From growing your green customer base to growing your bottom line , the benefits of going green make it a great strategy for any retail store . Eco-friendly retailing practices can help your business stand out in your community , all while lowering your overhead costs and creating a healthier space for your customers and staff .
1 . Save Money on Lighting
Whether you own or rent your store ’ s space , thinking about your store ’ s lighting can have a major impact on your utility bill ( and on your environmental footprint .)
Consider this : energy efficient options like Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs ( CFLs ) and Light-Emitting Diodes ( LEDs ) use up to 75 % less energy than traditional incandescent lighting . CFLs last up to 10 times as long as incandescent bulbs , while LEDs last 50 times as long ! This all adds up to a lot of money saved on your utility costs ( and also less time wasted with replacing old lighting .) Energy-efficient lighting comes in a full range of colors , shapes and sizes , including dimmable and outdoor options , so you won ’ t need to compromise on your customers ’ shopping experience when you make the switch .
2 . Save Money on Water
The flow rate on most public bathroom faucets is 2.2 gallons per minute ! Here are a few ideas for conserving water at the faucets in your store bathroom , and reducing your water bill :
• A low-flow aerator helps to manage the amount of water that comes out of a sink , but it doesn ’ t change the water pressure or affect the feel of the water flow . This is a cheap , quick , and effective solution that can save you 50-75 % on each sink ’ s water use .
• An instant-off water saver on the other hand can save up to 10,000 gallons of water per year by eliminating the waste of unused running water . It also reduces the spread of infection and simplifies sink use since there is no need to adjust the faucet handles once it ’ s set up .
3 . Reduce Waste , Save Money
Containers and packaging account for roughly 31 % of the waste created in the U . S . today ! More and more businesses have found that cutting down on packaging can help a store ’ s bottom line . Here are just a few of ideas to consider for reducing waste and saving money :
• Think about eliminating paper and plastic singleuse bags from your store , or offering a discount to shoppers who use reusable eco bags with your company logo .
• Ask yourself if any of your products can be sold in bulk , or with less packaging .
• If your store offers ready-to-eat food , also think about providing biodegradable plates , bowls , and cups . Quality alternatives ( like sugarcane-based or corn-based products ) are as durable as the usual Styrofoam , plastic or paper products , and they can be used with hot or cold foods . Your customers will appreciate helping them to reduce their waste , and you ’ ll eliminate many of the environmental health concerns that surround traditional products like BPA ( a chemical linked to a number of serious health issues ) in plastic cups and bleaches in paper plates .
4 . A “ Green Clean ” Means Healthier Employees
Of the roughly |
17,000 chemicals used |
in cleaning |
products , only about |
30 % have |
been fully tested |
for |
health effects . The
“ volatile organic compounds ”
( VOCs ) released by many cleaners are particles that can reduce indoor air quality , triggering asthma or allergies . Other ingredients in many traditional cleaners have been linked to everything from headaches to cancers ! To protect your employees , your customers and yourself :
• Always check cleaning product labels for known hazards , and study warning labels carefully .
• Switch to non-toxic cleaning alternatives . Enzyme cleaners are a safe and effective solution .
5 . Better Air Quality = Happier Customers
Customers won ’ t flock to a space that smells like strong chemical cleaners or sickly-sweet air fresheners .
• A few carefully placed indoor plants can vastly improve indoor air-quality without hurting the look and feel of your store .
• Choose soy-based candles or use natural air fresheners to give your store a signature scent .
• Remember that regular maintenance for your AC system pays off ! Check your system ’ s air filters once a month and clean or replace the filter when necessary to prevent mold , dust , and allergens from building up .
When you take steps to improve indoor air quality , your employees and customers may not be able to pinpoint what ’ s different about the store , but they ’ ll certainly be able to breathe easier .
6 . Attract and Retain High Quality Customers
Aside from financial savings , health benefits , and environmental improvements there ’ s another big advantage to going green : attracting eco-minded consumers !
Green customers are a growing segment of the consumer market , and they are also among the least sensitive to premium prices . When surveyed , 80 % of such consumers said that they would pay a premium of 20 % for green products and services , and 76 % would switch brands or retailers to one associated with a good cause when price and quality are equal .
An eco-friendly store will help develop an emotional connection between you and your green customers . Your existing customers will feel even better about shopping with you , and new customers will appreciate your store ’ s commitment to responsible environmental citizenship .
You won ’ t redefine your brand or attract a better class of customer overnight . But by taking small steps , and celebrating your successes , you ’ ll help protect both your profits and the planet .
7 . Going Green Gives You Something to “ Crow ” About
Going green is a great opportunity to reduce your environmental footprint , build a green retail business , and turn your store into a safer , more welcoming space . Yet your eco-friendly changes won ’ t build your brand unless consumers know about them ! Publicize your eco-friendly measures with a press release , a sign at your register , in your email newsletters , on your product labels , and the social media .
There you have it — great reasons you should introduce eco-saving ideas to your retail store ! It ’ s better for your bank account , better for your marketing , better for your staff , better for your customers , and better for our planet .
By : Rosamaria Caballero Stafford , co-founder of Green Irene , a company dedicated to greening our world one home and one green retail business at a time .
Source : www . whizbangtraining . com / green-retail-business /
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The Philippine Retailing is the official quarterly newsletter of the Philippine Retailers Association with office at 2607 / 2610 Jollibee Plaza F . Ortigas Jr . Road ( formerly Emerald Ave .) Ortigas Center , Pasig City , Philippines
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PHILIPPINE RETAILING EDITORIAL TEAM
BM Miranda Circulation Manager
Evelyn Balmeo-Salire Editor-in-Chief
Catherine Nanta Managing Editor
Paul Payongayong Graphic Designer
Darrell Wisbey | CDM Program | Chris Dingcong Contributors