Do You have Green "Seller’s Responsibility"?

Maybe you use CFL bulbs in your store. Maybe you drive a hybrid. Maybe you’re recycling more in your office.

But what about the products you sell? Do you have an inherent green “seller’s responsibility”?

There are hundreds – maybe even thousands – of products on the market that are unsafe for consumers. For example, in the beauty industry, many brands are still using phthalates in their products. Phthalates have been linked to asthma, reproductive conditions, and developmental problems in children. Eek.

So, what if you own a drug store? Is it your responsibility to make sure that none of the products on your shelf contain phthalates. Expand that to any kind of retail industry. How much weight is on your shoulders to stock green products?

You don’t necessarily have a responsibility to research the products you sell beyond ensuring that they were not recalled. That sad, consider promoting green choices with your consumers. You can do this in the following ways:

• Create a section of your store specifically for products that are the safest or greenest in your industry.
• Remove products that are potentially unsafe or at least ensure that consumers have access to literature on the dangers of certain materials.
• Talk about green choices on your website.
• Replace dangerous products whenever possible.
• Don’t be afraid to talk to consumers about their choices, and train your employees to do the same.

Do you believe that it is your responsibility to remove potentially dangerous products from your store? Or, does the responsibility lie solely with the consumer?