Waste management and reduction guide for retail industry

13Section 3.How to introduce a wastereduction programThe success of a waste minimisation and managementprogram hinges on an effective coordinating ‘eco/greenaction’ group (let them pick their own name), and on peoplewithin centres, both management and retailers, beingsupportive and committed to minimising waste.3.1 Establishing an eco/green action groupThe best waste reduction results will come from people having a strong senseof participation, cooperation and consultation in the program’s formulationand implementation. The people concerned manage the environmental issuesand the program directly reflects their priorities and needs.Ideally, the coordinating group would comprise a mix of centre managementand tenants. It can contain members of centre management, in particular theoperations manager, staff from the marketing area, and invited and interestedretailers. It may be appropriate that staff from the centre’s waste managementorganisation could also be invited to be part of the group. Policy developmentthat is ‘owned’ by both centre management and the centre’s retailers will notbe perceived as being a ‘centre management-driven’ initiative.CASE STUDYCentro Colonnades’ ECO group continues to look at ways to encourage andrecognise environmental education initiatives within the community. Thisincludes nurturing links with local schools and community groups who areactive contributors to environmental projects through the centre’s ECOFundsupport program. This provides a focus within the centre to promote theiractivities as well as continuing to form strong partnerships within the centre’starget areas.