Waste management and reduction guide for retail industry

31Section 5.Improving generalenvironmentalperformance5.6 Environmental purchasingShopping centres and retailers, as major purchasers of goods and services, arein a position to exercise considerable influence on certain product markets.In looking to introduce an effective environmental purchasing policy, centresmust first review existing policies and ensure that new policies promote thepurchase of products that minimise waste and environmental impact.An environmental purchasing policyin a retail environment should:■ establish purchasing guidelinesfor waste prevention (durability,concentration, reuse andhigh quality)■ consider the length of warrantyand availability of repairs whenpurchasing equipment■ perform life cycle cost analysison products, assessingmaintenance, energy and wateruse and disposal methods■ allow a price preference fordurable, reusable, repairable andrecycled products■ purchase refillable orreusable products■ purchase in bulk to minimisepackaging■ order merchandise with minimalpackaging or layersof packaging■ avoid or minimise the purchaseof products that can causeenvironmental harm such ascleaning materials, preservatives,pesticides and fungicides■ look to eliminate thepurchase of products thatcontain toxic materials■ request that deliveries betransported in returnablecontainers■ place orders by phone or email■ encourage ‘environmentallyfriendly’ products created locallyand/or regionally■ refuse any packaging thatuses styrene foam■ provide educational materialto retailers and staff regardingwaste prevention throughpurchasing.Form 4 and Form 5 in the appendixhave more hints for retailers.