Carbon Emissions are the New Retail Enemy

Everybody's doing it. Literally. Retailers the world over are finally giving consumers what they want--environmentally friendly practices. From Wal-Mart to Cole Haan, eco-conscious store operations, products and services are popping up everywhere there's an "open" sign. Safeway kicked things off in the grocery sector by adding 20 percent biodiesel fuel to their trucks from domestically manufactured virgin soybean oil. I knew that stuff had to be good for something. Wal-Mart has a fleet of hybrid vehicles for light-duty use and followed in Safeway's tracks by making 7,200 of its semi tractor-trailer trucks 15 percent more fuel efficient, with plans to meet a target of 25 percent efficiency.

Next, fashion retailers got savvy with reusable tote bags. I still believe that Trader Joe's started the trend with their Hawaiian vinyl bags, but regardless of who made it happen, major department stores are following suit. Cole Haan recently announced plans to release a100% cotton canvas bag --trimmed in chrome-free vegetable leather no less--and decked out in company colors. It also features their logo, so of course, they're encouraging consumers to use the stylish bags all over town. But hey, who cares, if it keeps us from wasting disposable plastic/paper bags and further polluting our environment? Even I can get behind shameless marketing if it has a positive environmental impact.

The eco-friendly attitude isn't just happening in the United States; U.K. retailer Marks & Spencer announced the opening of "eco-stores" in Scotland. The new stores emit 95 percent LESS carbon dioxide and utilize incredible technology like roof mounted sun pipes and wind catchers, as well as generating hot water through heat from their refrigeration plant. Absolute genius! The retailer has even released statements that say it plans to be carbon neutral by 2012. Five years ago, I'm not sure I (or the rest of the world) would have any idea what that meant, but now I know it's a big deal. And retailers are a part of the change.

Speaking of carbon dioxide emissions, Office Depot reduced its emissions by 10 percent. Now, while that may not seem like a lot initially, imagine if every retailer did this. Even more impressive, Office Depot's total reach increased by 1.7 million sq. ft., yet it was still able to dramatically reduce its emissions. The company also employs an, "Environmental Strategy Advisor," who in a recent statement said that Office Depot's overall plan is becoming more and more about buying green, being green and selling green. And this is Office Depot we're talking about, not some natural foods retailer. How's that for progress?!

Retailers are not only making a difference in the environment, they're making a difference in the way we do business. It's all pretty inspiring. Makes me want to buy some of those carbon offset certificates...how about you? 

Are you a retailer employing eco-conscious tactics or do you know a retailer that's creating environmental change? If so, leave us a comment--we'd love to know about more rockin' retailers.

--Heather Strang

Photo: The Apple store on Chicago's Magnificent Mile features a green roof system from GreenGrid.

Comments

[mvellandi]

Wow, Heather. Thanks for the great reporting!