Go green in your store

Sustainability is still a buzzword in the gifts and decorative accessories industry, and it’s not too late to green your store — if even by just a little bit.

There are two ways to go green. The first is obvious — stock eco-friendly products. “Consumers’ interest in green products has not waned, and they are still willing to pay premium price points for quality, stylish and authentically green goods,” according to Home Accents Today.

The second way is to implement sustainable practices in the way you run your store. For example, swap incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lights, or use recycled materials to display your wares.

Buy local

This phrase might be a tad overused, but it still holds true. According to the Sustainable Furnishings Council (SFC), buying local — at least within the U.S. — cuts direct-transport costs and emissions. Large pieces of furniture produce sizeable carbon footprints. In addition, China has doubled its consumption of electricity since 2003, with 90 percent of new energy plants fueled by coal, versus only 10 percent of new U.S. plants, according to the SFC.

Identify trustworthy sources

Ask the manufacturers you work with if they are certified by the SFC, an organization known for its rigorous compliance with established sustainability standards. Additionally, the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) is the most rigorous and globally accepted standard for sustainable forest management. “Where not available, documentation should be required for the wood you are purchasing to identify sources, and avoid hot spots like Indonesia, the Philippines and Brazil without this assurance,” recommends the SFC. “Illegal logging and poorly managed forests are significant contributing factors to increased deforestation rates worldwide.”

Green your store

As mentioned above, switch out light bulbs to reduce energy costs. Compact fluorescents will last 10 times longer and save $15 a year. You also can use VOC paints, bamboo flooring and repurposed bookshelves when remodeling. Just remember that replacing flooring or display cases just for the sake of going eco-friendly will actually create extra, unnecessary waste. Instead, implement these practices only when you really have a need to remodel.

Reuse, reuse, reuse

Consider offering discounts to customers who bring their own bags for purchases, and sell nice, reusable bags in your store. Or, you can repurpose the packaging for your own shipping needs, or use them to package in-store purchases. Shredded paper can be reused to pack fragile items, and you can use recycled furniture tags or alternative tagging methods to mark items. Consider donating your outdated fabric and leather samples to local design schools or craftspeople. (Consider posting on your local freecycle site.)

Start small

Figuring out your store’s mission in going green will help you focus your efforts, according to Gifts and Decorative Accessories. And if you don’t know where to start, remember this key phrase: Start small. Everyday things, like turning the lights off in unused rooms or installing motion-light switches that turn them off automatically can help you go green. You also could buy natural cleaning products the next time you run out, or implement a recycling program.

Browse the Chicago Market Product Locator http://mmpichi-365.ascendeventmedia.com/exhguide.aspx?p=6#855 to review eco-friendly gift and decorative accessories featured at the 2010 Chicago Market. Use the comprehensive product locator to continue to shop or keep up to date on products featured at the show.