01 October 2007, 15:31 PM
  • Blake Lee-Harwood, a leading environmental consultant and former campaigns director at Greenpeace has urged the independent sector to embrace green strategies and follow the lead taken by the multiples.

Speaking at the Nisa Retail Conference in Sorrento yesterday, Mr Lee-Harwood warned retailers had to act now and offered practical advice on how to proceed.

He suggested they give more space on shelves for energy saving light bulbs, stock lower-impact products like natural washing powder, commit in the local community to being a plastic bag free zone and have an area outside their stores for bicycles.

Mr Lee-Harwood also said retailers should ask themselves if they are doing enough to promote recycled products and ensure they get closer to local producers.

He also made further suggestions, saying retailers should maximise recycling in-store, look at ways to cut energy use in-store, actively promote organic produce and only stocking sustainable fish produce.