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Go Green: The best solutions to becoming an Eco friendly retailer.

Writer's picture: Garden SolutionsGarden Solutions

As a retailer, implementing sustainable practices is beneficial for many reasons.

The most obvious reason would be the impact your business can have on the environment.

By reducing your carbon footprint, you are not only protecting the environment but as a brand you are satisfying what the customer desires.


This is what the consumers want. With climate change and unethical labour practices becoming a major topic and concern in the world, people are becoming highly aware of the impact they themselves can have.

A large percentage of consumers are choosing to go green and you as a retailer need to meet these needs.

It can be a daunting thought to go green, the expense and work load involved may seem to outweigh the benefits for your business however there are easier and cost friendly initiatives that can be done no matter the size of your business.


Change your business goal and adapt sustainability as a retailer, to not only make a difference on the planet but to attract those eco-friendly consumers and this is how:


  1. Lay low on lighting:


Reduce your energy usage and save costs by choosing the most efficient lighting options.

Swap out your old light bulbs for newer light-emitting diode (LED) or compact fluorescent (CFL) lights.


2. Green Clean:


Switch to eco-friendly cleaning products that have less toxins. There is a large range of cleaning products that offer bio-degradable and natural enzymes that break down the dirt safely.

To save costs, you can easily create your own cleaning agent by combining water with distilled vinegar.


3. Reuse:


The most common phrase associated with environmental sustainability is “ Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” and for good reason.

Buy used fixtures, rather than going out and buying new shelves, tables or cabinets that most likely use non recyclable materials. Find and salvage already used fixtures, preferably ones made with natural materials.


Reuse packing materials, paper and cardboard boxes


4. Create a living wall:


There is a vast range of plants that act as natural air purifiers, either you can fill your store or office with a variety of air purifying plants or create a plant wall or space under the air-conditioning vents to help prevent stale air from circulating.


5. Say bye to bags:


Stop using plastic bags and introduce only reusable or recycled bags.

Then leave it up to the customer by asking if they need a bag, this will allow “green” consumers to not only avoid taking a bag but also show them you care.

For the not so eco-friendly customers, charge a very small amount for the bag, which may lead to those customers choosing not to take one.

Another eco-friendly and marketing tip, is to ask the client if you can email their receipt as you are a tree saving retailer, this will not only reduce paper loads but allow for you to market via email to these customers.


6. Buy energy-efficient equipment:


When you are buying new office equipment, focus on the Energy Star ratings and choose the most efficient equipment.


Author of Greening Your Small Business, Jennifer Kaplan, recommends switching to mobile payments on smartphones or tablets that are paired with a device to reduce energy consumption. Countertop point-of-sale machines use a lot of electricity.


7. Turn it off and Turn it down:

Turn it off: When your offices or store closes, so should your equipment. When leaving make sure to shut down all your equipment and devices to conserve energy. Often many items are forgotten about, these may include the cash register, coffee machines, printers etc.

Turn off lights that are not needed during the night.

Turn it down: Save energy by using lights with timers specifically in areas that are isolated and infrequently used such as a bathroom.

Get the best out of natural light, avoid placing overhead lighting in the spaces near windows.


8. Use renewable resources:


Look at your product materials, check for for petroleum byproducts, metals and other non-replenishable materials. Try find resources that use more natural and renewable materials and replace your products with these.

Another seemingly small but effective measure is to try choose a product supplier that is closer to you which will reduce costs and the effects transportation has on the environment.

Reduce the frequency of your deliveries by purchasing in bulk.


9. Minimize packaging:


Choose suppliers that use less wasteful packaging and encourage distributors to limit their packaging.

A retailers goal of zero packaging is unrealistic and unnecessary, there are a wide range of eco friendly packaging options.

Use your new environmentally friendly packaging as a marketing strategy by creating something different which makes you stand out from your competitors.


10. Dispose of waste properly:


Teach your staff to be mindful of how they dispose of waste.

Start by reusing items whenever and however possible.

Trash to you may be a tool to someone else, before throwing something away, see if you can donate these items.

When you are throwing away trash, make sure you are following the correct recycling methods.


To add to the above, here are more day to day simple tasks to reduce waste and conserve energy:

  • Recycle paper, plastic and ink cartridges

  • Use double-sided printing when possible

  • Reduce paper transactions by going digital

  • Replace disposable cups, plates and utensils with permanent dish-ware

  • Use rechargeable batteries

  • Regularly maintain all mechanical equipment

  • Use fans over air conditioners

  • Install air hand dryers and not paper towel dispensers in the bathrooms

  • Use low-flow toilets and urinals

There are countless easy and cost effective ways to become a eco-friendly retailer and of course the benefits of this are endless.

Make the most of green marketing and let your new sustainable efforts become part of your brand story and a company selling point. Be sure to tell your customers that your business is committed to saving the environment by implementing a “Go Green” strategy.


Get green and be a business that leaves a positive footprint and not a carbon one.

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