Sustainable Food Initiatives Roundup: Frito-Lay, Del Monte, Ruby Tuesday and More

Frito-Lay to introduce compostable chip bag -- The PepsiCo snack division will package SunChips in bags made of renewable plant-based materials starting by Earth Day of next year. When composted, the package will break down within 14 weeks, the company said. The current SunChips packaging, introduced earlier this month, is 33 percent biodegradable. [Sources: Just-Food, Food Business News]

Del Monte Foods debuts new solar panel system -- Along with SunPower Corp., Del Monte celebrated the 1.9-megawatt solar power systems recently installed at two of its manufacturing plants. Combined, the two systems include 9,080 solar panels and take up the space of about three and a half football fields. The company estimates that it will save $500,00 in energy costs within the first year, and will reduce carbon emissions by 95 million pounds over the next thirty years. [Source: PRNewswire]

Ruby Tuesday launches Earth Day initiatives -- The restaurant chain announced several new eco-friendly steps it is taking, including printing menus on recycled paper using non-toxic ink, installing more efficient faucets and lighting, and streamlining delivery routes. The company has also created a website where customers can learn about these and future green initiatives. [Source: Nation's Restaurant News]

Whole Foods expands alternative energy investment -- The grocery chain is upping its commitment to energy efficient technology and installing solar panels in 20 stores. The company also relies heavily on wind power, and said it hopes to have 70 stores fitted with solar panels. And earlier this week, it began offering paper bags made from 100 percent recycled materials. [Sources: Progressive Grocer, Los Angeles Times]

Colleges have meat-free days -- Several colleges and corporations went vegan for Earth Day, as studies have shown that meat production contributes more to environmental problems than does production of other food. There is also an ongoing "Meatless Mondays" campaign, which is seeking the support of President Obama -- much to the chagrin of the meat industry, which denies meat is any worse for the planet than other foods. [Sources: NPR, Meat&Poultry]