Eco Shop

As demand for greener and more sustainable products increases, we’re like to see the growth of the eco shop business. An eco shop is an outlet that provides green, environmentally sustainable products. There are eco shops for all types of products, from groceries and household items to sophisticated, conceptual furniture pieces. Eco shops are careful in their choices of products. They make sure they are ecologically sound in terms of materials, air miles, durability, biodegradability and recyclability. Ethics are also very important. Products tested on animals or made in sweatshops in poor countries, where often child labor is involved, are excluded from eco shops.

One example of a pioneer eco shop is the Body Shop. Founded in the UK in 1976, it pioneered several concepts such as working directly with certified suppliers, supporting green campaigns and recycling containers. By 2006 it had become an international empire and was snapped up by L’Oreal for over $1 billion.

The eco shop concept can be applied retroactively as well. That is to say that any business already in operation that wants to rebrand itself as a green business can do it too. How they can do that will depend on the nature of the business, but in any field this would be possible. For example, they can change to a utility provider whose power comes from renewable sources. They can increase the amount of organic produce on their shelves. They can introduce water saving measures. They can make it easier for customers to recycle. And so on.

Those interested in learning more about to how to set up an eco shop or any other type of green business should check out Starting Up Green for tips and advice.