guest input, now includes options with more sustainable materials and designs. The result: three new party collections, including recyclable bags and wraps, and compostable plates, cutlery and cups, so hosts and gift-givers can celebrate in style knowing their gifts and décor are better for the planet, too.
“It took nearly two years of research and working across our teams at Target and with our vendor partners to get here,” says Sarah Wray, designer for Spritz. “It’s so rewarding to see how thoughtful design and a focus on more sustainable practices can deliver for our guests and their expectations — all while having a more positive impact on the environment.”
Creating a culture around recycling and reducing waste
We’re helping our guests recycle items, too. We accept items for recycling at our in-store recycling kiosks, including plastic bags and small electronics, and host a twice-annual car seat trade-in and recycling event, where guests can bring in their used car seats to be recycled and receive a coupon for a future purchase. (Psst: Our current car seat trade-in event is on right now. But hurry in, it ends Saturday, April 17.)
And we’re committed to reducing waste in our operations, too, with our stores at the heart of our efforts. Together, they donated the equivalent of more than 87 million meals in 2019, food that might otherwise go to waste, and helped divert 78% of our waste from landfills, including recycling more than 500,000 tons of cardboard from our operations.
Randy Woodman, store director in Woburn, Massachusetts, is just one of Target’s store leaders who is making an impact in this space. “We know that we can make a positive impact because of our size and strength here at Target,” Randy says. “We’re proud to give our guests easy in-store options to recycle products like plastic, electronics and more. And we also work across our store operations to further reduce waste and recycle wherever and however we can to keep as much as possible out of landfills.”
Powering up our energy goals — one day at a time
Part of reducing our footprint is minimizing our energy use, which is why we’ve committed to sourcing 100% of Target’s electricity from renewable sources by 2030. That includes using our rooftops to harness the power of sun through solar energy, and partnering on renewable energy projects to further our goals and better the communities we call home. The latest example — three recent projects that once operational will mean 50% of Target’s electricity comes from renewable sources.
Liz Lucente, lead program manager for renewable energy projects, helps move this work forward every day. “These projects support Target’s mission to create a more sustainable future for all and compound the joy of our guests,” Liz says. “This is just one reason I am proud to work at Target: I get to tackle some of the world’s biggest problems on a daily basis and make a sizable impact, paving the way toward a healthier planet.”
Want more? Read up on how we’re designing a better future for our guests, team members and communities.
