Page 21 - Retail Pharmacy Assistants September 2020

aim to provide opportunities for those excluded from the job market.
The program provides access to
work, fair incomes, training to improve agricultural skills and in some cases sees the facilitation of health and welfare services. With the support of suppliers and NGOs, our fair-trade practices
have empowered 670 communities worldwide and by 2025 we aim to have increased this to 800 communities via the Solidarity Sourcing program.
What are the main challenges associated with a sustainability commitment?
There will be hurdles to overcome
as we journey towards reducing and eradicating our environmental impact, and we understand that significant progress within this complex space will take time. We can’t compromise on the quality, safety and performance of our products. We need to remain inclusive, ensuring accessibility to all through affordable product pricing.
However, an ongoing commitment
to education, investment in eco- friendly formulas, innovative design and a passionate industry that works together will be instrumental in creating long-term change.
How can consumers become more aware of sustainability and the importance of environmentally friendly products?
As businesses have a responsibility
to drive change, so do consumers.
We love seeing consumers hold brands and businesses to account. We’re seeing a trend in consumers who are changing their shopping behaviours based on a growing expectation for brands to do more and take ownership of the impact they’ve had and are having on the environment.
As consumers battle price and convenience at the point of purchase, we encourage them to spend a little time researching the brands from which they frequently purchase. Garnier is working to make this easier through our product labelling initiatives and wider consumer communications.
How can pharmacy assistants increase their knowledge about sustainable products and then impart this knowledge onto their customers? Self-education is fundamental. Spend time researching so you can better
understand the environmental and sustainable credentials of the brands and products that you stock. And ask questions ... any brand should be able to share their business values, which I’d hope would highlight their commitment to the environment and any sustainable initiatives and policies that they have
in place.
As you would share comparisons on
the quality, effectiveness and price of products with customers, share your knowledge on sustainable and environmental credentials. Empower your customers by giving them
the information they need to make considered purchasing decisions.
How can pharmacy assistants influence their workplaces to increase sustainably responsible products on the shelves?
Drive the conversation in your workplace, ask team members
their opinion: do they consider
the environmental credentials
of brands when making product recommendations?
Highlight the benefits that can come with sustainably-minded products. Reducing unnecessary packaging means items can be smaller and lighter, increasing shelf space and potentially reducing storage requirements.
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW 19
RETAIL PHARMACY ASSISTANTS • SEP 2020