What steps, if any, are you taking to make your business greener?
Retail Q & A
-- Kids Today, 1/1/2009 12:00:00 AM
Sandy Buttrill, Kidspace
A couple of years ago we had Xcel Energy perform an analysis on our electricity usage at our Amarillo store. Because of that, we re-secured all of the duct work and insulation above the acoustical tiles and switched all of our 'beautiful brilliant’ track light fixtures and bulbs to the energy- efficient ones. The quality of light has been a sacrifice, but a worthy sacrifice. During that time we also had to replace the roof because of damage from a hail storm. We replaced it with an energy-efficient reflective roof and this summer we replaced all of the air conditioning and heaters with new energy-efficient units and installed new programmable thermostats, programmed to come on 30 minutes before opening and off at closing time. We take all of our cardboard to the recycling center. We reuse all bubble wrap, plastic bags, Styrofoam peanuts, etc. and what we can’t use we take to a local pack and mail type store.
I’ve been quizzed by young employees as to why I waste our time with those kinds of things and my answer has always been, “It’s the right thing to do!” We must all stop filling our landfills with so much waste. A wise, wise grandmother and mother taught me my entire life “waste not, want not!” I only wish we could do more.
Charmaine Roy, Hurwitz Mintz
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We at Hurwitz Mintz are more than aware of how important “being green” has become. We are in the process of gathering as much information on being green as we can; we are also asking our suppliers what actions they are taking in becoming green. Once we have a full understanding of what “being green” truly is, we will then pass this information on to our consumers.
Right now to do our part we recycle cardboard and use energy-efficient lights.
Max Guerrera, Rattles & Rhymes
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The issue of being green is extremely challenging. We want to do our part but find is can add to our expenses, which in turn depletes our bottom line profits. Recycled packaging is an option, but cost more. On a recent visit to California, I was impressed that recycled cardboard is turned in for cash. We are currently looking into a cardboard recycle dumpster; however, in our state, [Ga.] this would be an expense not a profit. We do try to utilize our waste by reusing our cardboard boxes and shredded paper for shipping purposes. We also try to conserve water.
In terms of green products in the store, we offer bedding, mattresses, lotions, toys and eco-friendly furniture. In this current retail environment, sales are down on green products because of the higher price tags.
Phil Wrzesinski, Toy House
We have taken steps as time and money have dictated. The biggest step has been converting our light fixtures to newer, lower energy fixtures. We have also upgraded our furnace/air-conditioning units to get better efficiency, which lowers our energy usage. We are trying to use less paper whenever possible; however, that challenge has and will be most difficult. Paper trails always seem to be best for audits and accountants. As for product selection, we are beginning to see certain customers attracted to more organic/natural products, but it is still a small portion of our sales. We expect that to grow over the next few years.
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