• Efforts in energy reduction
• Wallet friendly shopping "Making It As Affordable As Possible"
• Substantial Organic Food Offerings
• Recycling programs, consumers and employees  
• Private label principles, buying practices, packaging and value
• Geographic presence
• Corporate social responsibility

Costco CEO Jim Sinegal

Substantial Organic Food Offerings

Costco carries a large variety of organic food products as a way to provid both sustainable leadership and customer satisfaction to their label conscious shopper.  If you're not a member visit then join your local Costco and you will find a wide variety of organic beef, chicken, milk, eggs, vegetables and dry goods. It will not take long to notice the real value and passion installed in their organic programs.

Efforts In Energy Reduction

"Costco CEO Jim Sinegal announced in their latest investors meeting that they will be expanding their effort to reduce their environmental impact.

As a start, Costco has begun installing large solar arrays on the roofs of their stores in California and Hawaii.  The one in Kona, Hawaii is the largest solar array in Hawaii.

These installation cost $750,000 each, but Costco will make the money back in 3-5 years.  Seven more stores are slated to receive solar installations in the next year."

To read to more about what Costco is doing with their energy reducing investment read the entire article. Costco's newest supplier: the sun

Affordable Shopping

"Providing name brand foods at an affordable price has always been tied to Costco's name.  Costco Wholesale plans to accept food stamps at its warehouse stores nationwide."

Read the full article  Costco plans to accept food stamps nationally

Recycling

"Costco has teamed up with Gazelle, the industry leader in electronics trade-in, to offer this program. Gazelle will evaluate your items to confirm value and then safely and securely remove personal data prior to issuing the Costco Cash Card.  Free shipping is offered on all transactions with a value of at least $1."

For the full program details click: Trade-in Program

Social Responsibility

"Wall Street grumbles that Costco cares more about its customers and employees than its shareholders; it pays workers an average of $17 an hour and covers 90% of health-insurance costs for both full-timers and part-timers. Yet revenues have grown by 70% in the past five years, and its stock has more than doubled."

For the full interview click: Costco's Jim Sinegal