RILA Environmental Sustainability and Compliance Conference a Success

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September 30, 2010

The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) wrapped up its three-day 2010 Environmental Sustainability and Compliance Conference this week with more than a dozen presentations focused on sustainability and compliance issues specific to general merchandise and specialty retailers.

The event was attended by companies leading the sustainability charge, as well as those just beginning to launch green initiatives.

Presenter David Rapaport, senior director of corporate consciousness for Seventh Generation, shared the natural household and personal care products company's ongoing goal to deliver a return on its mission to be an authentic force for positive change.

"We operate with a level of authenticity and transparency that makes our customers confident that we operate with a consistent set of values," said Rapaport.

Casey Sheahan

Casey Sheahan, CEO of Patagonia served as the conference keynote speaker. Founded by climber and environmentalist Yvon Chouinard, Sheahan said the company’s growth and development centers on its mission –– to build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis.

"Being green and socially responsible are essential, but it will become equally important to lead with mindfulness, compassion, and soul,” said Sheahan of the outdoor products company’s mode of operation. “As Patagonia has become more conscious of the impact of its business practices, we have been rewarded with increasing prosperity. There is no business to be done on a dead planet."

“Casey’s story of Patagonia provided a poignant message about how strong sustainability leadership has built an ultra-loyal customer community and attracted a passionate and devoted employee base – both of which contribute significantly to any retailer’s bottom line,” said Adam Siegel, the company’s vice president of sustainability and retail operations.

Also presenting was Linda Povey, vice president of strategic consulting for the Natural Marketing Institute, who spoke on the evolution of consumer attitudes toward environmental issues. Her research demonstrated how the values of the ultra-green consumers are increasingly becoming mainstream, as the general public’s views are trending toward and converging with the Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability (LOHAS).

Fred Bedore

Other speakers and panel discussion guests included Mary Capozzi, senior director of corporate responsibility for Best Buy; Fred Bedore, senior director of sustainability for Walmart; and Jonathan L. Johnson, professor of sustainability at the University of Arkansas.

Wrapping up the conference was Ed Begley Jr., an actor and activist who talked about his devotion to environmental sustainability. Begley sits on the board of countless environmental groups and hosts his own TV show, espousing a true belief in the power of green living.

RILA is the trade association of the world’s largest and most innovative retail companies with membership that includes more than 200 retailers, product manufacturers, and service suppliers, which account for more than $1.5 trillion in annual sales.

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