ROCKVILLE, Md. — MOM's Organic Market, a nine-store operator here, has received a Green Power Leadership Award from the Environmental Protection Agency as one of 12 companies recognized for Green Power Purchasing.
In 2011, MOM’s purchased more than 13.6 million kilowatt-hours of renewable energy certificates (REC) for wind power, a 5 million kilowatt-hour increase from the prior year, according to the EPA. The 2011 purchase was equal to more than 400% of the company’s electricity use, showing considerable support to the voluntary green power market.
MOM’s also matches employees’ REC purchases and collaborates with a local clean energy supplier to provide gift cards for customers who switch to wind energy at home.
"This proves that a small local business can make a difference when it comes to improving the environment," said Scott Nash, MOM‘s owner/founder on the company website.
REFRESH blog: MOM's Knows Best: Plastic Has to Go
MOM’s other sustainability initiatives include its commitment to selling only organic produce and sustainable seafood, conserving energy with LED lighting and efficient closed-door refrigeration units, composting produce clippings and utilizing biodegradable packaging. MOM's also supports other green businesses by featuring items from manufacturers that who use renewable energy to make their products. In the coming year, MOM’s plans to install solar panels at three store locations.
Nash started MOM’s Organic Market in 1987 at the age of 22 with an initial investment of $100, growing it from a home delivery service to nine stores located throughout the greater Washington-Baltimore metro region.
Whole Foods Market, Austin, Texas, was also cited by the EPA for Sustained Excellence in Green Power.
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