For over 100 years, the National Retail Federation has championed the retail industry, and today, we’re proud to support our members as they lead the way in creating a more sustainable future. From energy-efficient operations to circular supply chains, our members are consistently working to enact positive change. We too are committed to implementing more sustainable practices at NRF 2026: Retail’s Big Show.
At Retail’s Big Show, we’re committed to reducing our environmental impact and making sustainability central to our event. We’ve identified four long-term sustainability goals to guide us forward which align with the NRF Center for Retail Sustainability areas of focus:
Move toward a Zero-Waste Event
Advance Stakeholder Education and Engagement through Insights
Increase Accessibility, Opportunity, and Wellbeing
Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Sustainability is a team effort. We’re working with partners like the Javits Center, Freeman, Honeycomb Strategies, exhibitors, and attendees to reduce waste, embrace circularity, and make smarter choices across the supply chain.
Being sustainable at Retail’s Big Show is easier than you think. No extra effort needed, just simple choices that make a big impact. Discover fun, easy ways you can support the show’s sustainability goals while you’re there!
Bring your resuable water bottle
In 2025, Retail’s Big Show prevented over 10,000 single use water bottles from being used and sent to the landfill. Join us in continuing to make an impact by brining your refillable bottle to the Show.
Filtered water refill stations will be available throughout the Javits Center.
Don’t want to travel with a bottle? Save the screw top aluminum bottle you purchase at the Javits Center and refill it throughout the show.
Travel green
Help offset your travel carbon when registering for NRF 2026: Retail’s Big Show by selecting the $10 carbon offset option at registration checkout. Carbon offsets purchased will be allocated toward community, renewable and nature-based programs.
Pack light, even skipping one pair of shoes saves CO2!
Save water & energy by participating in your hotel’s linen and towel reuse program and don’t forget to turn off the lights when you head out. Some hotels offer points if you refuse daily service
Sustainable transportation
New York City is a very walkable city and most hotels in our official room block are within walking distance of the Javits Center.
If walking isn’t an option, hop on the NRF shuttle or check out the New York City public transportation system to get around the city.
Recycling made simple
Waste is sorted by landfill and recycling. Together with our partners, Retail’s Big Show has improved the waste diversion rate year over year.
Help us continue to divert waste from the landfill by being mindful of your purchases and ensuring that you are making it matter by using the correct bin when discarding items.
NRF is dedicated to reducing our environmental impact and promoting sustainability throughout Retail’s Big Show. As a result, the Show has made intentional procurement decisions which are better for you and the environment.
Plastic waste reduction
We will not offer or sell beverages in plastic bottles. Instead, individual beverages will be available in environmentally friendly options such as aluminum, glass, or boxed containers.
Community impact
Through the JavitsCares program, exhibit materials such as furniture and household items will be diverted from the landfill and donated to local non-profit organizations. Food rescue programs are in place to help the community fight food insecurity.
Vendor procurement and sustainability guides
We have implemented internal supply vetting systems for NRF 2026 and have provided exhibitors with best practices to reduce the environmental impact of the Expo.
Offsetting the show's footprint
In 2025, we purchased 2,500 MTCO2e of carbon offsets to reduce the carbon emissions of the Show. This year, we have added a $10 carbon offset option at registration checkout. Carbon credits purchased will be allocated toward community, renewable and nature-based programs.
Scholarships and mentorship
The NRF Foundation, NRF's nonprofit 501(c)(3), connects people to the retail industry. Our RISE Up training gives people the skills they need to secure a career in retail and beyond. NRF awards more than $500,000 in college scholarships each year, helping undergraduates erase debt and gain real-world experience. Our virtual and in-person programming includes hiring events and insights from industry experts that help the next generation of talent launch careers.
Continued focus on printed material
The 2025 show saw a 33% reduction in printed publications which was the equivalent of 11 trees of paper. We continue to evaluate the need for printed material while ensuring a safe and successful experience for our attendees.
Food compost added
Compost bins will be added in the Innovation Zone and Expo Lounges for a second year to divert valuable waste from the landfill. Did you know food waste is responsible for 58% of the landfill methane emissions?
Last year, 2,500 tonnes of CO2e were offset, more information can be found at National Retail Federation - Taking Climate Action. Read about the NRF 2026 carbon offset program initiatives below.
