Customers are interested in finding new, eco-friendly ways to shop. As consumers alter their shopping behaviors, grocery stores must also adapt their businesses to be more environmentally-conscious. Below, we have listed some of the ways grocery stores can become more sustainable.
Waste created from materials such as synthetic plastics, paper, and cardboard is common in grocery stores’ food storage areas. These materials are gathered in excess and are often dumped into general trash compactors and waste bins.
Reshaping the way these businesses store their products and setting up recycling systems will significantly impact stores’ overall waste output. For example, switching to reusable storage crates provides a sustainable way to store produce. Wooden pallets are a safe and effective alternative. Wooden pallets also reduce the use of non-biodegradable plastics and Styrofoam, making them a more sustainable choice.
One of the simplest ways grocery stores can become more sustainable is by encouraging customers to utilize reusable bags. Reusable bags create a mutual benefit for grocery stores and further a sustainable mission statement. Stores profit from selling reusable bags and customers are more likely to avoid wasteful plastic bagging.
Grocery stores can also choose to charge a small fee to customers who elect to use plastic bags at checkout. Setting a price per bag will further persuade customers to opt for reusable bags or encourage them to use fewer bags to be used in total.
One of the most significant margins of plastic waste in grocery stores comes from packaging. While many products come prepackaged and prewrapped, stores can offer more sustainable options for fresh produce by providing reusable cartons and glass containers instead of plastic produce bags.
Grocery stores inevitably struggle to sell products with a limited shelf life, especially when it comes to produce. While there is no way to guarantee the purchase of every perishable produce item, stores can incentivize customers to buy foods closer to their sell-by dates by offering discounted prices. Offering discounted prices on produce will make perishable foods more accessible to customers while also cutting overall produce waste.
Bringing sustainability to the forefront of how producers and consumers shop may require changes in business practices. However, these small steps can make a considerable difference that will help grocery stores meet environmental needs and shopper desires.