Green Retailers

Contents

1. Green Retailers
2. How to be a green retailer
3. Case Study: Loose Fit surf shops and cafe
4. Save energy and money: Top tips

How to be a green retailer

Almost everything we do has an impact on the environment, so there's almost no limit to the changes that people and businesses can make to become greener. A good place to start is by looking at the products you sell:

• Could you replace them with an alternative shipped in less packaging?
• Are there alternatives made closer to home?
• Are you managing your stock effectively? Date-expired stock will lose you money, but it's also a big waste of resources.

You can also make an impact, and a big impression on your customers, by reconsidering your use of plastic bags. Big stores like Marks & Spencer now charge for carrier bags, and research by the Association of Convenience Stores shows that small shops could charge too; ask your customers if they'd support a charge, or consider giving them paper bags.

If you run a suitable business, consider a good old-fashioned delivery service. With a modest delivery charge and a carefully-planned route, you could help customers out, and save them having to drive to you. If you don't sell perishable goods, why not offer a courier delivery service?

You may be able to make a positive impact in other less obvious ways: could you encourage your staff to walk or cycle to work, for example? By loaning them a bike under the Government's Cycle to Work scheme, you'll get the purchase price back, and they'll get tax relief on their repayments.