At Bowfish, we are deeply committed to incorporating sustainable practices into every aspect of our operations. By prioritizing environmental responsibility internally, we hope to inspire other retail settings to adopt similar measures. Through a series of thoughtful and impactful initiatives, we strive to create a more sustainable consumer sphere. Here are some of the key strategies we have implemented to improve sustainability in our retail setting.
On-Site Compost
Implementing an on-site composting system significantly reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills. By diverting organic waste from traditional waste streams, we at Bowfish are minimizing our environmental impact and contributing to a more sustainable waste management system. It’s essential to size compost systems based on the amount of compostable material generated on site and evaluate local, state, and federal regulations that may apply. Ensuring the compost site does not exceed a 2% slope is crucial to avoid leachate and debris runoff into storm drains or water bodies. Providing access to water and ample space for compost bins and systems, including space for a front-end loader and a push wall for larger systems, is also important.
Recycling Used Gift Cards
Gift cards, often made of PVC plastic, are notoriously difficult to recycle, with 10,000 tonnes of PVC waste in the United States in 2014 directly attributed to plastic gift cards. At Bowfish, we have eliminated plastic gift cards altogether, opting instead for paper business cards with printed bar codes on the back. This switch eradicates an unnecessary plastic product and is a straightforward yet effective way to enhance sustainability.
Go for Paperless Receipts
A 2018 study found that 93% of paper receipts contain BPA or BPS, harmful chemicals that we aim to avoid. Furthermore, producing paper receipts consumes 21 billion gallons of water and 10 million trees annually in the United States, creating 686 million pounds of waste. By removing the automatic receipt print setting, Bowfish avoids unnecessary paper printing, offering customers the convenience of easily accessible digital receipts in their inboxes.
Recycle Customers’ Used Goods
The global second-hand apparel market is booming, expected to reach $350 billion by 2027. Many well-loved fashion brands, such as Eileen Fisher, Lululemon, and North Face, are creating their own resale markets. These initiatives allow brands to retain revenue that might otherwise go to other used marketplaces while helping the environment. Bowfish is actively working to develop an efficient recycled clothing business model to accommodate this growing trend.
Cutting Out Single-Use Products
The single-use nature of paper towels contributes to excessive waste generation. At Bowfish, we have adopted reusable cloth towels to significantly reduce environmental harm. Additionally, the use of plastic bags is a major environmental concern, with each plastic bag used for an average of only 12-15 minutes but taking up to 1000 years to break down in a landfill. To combat this, Bowfish has phased out non-essential packaging and is transitioning to eco-friendly alternatives. We provide paper and plastic packaging only when necessary, such as when a customer specifically requests a bag or wrapping for their purchases, thus educating our customers on the importance of sustainability without alienating them.
Conclusion
At Bowfish, our commitment to sustainability practices extends beyond our internal operations. By adopting these environmentally friendly strategies, we hope to inspire other retail settings to follow suit, fostering a more sustainable consumer sphere. Our efforts demonstrate that retail businesses can take meaningful steps towards reducing their environmental impact while educating and empowering their customers to participate in this vital movement. Together, we can create a more sustainable future for all.
