It's Easy Being Green
By Daryl Brower
Raise awareness. Promote recycled papers and other eco-friendly items and use displays, endcaps and informed sales staff to make sure customers know about them. Offer a class on "greener" items and how to use them, host periodic "green-light" specials (reductions on eco-friendly merchandise).
Get a better bag. The paper vs. plastic has yet to be resolved, but a reusable bag is smart choice all around. Purchase attractive ones and have them printed with your store logo (Pouch Depot, www.pouchdepotinc.com, has a great selection in lots of sizes and colors) and provide them to customers for a nominal fee or offer them free with a set purchase amount. You'll save trees and, since customers tend to reuse them on other outings, get a
little free advertising to boot.
Slow the snail mail. Keeping your customers informed doesn't have to take a forest full of paper. Ditch traditional postcards and fliers in favor of e-alerts, cyber newsletters and blogs. Post downloadable coupons (or coupon codes) on your web site rather than mailing them out. And don't forget to use electronic outlets to tout your new green policies.
Reduce, reuse and recycle. Your break room, office and storage space should all be equipped with recycling bins for paper, plastic and glass. Print double-sided when possible and reuse packing materials and boxes. Rid the lunchroom of paper plates and cups and stock it with more permanent dishware and utensils.
Pay smart. Reduce your paper flow (and your ecological impact) by placing orders and paying bills electronically. You'll save time, paper and storage space.
Lighten up. Switch to low-energy lighting and compact fluorescent bulbs and post reminders to turn off lights when they're not in use. Put outdoor lighting on timers.
