IKEA Bags Plastic

This just in: The Baltimore Sun is reporting today that IKEA, the Swedish retailer, is bagging plastic bags. Starting in October, all IKEA bags will be reusable.  And, back to the crate. . .& Barrel. Last week, we reported in this space on Crate & Barrel's green initiative concerning upholstery. And we promised more on what C&B is up to, environmentally speaking.

Well, Crate & Barrel now prints all of its catalogs and furniture guides on paper that is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, an organization that promotes environmental and socially responsible forest management.

Likewise, nearly all Crate & Barrel stores have converted to low-energy lighting systems, reducing consumption by as much as 40 percent. C&B warehouses are converting from 1,000-watt lighting fixtures to more energy-efficient 400-watt fixtures. Plus, the warehouses now have sensor aisle lights that illuminate only when in use.

Is your store still using plastic bags? Have you consider switching? How about the light bulbs in your store?

Whatever greening you do in your store, make sure to let your customers know. How? Put up a sign. Put up several signs. Print it on your store receipts. Note it in your advertising. Send the news out in an e-mail. Create a store tagline that mentions it. Heck, have a party to announce it.

Or, note it on your new, environmentally friendly bags.