Even as child, Eli Browne was passionate about protecting wildlife from the perils of plastic. So, it’s fitting that she and her team spearheaded the elimination of plastic bags at all checkout counters in Sobeys and its associated banners. Not only did this initiative help eliminate 800 million single-use grocery bags from circulation annually, but it encouraged 85% of Sobeys shoppers to bring reusable bags or go without. “I think the fact we have such a high percentage [of customers] who don’t require single-use bag shows we are impacting customer behaviour,” she says.

Earlier this year, Browne announced Sobeys’ partnership with food rescue group Second Harvest, which enables the grocer and its banners to divert food waste and provide Canadians with more access to fresh food. A 12-week pilot of the program, which Browne helped implement in 16 stores, diverted more than 110,000 kilograms of greenhouse gas emissions. Since May 2021, Sobeys has donated more than one million meals to families in need.

In playing such a pivotal role in Sobeys’ commitment to sustainability, Browne says she is simply responding to what customers are asking for.