Tuesday, December 13, 2011

3 of the Best Ways for Retailers to Go Green

As sent in by Sachin

Retailers that do adopt practice with a commitment to sustainability not
only please and attract customers they also tend to benefit from monetary
savings and increased efficiency. There are many great ways that retailers can
become green and here we look at three of these.

As much as anyone else, retailers should realise the importance of ‘going green’ and taking steps to minimise the environmental impact of their business. There are many reasons for this but, first and foremost, a significant number of customers expect and even demand that the businesses with which they engage maintain a commitment to sustainability and environmental protection.


A green attitude is a fundamental aspect of the lifestyle of many people. Shoppers value businesses that have a parallel approach and make purposeful choices about who they will and will not do business with, based on the ways that they manage their environmental responsibilities.
Retailers that do adopt practice with a commitment to sustainability not only please and attract customers, they also tend to benefit from monetary savings and increased efficiency. There are many great ways that retailers can become green and here we look at three of these.

#1: Shopping bags
The promotional bags that are provided by retailers are one of the most obvious and significant ways they can demonstrate their dedicated commitment to the environment. Reusable shopping bags are of course popular and promotional bags offer an effective way for a business to market itself and increase its market share.
The retail bags that are provided can also be stylish and attractive to customers. Many retailers provide bags featuring contemporary designs and the opportunity to prominently feature business details. Green bags are a great alternative when it comes to shopping bags and are selected by many retailers because of their potential for recycling, strength and appearance.
Even when a business opts to use plastic bags, it is possible to use biodegradable plastic bags that have a reduced environmental impact without sacrificing quality and the extent to which the bag is fit for purpose.

#2: Recycle, reduce and reuse
There are many resources and ways that retailers can recycle, reduce and reuse items. These include:
  • Reuse of the packaging that comes into the business, such as cardboard boxes
  • Commit to the use of double-sided printing whenever possible
  • Ensure that items such as: ink cartridges, paper, plastic and aluminium are recycled
  • Use digital technology to complete many business processes, such as: invoicing, ordering, banking and paying bills
  • Use Energy Star rated equipment, such as: computers and printers. Energy Star rated pieces of equipment are considerably more Eco-friendly and energy efficient.
  • Use cleaning products that are environmentally friendly.


#3: Market yourself as ‘green’
With a genuine commitment to environmental protection and sustainability, retailers should ensure that their approach is successfully communicated to actual and potential customers. Retailers need to be upfront and show that they are in fact proud of the environmentally and socially responsible choices that they make.
A ‘green’ commitment is tremendously important for retailers and business owners of all descriptions. Primarily through the packaging and shopping bags that are provided, retailers have a great opportunity to demonstrate their environmental commitment and sustainable practice.
Retailers that do ‘go green’ frequently attract new customers and retain existing ones because customers expect and even demand that retailers will adopt environmentally responsible practices and operate with sustainability as a definite priority.

SOURCE:
Pinoy Academy
http://pinoygreenacademy.typepad.com/

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