Asda was the first of the big names to go green. The Leeds-based grocer took its lead from its US owner, Wal-Mart. It has committed $500m (£250) to the project and aims to be 100% supplied by renewable energy, create zero waste, help restore balance to climate systems, reduce greeenhouse emissions and cut dependence on oil. Asda has also announced that it would be testing bag-free check-outs. Shoppers who do not accept carriers will be given vouchers offering “green goodies for schools”.Â

Tesco unveiled a 10-point “community plan” last year designed to give itself a “good neighbour” image. It included plans to errect wind turbines, organise running events and buy more local food. It has since pledged to put a “carbon calorie count” on its ranges and started awarding loyalty card points to shoppers who did not take carrier bags. It has pledged to increase prices paid to UK dairy farmers and last week unveiled a plan to cut packaging by 25% within three years.

Sainsbury claims it has always been environmentally aware. It opened its first ecologically-friendly store in 1999. Last week it announced it was banning carriers for a day and would offer shoppers reusable bags instead - including one designed by Anya Hindmarch. Yesterday it unveiled a plan to convert 20% of its home delivery vans to electricity.

M&S has unveiled Plan A - an initiative to make the business carbon neutral by 2012. It has replaced all its tea and coffee with Fairtrade ranges and sells a wide ranges of Fairtrade cotton clothing.

Source: The Guardian Monday April 23rd

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