Safeway Embraces Solar Power on Earth Day

Pleasanton, Calif. Two more stores operated by Safeway Inc. converted to solar power Monday in honor of the 39th annual Earth Day, being observed Tuesday.

Safeway unveiled the new power systems at stores in Fairfield, Calif., and Placerville, Calif., two of the 23 stores in the state being converted to solar power. The solar systems reduce the stores' reliance on traditional fossil fuels, the emissions of which most scientists implicate as the chief cause of global warming.

Safeway has instituted a number of energy-use reduction programs companywide, including using LED lighting fixtures on the interior and exterior of stores, and cutting the amount of energy needed to power refrigerated units.

The company has also instituted an aggressive recycling program.