3 Ways to Incorporate Earth Day Into Your Store

Earth Day is around the corner, taking place April 22, 2014. Landing on a Tuesday this year, Earth Day is globally recognized as a day to not only celebrate Earth, but also to take care of it. Since 1970, Earth Day has become a day to recognize ways to better support Mother Nature and the impact humans have on it. As individuals, there are countless ways in which we can each help take care of Earth, as well as countless ways we can do the same as small business owners. To help support Earth Day in your store while also supporting our beautiful planet, consider these three easy things you can do:

1. Change Your Light Bulbs 

According to the website 50WaysToHelp.com, if “every household in the United State replaced one regular lightbulb with one of those new compact fluorescent bulbs, the pollution reduction would be equivalent to removing one million cars from the road.” Now imagine if every store did this, as well? The impact would not only save you money, but also help mother nature. And for those of you who do not like the color of these new lights, consider using them in closets, storage rooms, or other places that don’t impact your store lighting as much. Finally, while we’re speaking of lights, don’t forget to turn any off that do not need to be on. This also includes turning off your computers when not needed since they also generate electricity.

2. Recycle Unwanted Hangers

If you sell apparel or anything else that requires  hangers, don’t waste those that you don’t need. Drop them off at your local dry cleaner or donate them to a women’s shelter. Whether made of steel or plastic, both aren’t good for landfills, so be mindful of how you dispose of them. Another idea? Offer customers your unused hangers.

3. Choose Paper vs. Plastic for Your Store Bags

The U.S. uses 84 billion plastic bags each year, a significant portion of the 500 billion used worldwide. Unfortunately, these are not biodegradable and are not only in landfills, but also in our oceans, rivers, lakes and ultimately our food chain. A better option? Paper bags – ideally made of recycled materials. Another option? Reusable bags that you provide to customers, sell to customers or welcome customers to bring their own.  Check out some options here for you to consider. 

Finally, let your customers know you care. Start sharing ideas with them on how they can also support Earth Day, offering insight that may apply to your niche retail market, as well. Sell flowers? There are countless ways to discuss conserving Mother Nature via nature! Sell clothes? Discuss best ways to wash apparel that don’t pollute our waters or use as much water. Sell toys? Offer insight on how to green clean them and share thoughts on trading toys vs. putting in landfills when done with them. The ideas are endless!

For more ideas or to pledge your commitment to supporting Earth Day, visit EarthDay.org. 

Photo Credit: Green Earth Technologies