Housewares stockists are among being those urged to make a climate commitment as the UK gears up for the COP26 Climate Conference in Glasgow in November. The government (with the help of industry experts) has released advice for retailers to cut their carbon footprint.
The advice can be found on the UK Business Climate Hub, recently launched as part of the government’s Together for our Planet campaign. Via the site, housewares retailers can also pledge to cut their carbon emissions in half by 2030 and to reach ‘net zero’ by 2050. Those signing up will get regular newsletters and information from government to support their net zero journey.
Andrew Griffith, the government’s business net zero champion said: “This is important advice which will help retailers play a vital role in cutting the UK’s carbon emissions.
“From offering customers more sustainable products to removing unnecessary packaging, these small steps can collectively make a big difference in helping us fight climate change and create a brighter and more sustainable future.”
Much of the advice is already practised -and, in many cases, spearheaded – by UK housewares retailers. For example, the government’s tips for businesses include:
Offer your customers more sustainable products to buy
Assess your existing products and see if there are more sustainable options to make available to your customers. Choose products made from recycled/ recyclable materials, with minimal or no plastic packaging, certified sustainable which can be easily reused or recycled. Start by asking your suppliers what they have available that fits these criteria, and research new suppliers.
Buy local where you can
Stocking products made closer to home allows you to support the local economy and community. Locally made or produced products can lower carbon emissions as they do not need to travel as far to reach your shop. Also, think beyond your products and consider how you could source locally for anything else you need, such as shop fittings, furniture, packaging, repair services or marketing help.
Remove or improve packaging
Reducing the packaging you use, or switching to more eco-friendly packaging, will help cut both plastic pollution and emissions. And according to a recent study, almost three quarters of consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable packaging. Ask your suppliers how non-essential packaging can be reduced when they ship your products. For essential packaging, work with them to understand what can be reused and collected in their next delivery.
Lengthen product lifespan with repairs and returns
The UK’s Right to Repair law came into effect in July 2021. The new rules aim to bring an end to a short lifespan deliberately built into a large appliance by manufacturers which leads to unnecessary and costly replacements for consumers.
Manufacturers will be legally obliged to make spare parts for products available to consumers for the first time, aiming to extend the lifespan of products by up to 10 years, preventing appliances ending up on the scrap heap sooner than they should and reducing carbon emissions at the same time. See GOV.UK. You could also run customer swap shops or be a collection point for items that are no longer wanted.
Ask before you print receipts
In the UK alone we print over 11.2 billion receipts every year and 90% of them are lost, damaged, or thrown away by consumers. Ask your till provider if you can email receipts to customers instead of printing.
Meanwhile, Richard Pennycook, chair of the Retail Sector Council commented on the advice: “Retail is a highly competitive industry, and the consumer benefits from great choice and value as a result. But when it comes to creating a more sustainable planet, the Sector Council is clear that we can do great things if we cooperate and share best practice. The UK Business Climate Hub and greenstreet.org.uk are go-to places for independent retailers to find great tips on how to run their business more sustainably and appeal to their customers, who are more and more concerned to do the right thing for the planet.”
Top: The government is urging retailers to help tackle climate change.
