More shops are switching to sustainable carry bags in Australia and are doing away with the usual packaging in favor of environmentally-friendly materials. Establishments are redoing the way they do things to do their part. It may seem challenging and costly, but it’s not always the case. Going green can be easy and inexpensive if you know how to go about it properly
6 Go Green Tips For Retail Shops:
1. Hatch a Plan
It’s time to get the ball rolling. The decision has been made. Take a hard look at your company and different areas of operations. Find out where they stand as far as environmental compliance is concerned. Get in touch with a utility company near you and ask for an energy audit to be performed at your store and facilities. Take note of their recommendations and see how you can apply them. Now that you have a clear view of where you are and where you want to go, make an action plan based on the information you have on hand.
2. Switch to energy-efficient equipment and lighting.
Trade that old incandescent and fluorescent light bulbs to more energy-saving and cost-efficient LED lights or CFLs.If you can afford it, gradually switch to solar energy. It not only minimizes your dependence on conventional energy sources as it is a renewable energy source, but it also saves you a lot of money in the long run.
3. Conserve energy.
Some, if not a lot, of shops, leave their computers, cash registers, and other devices on the whole day and the entire night. Prevent unnecessary energy consumption by turning these devices off before leaving the shop.
4. Start cleaning green.
Switch to less toxic cleaning agents. There are a lot of great green cleaning products available in the market. You can even just make your own. A combination of a little distilled vinegar and clean water and you have yourself a cleaning spray.
5. Recycle materials and fixtures.
Strictly observe the reduce-reuse-recycle policy. Recycle ink cartridges, plastic, aluminum, and other recyclable materials. Reuse cardboard boxes and other packing materials. Go paperless to reduce paper and ink consumption. Cut down on packaging to minimize waste. Make paper bags and receipts optional for your customers. They can always go digital with the receipts if they need it for accounting purposes. Hunt down recyclable furniture to save on costs and help preserve Mother Earth. If you have no idea how to start, go online and check out the options readily available for you.
6. Switch to Green Bags.
One of the bigger concerns environmentalists have is the use of plastic bags. Paper bags seem to be the better option between the two, but it also has certain environmental ramifications. A solution to address this concern is the selling and usage of reusable eco-bags or bags made from industrial post-consumer waste.
It is our responsibility to do our part to take care of the Earth. A wise man once said, our children do not inherit the Earth from us; we are merely borrowing it from them. Let’s make sure we hand it over to them in a much better condition than when it was given to us.
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