Macy's Inc. (Cincinnati) has announced a series of new steps in its ongoing effort to operate more sustainably. Among the initiatives, Macy's will replace clear hangers with environmentally friendly matte black hangers, which can be manufactured using recycled plastic materials. The department store chain will ask its apparel vendors to begin shipping merchandise to Macy's on black hangers in fall 2011, with the transition expected to be complete in spring 2012.

In partnership with ECOtality, Macy’s will pilot the use of self-serve electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, through The EV Project. Two electric vehicle charging stations will be installed this fall outside each of six Macy's stores in the San Diego metropolitan area.

In its efforts to reduce energy consumption, the company plans to install about 280,000 LED bulbs in about 200 Macy's stores this year. In May, the company will also dedicate a new 3.5-megawatt, high-efficiency solar power system on the roof of its online fulfillment center in Goodyear, Ariz. Plans call for solar power systems on nine additional stores, as well as a distribution center, by year’s end.

The retailer is also eliminating the use of all foam packaging (cups, bowls, plates and to-go containers) at its in-store restaurants nationwide. Items will be replaced by paper or plastic containers that are made from renewable resources and/or are recyclable.

“Our company has embraced the principles of sustainability, and we continue to take actions that are tangible, measurable and meaningful in reducing our use of scarce resources and improving the efficiency of our business in serving customer needs,” says Tom Cole, Macy's chief administrative officer. “We have made significant progress over the past several years, and we continue to move forward with new ideas in 2011 and beyond.”