Whole Foods launches green gift card program

AUSTIN, Texas — Whole Foods Market has launched two new eco-friendly gift cards, with plans to replace the recycled plastic cards that will be phased out over time.

The new cards — one made of paper and the other of responsibly harvested wood — are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council and have a lower carbon footprint, are reusable, recyclable, compostable and require less energy to be produced.

"We are constantly looking for ways to reduce our environmental impact and further our green mission efforts,” said Chris Jensen, gift card team leader for Whole Foods Market.

The grocer said it will continue to recycle gift cards both from Whole Foods Market and other retailers at its stores. To date, more than 265,000 plastic gift cards have been recycled and kept out of landfills.