THE UPSIDE OF BEING GREEN

By Moe Lastfogel
Director of Sales and Marketing for The Retail Observer

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“It's not easy being green.” ~Kermit the Frog

Last month we celebrated Earth Day, and we can still do good while receiving feel- good and financial benefits for ourselves and our communities throughout the year. Do you have old, damaged or unused electronics, furniture, displays and/or appliances taking up space in your warehouse? When you discard them, recycle them. Many trade-in and trade-up programs invite you and your customers to exchange old products for gift cards, or for credit to shop in your store.

Many manufacturers support these programs with special incentives for participating retailers. Recycling companies
then make sure the products are disposed of responsibly – it’s a win-win for everyone.

If you simply want to earn a little extra green, think about selling your used, damaged or outdated inventory – Amazon, Craigslist, Offer-up and eBay are great places to look for buyers. Or consider donating products in good working condition to a charity, so those less fortunate can benefit. Consider these organizations:

• Habitat for Humanity uses volunteer labor and donations of money and materials to build and rehabilitate simple, decent houses together with their homeowner partner families. www.habitat.org
• Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc. (ARCA )is dedicated to preserving the environment through energy efficiency and proper appliance disposal. www.arcainc.com
• The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has information on electronics donation and recycling programs. www.epa.gov/osw/conserve/materials/recycling/index.htm
• ReUse People of America aspires to reduce the solid waste stream and change the way the built environment is renewed, by salvaging building materials and distributing them for reuse. www.thereusepeople.org
• Renovation Angel Demolitions sells luxury commercial surplus and donated kitchens, appliances, bathroom fixtures, home decor, etc. from houses and showrooms being demolished and renovated. Donation proceeds benefit Recovery Unlimited. www.renovationangel.com

No matter which organization you choose to donate to, it’s easy to keep your inventory clear of clutter and make a little extra cash or receive a write-off while performing a good deed and doing your part for the environment.

Happy Retailing,
Moe Lastfogel
moe@retailobserver.com

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