ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Wegmans Food Markets here has cut its paper usage in pharmacy prescription refill information to the tune of 10 million fewer pieces of paper a year.

In a column by Mary Ellen Burris, senior vice president of consumer affairs, published on July 26, Burris credits implementation of new pharmacy software and reformatting essential drug-usage information to reduce the paper.

“After you understand the precautions, use, side effects, drug interactions and storage, such information is typically not really needed for refills,” she said. About 50% of all scripts are refills, she noted. There is still space for a product coupon after reformatting the essential information.

Burris said Wegmans is working on paper supply that would have more recycled content. The plastic bag that holds the medication and information can be recycled along with other plastic bags in Wegmans’ containers.

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