The leading Polish supermarket chain, Biedronka, is once again rolling out its eco-friendly initiative, “ecoHolidays with Biedronka.” From 3 August to 11 September, residents in various towns across Poland can visit selected stores to exchange empty plastic bottles for shopping vouchers. This year, the program has expanded to 200 stores, doubling the participation from last year. This initiative is perfectly timed for the summer holidays and aims to educate people about plastic bottle recycling.
The Importance of Recycling
Summer is the ideal time for an educational campaign on recycling plastic bottles, as it’s when we consume the most beverages. According to the principles of a circular economy, used materials are valuable resources that can be given a new life if correctly managed. Although Poles claim to segregate waste properly, the GUS report “Environment Protection 2023” shows that only 61% of waste was recovered. Biedronka is committed to environmental protection, and a significant part of its strategy is eco-education, raising awareness among customers, employees, and stakeholders. The supermarket chain shares best practices and demonstrates through collection programs that environmental protection efforts can bring both ecological and economic benefits.
Biedronka’s Comprehensive Approach
Biedronka adopts a comprehensive approach to environmental protection. During the summer months, it intensifies its educational activities with the “ecoHolidays with Biedronka” program, which includes collecting plastic bottles.
At Biedronka, we take a comprehensive approach to environmental protection. During the summer months, we intensify our educational efforts by running the “ecoHolidays with Biedronka” program, which includes collecting plastic bottles. Last year, we collected over 102,000 plastic bottles, equivalent to 2,500 kg of plastic that was properly managed. We are confident that this year we will surpass this achievement and reach tens of thousands more of our customers with our campaign.
Natalia Przybytkowska-Łasak, Environmental Protection Manager at Biedronka
Natalia Przybytkowska-Łasak emphasises the simplicity and benefits of the program. For every six empty plastic bottles, customers receive a 1 PLN voucher. Bottles of any size and from any brand are accepted. They can be brought to designated points in store parking lots from 11:00 to 19:00 daily, from 3 August to 11 September. The voucher can be used for purchases exceeding 1 PLN, with a limit of five vouchers per person (30 bottles). The vouchers are single-use, cannot be exchanged for cash, and are valid for purchasing more bottled beverages until 30 September 2024, in any Biedronka store in Poland. The full list of participating stores and the campaign regulations are available on Biedronka’s website.
Participating Stores in Poznań
Several Biedronka stores in Poznań are taking part in the “ecoHolidays” program. Residents can visit the following locations to exchange their plastic bottles for vouchers:
- Poznań, 60-378, ul. Bułgarska 121/123 – 22 August 2024
- Poznań, 61-341, ul. Starołęcka 1 – 23 August 2024
- Poznań, 61-248, ul. Bobrzańska 13 – 24 August 2024
These stores are equipped to handle the collection and voucher distribution, ensuring that Poznań residents can easily participate in the recycling initiative.
Eco-Friendly Presence at Olsztyn Green Festival
From 15 to 17 August, the Olsztyn Green Festival will feature Biedronka as a debut sponsor. The festival not only offers a musical feast but also promotes pro-environmental actions. Biedronka’s eco-activity zone will offer attractions for all ages, focusing on waste segregation and food waste prevention. Activities include educational magnetic boards on proper waste segregation, blender bikes for exercise, a relaxation area with bean bags and deckchairs, and fresh fruits and reusable produce bags to showcase alternatives to plastic bags. Children can enjoy the beloved plush toys from last year’s Gang Mocniaków collection.
Expanding the Eco Campaign
The Olsztyn Green Festival is part of the broader “ecoHolidays with Biedronka” campaign. The program kicked off with participation in the “Clean Tatra Mountains ecoMałopolska” project, where volunteers helped clean mountain trails and staffed the event’s eco-village. This ongoing initiative highlights Biedronka’s commitment to environmental protection and community involvement.
Biedronka’s “ecoHolidays” initiative demonstrates the supermarket chain’s dedication to environmental education and waste management. By encouraging customers to exchange plastic bottles for vouchers and participating in eco-friendly events, Biedronka fosters a culture of sustainability and environmental responsibility. This program not only benefits the environment but also offers tangible rewards to customers, creating a win-win situation for all.
