Consumers are more aware than ever of the catastrophic impact their shopping habits are having on the environment. Yes, the climate change protesters are coming to a store near you…

So, how can retailers prevent mayhem and meet the needs of shoppers who have nurtured a greener attitude to shopping?

It mostly comes down to fully adopting the Three Rs: reduce, reuse and recycle.

We’ve all become used to the ban on single-use bags. Well, the same rule applies to product packaging. Let loose the fruit and veg to live a free life.

Choose to stock produce from companies that only use recycled and recyclable bags or boxes.

Foodstuffs such as grains, flours, sugar and dried veg can be stored in large containers and self-served into recycled paper bags.

Allow customers to bring their own multi-use glass jars and lids to carry items such as cooking oil and sauces, as well as bottles to take away their hot or cold drinks.

Don’t forget to work behind the scenes too.

Office admin is a big part of running a store and here you can use recycled paper and ink cartridges for double-sided printing.

Even better, do away with paper transactions altogether by going digital for payments, vendor orders, invoices and payrolls.

It’s important to make this campaign inclusive by sharing these new practices with employees: everyone from frontline till operators and customer service staff to storeroom stockists and cleaners (who should, of course, use eco-friendly products that are non-toxic and biodegradable).

Call a meeting, post reminders, offer a weekly prize for the employee who comes up with the best idea for doing even more.

Greater awareness of how little steps make huge differences can turn workplace habits into home truths. Before you know it, staff will be commuting to work on foot or by bike.

So spread the word: let your area manager know how well it’s going and see your good work rolled out nationwide!

And, finally, don’t forget to bring your shoppers with you on this journey.

Shout loud and proud and let them know your store is committed to saving the Earth by acting responsibly and offering eco-aware produce.

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