A new conversation for business.
Over the past year, many leading companies have taken proactive steps to minimize their use of resources that clutter up our landfill. European retailers IKEA and Marks & Spencer have started charging customers up to 10 cents per plastic bag.
Not only are these companies realizing the environmental benefits of charging for plastic bags, but also seeing the financial benefits, along with the positive branding, and philanthropic benefits (Marks & Spencer donates profits to improve parks and play areas across the country) as well.
Am I missing something here, or is this a huge WIN/WIN for everyone involved? Charging for plastic bags supports people, planet, AND profits. Click below to read my solutions!
Why aren't other major retailers and grocers following suit? One can only guess. My opinion is that charging consumers money for plastic bags is smart business because it: a) saves valuable environmental resources, b) keeps clutter (that takes thousands of years to break down) out of our landfills, garbage, sewers, and lakes, c) saves the retailers money, d) gives retailers an opportunity to educate consumers about recycling and smart resource use, e) allows retailers to actually make more money by selling reusable bags, f) gives retailers an opportunity to give back to the local communities by donating some of the profits, g) builds a loyal and trusting consumer base which leads to increased positive brand value and mindshare.
I do know that US grocer Whole Foods has stopped using plastic bags all together in two of their Texas stores with plans to stop using plastic bags in all their stores countrywide by early 2009.
Does anyone have an opinion on why other US retailers and grocery chains are not following in IKEA and Marks & Spencer's footsteps to jump in front of this opportunity?
Nice post. I think the truth is most retailers thing consumers will revolt if they take away the plastic bags. Indeed, many people would throw a fit if they were asked to pay 10 cents for a bag. Personally, I have no sympathy for people like this, but that's the reality that retailers live in - or THINK they live in.
".10 cents" ? A tenth of a cent? I think you mean 10 cents...
Millions of Europeans (Germans and Swedes in particular) pay for each bag they use. About 25 cents for a thicker, stronger, larger plastic bag that can be-and IS--used for many, many trips. Why the hell can't we Americans do the same?
Up in Washington, PCC stores stopped using plastic bags altogether (they still have some available for produce and bulk items). They give discounts for bringing your own and only charge 99 cents for a great reusable bag. They also have switched (or are in the process of switching) all of their deli containers/take out food containers to compostable materials.
Up in Washington, PCC stores stopped using plastic bags altogether (they still have some available for produce and bulk items). They give discounts for bringing your own and only charge 99 cents for a great reusable bag. They also have switched (or are in the process of switching) all of their deli containers/take out food containers to compostable materials.
What about the developing nations like India and China. These are the ones who will increase the volumes being used. I think a legislation for the developing nations should also be in the offing.
TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.triplepundit.com/mt/mt-tb.cgi/2388
From Delicious » del.icio.us / Plastic+bag / recycling / marks+spencer / supply+chain
From Technorati »Plastic+bag / recycling / marks+spencer / supply+chain /
September 5
September 5
September 5
September 4
September 4
September 3
September 3
September 3
September 3
September 2
September 2
 |
 |
Add this box to your site Add your feed to this box |
Let My People Go Surfing: The Education of a Reluctant Businessman
In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto
The Lazy Environ- mentalist: Your Guide to Easy, Stylish, Green Living
World- changing: A User's Guide for the 21st Century
The Long Tail: Why the Future of Business Is Selling Less of More
The Cluetrain Manifesto: The End of Business as Usual
Walking the Talk: The Business Case for Sustainable Development
The Sustainability Advantage : Seven Business Case Benefits of a Triple Bottom Line
Blink : The Power of Thinking Without Thinking
Natural Capitalism: Creating the Next Industrial Revolution
Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things
