CEBU CITY – Member companies of the Philippine Retailers Association of Cebu (PRA-Cebu) will convene in two weeks time for a focus group discussion on how the group can address environment-related issues.

“There’s a need for retailers now to initiate projects that will promote environmental awareness to our customers, especially now that we are faced with issues on global warming. As businessmen, we need to make a contribution for environmental protection,” said PRA-Cebu President Melanie Ng during Wednesday’s PRA annual general membership meeting.

Ng said the focus group discussion will zero in on “doable solutions” that retailers can adapt in their efforts to go green.

One possible initiative, she said, would be the use of eco-friendly and affordable packaging products, advocating for the use of brown bags instead of plastic bags, as well as energy conservation practices.

In ordering biodegradable materials, for instance, Ng said PRA-Cebu can negotiate with suppliers for a bulk-buying option, thus minimizing cost. She admitted that costs of biodegradable materials are still quite expensive in the market.

Recognizing that the green initiative is a “revolutionary move,” Ng said retailers, during its meeting, will also discuss issues on security in the use of brown bags or eco-friendly bags since these are not easily sealed. The price of packaging materials is also a concern as well as the critical public acceptance for such packaging.

“Ideally, green retailing should go past the trend phase and become embedded in the hearts of retailers and consumers,” PRA-Cebu Chairman Jay Aldeguer said earlier.

Aldeguer also encouraged end-users to bring about change in retail practices by putting pressure on the stores to adopt eco-friendly methods and materials.

At present, Ng said there has been no clamor from among customers for biodegradable packaging materials. Despite this, she said retailers are still bent on pursuing green initiatives.

“We can even teach our customers on the proper disposal of plastic bags. Overall, we see this project to be an endeavor that will truly create a huge impact for us and our customers,” she added.

Ng said the green initiative is targeted for implementation early next year by the PRA’s 110 members firms that are mostly small and medium enterprises.