Watsons, the leading health, wellness, and beauty retailer, welcomed the opening of its first Greener Store in San Pedro, Laguna. The development is a testament to Watsons’ commitment to sustainability, setting a new standard for a more eco-friendly retail in the Philippines.
There’s more to it than just its name. The Watsons Greener Store is a pioneering project, utilizing renewable energy, sustainable store materials and energy-efficient appliances. The store’s materials and fixtures adhere to greener building standards, earning certification from Pi Energy Inc. This ensures that the store’s operations align with environmental standards, significantly reducing its carbon footprint.
For starters, the store is primarily powered by solar energy, exemplifying Watsons’ dedication to minimizing its environmental impact through sustainable energy solutions. By utilizing solar panels, the store saves approximately 7.5 tons of CO2 emissions annually, equivalent to the CO2 absorption of around 377 trees.
Marketing materials, including signages and displays, are crafted from Solidus material instead of Sintra board containing PVC or plastic, reducing environmental impact. Additionally, all marketing materials are made from recycled paper and boards with FSC certification, ensuring they originate from responsibly managed forests. The store also utilizes wood for its display racks and fixtures, further enhancing its commitment to sustainability.
The store also uses LED lights that do not contain toxic materials. They’re also 100 percent recyclable, and reduce energy consumption by up to a third. Additionally, the store utilizes inverter air-conditioners and refrigerators that consume 40 percent less energy than conventional units.
In terms of merchandise, Watsons offers a wide range of sustainable choices products that advocate clean beauty, better ingredients, refill packs and better packaging from responsibly sourced materials.
With the store’s opening, Watsons introduces the first refill station outside Metro Manila. Customers in the area can now conveniently replenish their Naturals by Watsons bottles with their favorite body wash and shampoo variants. The store also sells refillable bottles with screw caps, allowing customers to save up to 40 percent compared to standard purchases.
The store encourages customers to bring reusable shopping bags and actively promotes waste reduction, segregation and recycling.
The store opening was attended by Jin P. Jimenez, director for store operations, Alisandrea Coloma, senior manager for sustainability, alongside local government officials such as Laguna Gov. Ramil Hernandez and San Pedro Mayor Art Francis Mercado.
“Today, we proudly inaugurate the first Watsons Greener Store in San Pedro, Laguna, this store sets a new standard in sustainable retailing, embodying our dedication to fostering a vibrant culture of sustainability in every facet of our operations. By empowering our customers to embrace sustainable products and practices, we aim to make a meaningful impact on our planet,” said Jimenez.
The opening of Watsons Greener Store marks a significant shift towards sustainable practices in the retail industry, making sustainability a more achievable goal for everyday shoppers. Watsons aims to minimize waste and empower customers to make eco-conscious choices, contributing to a healthier planet.
By integrating sustainability into its operations, Watsons reduces its environmental footprint and inspires customers to adopt greener lifestyles. This commitment reflects Watsons’ broader mission to foster a healthier planet while empowering individuals to make informed, sustainable choices.
For more information about the Watsons Greener Store and its sustainability initiatives, follow @watsonsph on Instagram, like @WatsonsPH on Facebook, and follow @watsonsphilippines on TikTok.
