“Environmentally friendly” can mean a number of things for a business. You can waste less, reuse or recycle more, or even work in other ways to reduce your store’s carbon footprint. It may seem like a tedious chore even though it’s for a good cause, but going green can be fun, too. You and your staff can become green retailing sleuths. You can even use the process as a way to further engage customers.

Green retailing is good for your brand

You can express your store’s personality while underscoring your commitment to sustainability. Here are 6 easy hacks to help you get going and keep your environmentally-friendly vibe alive:

1. Save energy. Individual items around your shop may not use much electricity, but together they can be quite wasteful. Turn off lights and electronic gear when they aren’t needed. Better yet, install simple motion detectors to control lighting in restrooms and fitting rooms. Switch to LED lighting for displays. Retailers are doing this anyway because LEDS produce bright, natural color light without heat, and they last a very long time. Plus, there are lots of ways to use them.
   
   
2. Recycle. Retailers create waste paper, ink cartridges, etc. just like offices do. Ask your trash company or mall about special containers or other provisions for business recycling. If necessary, group up with neighboring stores to “earn” larger, more efficient recycling containers or more frequent service.
   
   
3. Cut product waste. Grocers and restaurants now routinely donate leftover food to homeless shelters and food banks. Do the same for end-of-season “stragglers” – just because you couldn’t sell them doesn’t mean someone can’t use them. And tighten up your inventory management system, so you don’t over-order in the first place. You’ll save on storage space and make more profit, too.
   
   
4. Cut paper waste. We live and work in a tech-based world. Why are you still automatically handing out paper receipts (or invoices, etc.)? Nobody actually wants all that paper. Email or text these things, unless a customer specifically requests paper.
   
   
5. Bags are big. “Paper or plastic” has become a checkout mantra in many types of stores. But why not ditch traditional bags altogether? Yes, branded bags have fabulous visual value, but think how much more visibility you’ll get from offering stylish, branded reusable bags. Give them away, or sell them at cost, but promote them smartly at your cash wrap.
   
   
6. Show them the green. You already know that there are multiple branding and other benefits to outfitting your store with custom fixtures. But that doesn’t mean you can’t show off your environmentally friendly side by repurposing an old “find” or two as featured fixtures or props. Unexpected details draw attention to your displays.

Green retailing generates more green

Your efforts to become more environmentally conscious around your store benefit more than Mother Nature. Wasting less saves money and makes your operation more efficient. Best of all, you make big points with customers, because these days we’re all looking for ways to make our planet a better place to live.