After a very white winter and with spring around the corner, it naturally makes sense that I would notice all the “green” happening around me. Everywhere I turn there’s another sustainable project in the works or an eco-friendly fashion line being launched. Greentailing is officially “in”.
In addition to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions, reducing energy levels in their stores or eliminating plastic bag usage, many retailers are finding other creative, sustainable projects to undertake.
Gap has partnered with Cotton Inc. in a new, exciting campaign, “Recycle Your Blues”, which encourages shoppers to bring in their old Gap denim in exchange for 30 percent off their next denim purchase at Gap, GapKids or babyGap. The two-week program began March 5 and ends the 14th. Talk about a great reason to shop!
Fast-fashion retailer H&M recently launched its first fully-sustainable clothing line, The Garden Collection. The 80-piece collection will hit stores March 25 in a special section of the store and will also include a special shopping bag with a Garden Collection logo.
Target’s new eco-friendly skincare line, One, hit stores nationwide March 1 and offers 28 different product options including lip balms, body butters, solid shampoo bars and bath fizzers. One products come in recyclable, plastic-free packaging.
A few other retailers worth mentioning who are making huge strides in energy reduction and other sustainable efforts include:
Kohl’s was recently named 2010 Energy Star Partner of the Year for its commitment to energy management and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
With a goal of cutting energy use by 20 percent by 2015, The Home Depot is well on its way having already reduced energy levels 16 percent since 2004. The energy the company has saved so far could power 203,000 homes for one year!
Office Depot is seeking Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Commercial Interiors certification for all of its new locations starting in June. Office Depot anticipates 14 new stores will eventually qualify as LEED-certified by the US Green Building Council.
These forward-thinking retailers, and many others throughout the world, continue to find unique ways to do their part to save the earth for future generations of shoppers.
As the world’s largest retail trade association, NRF strives to educate large and small retailers as well as their business partners about sustainability issues, consumer attitudes and spending habits related to green retailing as well.
Our Sustainable Retail Consortium committee consists of nine different working councils and periodically holds webinars for its members relating to new research and meaningful trends. On March 24, NRF will host a webinar with McMillan Doolittle, “The Consumer and Sustainability: What Retailers are Learning about their Customer and How they are Responding,” which will present an overview of the current outlook through a customer’s eyes and will examine customers’ preferences and trends in shopping when green choices are available. NRF retail and associate members can click here to register for the webinar.
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[...] this year, the National Retail Federation put together a great list of what some retailers are doing to go green, and since then we’ve seen announcements of more [...]