Regular shopping is about buying things you like. Sustainable shopping, on the other hand, is about considering how those things affect the environment, which is why more people are changing the way they purchase goods.
Shopping sustainably involves making informed choices that consider a product’s environmental and social impact throughout its lifecycle. Green stores go beyond by offering a curated selection of items that embody these principles. In essence, green stores are like shops for people who want to help the planet.
To encourage more consumers to go green, Watsons, the leading health, wellness, and beauty retailer, has recently opened its first “greener” store in San Pedro, Laguna.
The Watsons Greener Store is a pioneering project, utilizing renewable energy, sustainable store materials, and energy-efficient appliances. The store’s materials and fixtures adhere to greener building standards, earning certification from Pi Energy Inc. This ensures that the store’s operations align with environmental standards, significantly reducing its carbon footprint.
The store opening was attended by Jin P. Jimenez, Director for Store Operations, Alisandrea Coloma, Senior Manager for Sustainability alongside local government officials Hon. Ramil Hernandez, Governor of the Province of Laguna, and Mayor Art Francis Mercado of San Pedro, Laguna.
“This store sets a new standard in sustainable retailing, embodying our dedication to fostering a vibrant culture of sustainability in every facet of our operations. By empowering our customers to embrace sustainable products and practices, we aim to make a meaningful impact on our planet,” said Jimenez during the program.
The store, according to the executive, is powered primarily by solar energy, effectively reducing CO2 emissions by approximately 7.5 tons annually, which is equivalent to the CO2 absorption capacity of about 377 trees each year.
To use sustainable materials throughout the store, Watsons has opted for Solidus material instead of PVC-containing Sintra board for marketing materials, while all paper and boards used are recycled and carry FSC® certification.
Display racks and fixtures are crafted from responsibly sourced wood, further enhancing their commitment to sustainability. Energy efficiency is prioritized with LED lighting that is both non-toxic and recyclable, reducing energy consumption by up to 33 percent. Additionally, inverter air conditioners and refrigerators are employed, consuming 40 percent less energy than traditional models.
Watsons also offers a variety of sustainable product options, including items promoting Clean Beauty, Better Ingredients, Refill Packs, and Better Packaging from responsibly sourced materials.
A notable initiative includes a refill station outside Metro Manila where customers can replenish Naturals by Watsons bottles with body wash and shampoo variants, reducing packaging waste. The store also sells refillable bottles with screw caps, allowing customers to save up to 40 percent compared to standard purchases.
Jimenez emphasized that Watsons actively promotes waste reduction, segregation, and recycling, encouraging customers to use reusable shopping bags and participate in sustainable shopping practices.