Wellness retailer strengthens sustainability initiatives
The sun had just risen when we headed to BGC last Saturday for a walking tour that would jump-start our weekend and give us a peek into the sustainable efforts of a leading health and wellness retailer.
The central business district looks quite different early on a weekend morning. The pace was unhurried, and there were groups of friends and families sitting down for breakfast at some of the restaurants that were already open. There was also quite a number of walkers and joggers—singles and in groups—getting in their steps before the heat drove everyone indoors.
We were there to check out four newly revamped Watsons Greener Stores that feature some of the steps the retailer is taking to be more sustainable. “Watsons has always strived to be the trailblazer when it comes to sustainable retail, from opening our first Watsons Greener Store last year in San Pedro, Laguna, to piloting sustainable planet, people, and product initiatives across our value chain,” said Alisandrea Coloma, Watsons Philippines’ senior manager for PR and sustainability.
The decision to turn four of its BGC stores into Greener Stores came naturally, given the area’s reputation for caring for the environment. “We know BGC, like Watsons, is at the forefront of promoting sustainable living, and we are very excited to be opening our second batch of Greener Stores here. We knew BGC would be the perfect area for it,” Coloma said.
After stretching a bit and making sure we had our reusable bottles of water with us, we made our way to the four stores. Our walk, including quick stops at each branch for a brief talk on their different initiatives, took a little over an hour and allowed us to each clock in roughly 5,000 steps.
Key points
We were shown how the four Watsons Greener Stores located at BGC High Street Plaza, Eco Tower, Bonifacio Technology Center, and Forbeswood Parklane are now energy-efficient retail spaces that focus on five key points: sustainability initiatives, store and customer education, the use of responsible materials, energy efficiency and renewable energy, and waste diversion.
First, as part of their commitment to sustainability, Greener Stores implement waste reduction and recycling programs and integrate energy offsets. Sustainable materials, energy-efficient solutions, and eco-friendly practices are incorporated throughout, including the use of eco-friendly fixtures, energy-efficient lighting, and inverter cooling appliances to minimize environmental impact.
Second, customers are encouraged to bring their own bags when shopping to help minimize plastic use. Through the Recycle for Rewards program, shoppers are also invited to return empty beauty and personal care bottles in exchange for shopping points, vouchers, or free items, thus promoting recycling and circular practices.
Watsons store personnel likewise receive training on key sustainability initiatives, including occupational health and safety, energy savings, and waste management, ensuring they actively contribute to the company’s environmental goals.
Third, Watsons prioritizes the use of sustainable materials, including FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) certified recycled paper and boards, and responsibly sourced wood for displays and fixtures. To reduce environmental impact, marketing materials are also made from eco-friendly Solidus, replacing PVC-based Sintra boards.
Carbon footprint
Fourth, these stores save energy by using LED lighting, smart meters, and inverter appliances. They also offset their electricity-related carbon footprint by purchasing Energy Attribute Certificates (EACs), which helps reduce their reliance on traditional power sources such as coal and oil while supporting the use of renewable energy.
Lastly, operational waste is sorted for recycling or upcycling, and some electrical components are repurposed to minimize waste. Additionally, all store fixtures can be reused and refurbished for other Watsons stores, further supporting sustainability and reducing environmental impact.
Beyond infrastructure, Watsons is making sustainable shopping more accessible by offering a curated selection of Sustainable Choices products at BGC Greener Stores. Customers can choose from Clean Beauty, Better Ingredients, Refill Packs, and Better Packaging options, all made from responsibly sourced materials, further encouraging eco-friendly habits.
“Our vision is to create more Watsons Greener Stores, reducing our environmental impact and embedding sustainability into our daily operations. This transformation is not just about infrastructure, but about fostering a culture of sustainability,” said Sharon Decapia, Watson Philippines’ SAVP for marketing, PR, and sustainability.
Both Decapia and Coloma agree that every little effort towards sustainability can make a difference. While many of us now stash reusable bags in our work bags or in the glove compartment of our vehicle for any purchases made during the day, we can also do with less.
“If you’re only buying a small item or a just few medicines at Watsons, you can simply put them in your bag and skip the paper bag altogether,” Coloma said.
“Every little bit helps,” Decapia added.
