Since the Copenhagen Conference just before Christmas 2009 the politicians have been very quite about the environment. This may make you think that the issue is also off the retailers agenda and trade is going on as it was before.

This is far from the case. Whilst politicians have decided they have more urgent things to address the retail community is still developing the green cause and there are some interesting initiatives taking place.

What is happening around the world? Lets take a global tour:

ITALY
The town of Rivello is locates in southern Italy and is a holiday destination. This town was suffering from something that really annoys me, the sale of tourist souvenirs that were mass produced in eastern countries and sold as local products. However the town is addressing this issue. They have invited 149 artists to town in July and August for one week. While they are in town they can sell their own created tourist artist souvenirs. What a great way to create some excitement in the town and wean the tourist retailers of the ‘Made In China’ souvenirs we see around the world and have high carbon miles in getting to the tourist destination.

AUSTRALIA
The main supermarket, Cole’s, has been offering green bags since 2003. They have now moved a step further along the green road and are converting old green bags into outdoor school furniture. The recyclable bags are now literally being recycled into furniture. The bags are collected at the supermarket store and then send to a company called Replas which makes the plastic furniture.

GERMANY
The vegetable garden has become the main trend for suburban garden owners. Traditionally people went to their local allotment, but these places are full and the new gardener is wondering how and where to get started. Meine Ernte (My Harvest in English) comes out of Germany and it is the opportunity where you can rent a vegetable garden for a season. The company does all the hard work and the consumer gets involved when the vegetables start growing. A professional gardener is on site to help when it is required. The business provides garden tools and offers gardens in three sizes. It is operating in six German cities.

SOUTH AFRICA
Lets keep with this theme. In South Africa they have developed “Reel Gardening”. This is where a strip of biodegradable paper carrying seeds and fertilizer is spread across the garden and watered. An instant garden The paper is colour coded so the consumer knows what seeds are where. The idea has been around for some time, but it now getting a new lease of life.

USA
Go to new York and you will wonder how the vegetable craze can be developed. The Americans are good at seeing an opportunity in the high rises and have developed Window farms. Again an old idea that has been given a new twist to meet the needs and wants of the consumer today.

While the politicians ponder,the entrepreneurial businesses are out there making a difference. By the way World Environment Day is June 5th ….. one reason these ideas are surfacing this week.

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