Posts Tagged ‘Ikea’

What they’re already doing | What we’d like to see more of

Complements of Inhabitat

In last week’s post about Wal-Mart going green we presented our concerns about big box retailers being effective hosts of the green movement.

Whether stocking the shelves with products that allow consumers to live a more responsible lifestyle or cleaning up their operating practices to have less of an effect on the environment, many retail outlets are making a good starter effort to join the movement.

Though progress is being made there’s still more that needs to be done.  What are some greener practices would we like to see from mainstream retailers?  Our list is below:

More restrictions on packaging – When we think “big box” retailers we often overlook Ikea and jump to the more mainstream outlets.  But in a recent trip to the Swedish home goods supplier we uncovered a handful of green practices that we highly admire – one of those being packaging restrictions.  Sure more often then not, when you get a piece of Ikea furniture you spend some quality time in the assembly phase, but it’s worth it when you think about how much energy and materials they are saving by shipping products in flat packaging.  Not only does it mean less cardboard but items take up less room allowing for bigger shipments, less trips across the globe and lower embodied energy.  Not to mention we love those huge reusable bags. 

Green Buildings – We’re glad big box retailers are bringing more green items onto their shelves but we still have a problem with the “big box” portion of their layout.  We’d like to see more mainstream retailers looking at the space they operate in.  There are plenty of ways to become more energy efficient and with new Super Wal-Marts and Targets popping up across the nation we’d like to see a bigger initiative to implement sustainable building practices. 

The next reusable bag – It seems like every store we walk into has their own version of the reusable bag, and we love it.  It was one of the first game changers that retail outlets could adapt no matter the products they carried.  But we want to know what is the next universal practice that will have a big impact.  Could we cut down on paper use by adapting digital receipts and coupons? Any ideas?

Measurable Goals – While almost every brand and retailer out there says they are working to practice more sustainable business we’d like to know what exactly that means.  Not only the strategic plan, but what targets.  Numbers speak volumes and it would send a powerful message if a brand set a measurable goal to meet over a specific time range.  Sustainability reports are becoming widespread – its time the big boxes join in.

If you’re still trying to find the best green store for your shopping needs there are many resources you can consult to find the right options.

Disclosure: Target is a client of IMRE’s.