Take a look at the infographic at the end of this article to find out why the zero-waste movement is taking over the retail sector.

The Zero-Waste Movement: A Quick Primer

The goal of the zero-waste movement is to prevent waste from being sent to landfills, incinerators or the ocean. Proponents of zero-waste work towards this goal by reducing the amount of waste that they produce in the first place and by finding more sustainable ways to manage your waste. Bea Johnson, one of the leading influencers in the movement, offers up the five R’s as a helpful starting point for aspiring zero-wasters:

Refuse
Reduce
Reuse
Recycle
Rot

What Are Zero Waste Stores and How Do They Work?

Until recently, the zero-waste movement has been primarily focused on the home. However, the past few years have seen the emergence of zero-waste stores around the world. In fact, the Bepakt Index estimates that there are now approximately 150 packaging-free supermarkets around the globe. While the majority of these are small and independent stores, major supermarket chains are beginning to experiment with zero-waste policies. For example, the UK chain Waitrose has launched a “bring your own container” campaign in an effort to cut down on unnecessary plastic and packaging.

Zero-waste stores cut down on waste by encouraging customers to use their own containers to take what they need from bulk-style bins and dispensers. This bulk-buying approach minimises the use of single-use plastics and unnecessary packaging. What’s more, customers can measure out the exact quantities they need, and this helps to cut down on food waste. Zero-waste stores stock local, organic foods and in this way, they help to promote more sustainable and ethical food production.

Why is Going Zero-Waste Good for Business?

As the infographic below shows, there are many business benefits to be had by going zero-waste. Firstly, going zero waste has immense PR value and this can help bring new customers into your store. Furthermore, consumers are more likely to stay loyal to brands with sustainable and ethical policies. Going zero-waste can also help boost your bottom line as customers are likelier to spend more on products that support a good cause (such as protecting the environment).

How Can Your Store Go Zero-Waste Today?

Keen to start your store’s zero-waste journey? Remember that you shouldn’t feel pressured to get it perfect straight away. It will take a sustained effort and some creative thinking in order to significantly reduce the amount of waste your store is producing, but the effort will certainly be worthwhile. As Anne Marie Bonneau (a.k.a. the Zero Waste Chef) once said, “We don’t need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly”.

About the Author:

David Smith is the owner of Cleaning Services Group in the UK. For more than 15 years, he has run one of Britain’s most diverse and reputable cleaning companies.

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