Reuse Today Program Helps Retailers Show Green Commitment

April 9, 2009 - PRLog -- Although packaging is not a primary motivator of purchases for most people, a business that disregards sustainable packaging runs the risk of turning off consumers. It’s no longer a novelty, but expected, that retailers follow green practices.

In a recent, 2009 Sustainability Outlook study, the Hartman Group found that what happens to packaging in its afterlife matters to consumers. For example, 60% of customers want to know if containers are reusable for other purposes. Perhaps this is because 65% of Americans say they reuse packaging, like plastic bags, for trash disposal, bringing lunch to work, and picking up after pets.  

It’s clear that a recyclable symbol doesn’t represent all the possibilities that exist for packaging after its initial use. A person could find many uses for a paper gift bag or box, ranging from simply storing items in a closet, to more crafty endeavors, like making a colorful picture frame.

In addition to buying sustainable packaging, small retailers will benefit from providing options for customers to reuse packaging. Even better, this can be easily accomplished for little cost.

To help retailers and other small businesses launch their own Reuse Programs, Premier Packaging is offering free resources at Reuse Today (http://www.retailpackaging.com/pages/reuse-today).

The Reuse Today program goal is to spread ideas, not trash. A downloadable Reuse Tips PDF is available on the site. Retailers are encouraged to download the tips sheet, and handout copies to customers, or post the contents on their websites. The Reuse Today webpage also contains more in depth tutorials for reusing paper bags, gift boxes and plastic shopping bags.

Reusing is as important as reducing and recycling. Supporting the environment goes far beyond buying a 100% recycled content paper bag. It involves promoting the various secondary uses for packaging, to keep that bag out of the landfill. Small retailers and gift shops must prove their environmental commitment.

Join Reuse Today to prove it to your customers!

For more information about ways to promote your green business check out the article, "Greentailing For Small Retailers," at http://www.retailpackaging.com/pages/greentailing-small-r....

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Premier Packaging offers a variety of packaging supplies, from ribbons and tissue paper to gift wrap, paper and plastic bags from its fully stocked warehouse in Macedon, NY. Including a full line of post consumer recycled content, biodegradable and recyclable packaging.