Green Scheme Certification 2023 and 2024 updates

The Salvation Army Family Store, Whangaparaoa

4/26 Karepiro Drive, Stanmore Bay, Whangaparaoa - Ph: 09 424 2153

We selected The Salvation Army Family Store because of the huge challenges they face and their enthusiasm to take action. They were one of our pilot businesses under our “Retail based” survey. Open 9 am to 5 pm every day except Sunday.

The Salvation Army Family Store

Second Hand stores as an industry divert a lot of waste from landfill but often also end up with a lot of waste from others and spend huge amounts on landfill fees. A few of the actions that the Salvation Army team discussed with the Green Scheme team were exploring textile recycling options and using other methods like staples to replace the plastic swing tags on clothing items.

We selected The Salvation Army Family Store because of the huge challenges they face and their enthusiasm to take action. They were one of our pilot businesses under our “Retail based” survey which we undertook on 2 August 2023.

Actions Taken at the time of 2023 the Survey

  • Recently updated all light bulbs to LED

  • Have a “Second Chance” rack for unsellable but good items for $2 which many are cleared

  • Have an air dryer in the bathroom

  • Marked or custom branded items are harder to sell so go on the “Second Chance” rack for $2

  • Every Wed a lady collects various items to use in classes for repurposing at Estuary Arts

  • A lot of cleaning products are donated - not aware of refill station at HCZW

  • Some carpooling by staff or shared cars

  • Are flexible with work times to fit in with public transport and walking availability

  • Do cut cords off electrical items for recycling

The Salvation Army Family Store Green Scheme Certificate presentation

2024 Actions

  • Responsible paper use - Now shred paper for packaging

  • Eco committed staff - Because they are now more aware of fabrics and aware on plastic types they now qualify for this which will come into full use once they can get some recycle bins which they are trying to action

  • Low Impact Packaging - I also believe they qualify for this one as they now use shredded paper when necessary and always use bags etc which are donated by the public and reused

Whilst the below actions appear a lot of actions this is a challenge for this type of store which is also run by volunteers which needs to be taken into consideration.

Actions Not taken at the time of the 2023 Survey and would like to consider

  • Don’t currently officially measure how much waste but usually 10 large bins a week - 4% of profit goes on waste costs so would be good to reduce

  • There are no specific steps currently in place to actively reduce waste - its hard with volunteers

  • Eftpos machines auto print receipts

  • No recycling service just a skip - space is hard to have separate bins but would like to

  • All waste goes in the skips for the dump

  • Clothing labels are plastic coated and attached with a non-recyclable plastic tie

  • Have loose goals around elimination of clothing waste but not much action yet

  • Don’t measure carbon footprint - don’t know how

  • Don’t recycle e-waste

  • No food waste practices but little food eaten

  • No recycle bins only waste bins - want to talk to the Body Corp about this

  • Would like to have clearer options for measuring waste to consider reducing

  • May look at paperless eftpos

  • Would like to sort space for separate recycling bin(s)

  • Would like to look at alternatives for labelling clothing but have high volume so needs to be practical and quick

  • Would love options on outlets for clothing waste

  • Might consider training some staff re Stef’s lost of alternative clothing recycle options

  • Might consider filling rag bags - maybe do it  in house or just put out for people to collect?

  • Interested in HCZW waste audit 

The Salvation Army Family Store 2023 Eco Labels

CLICK HERE for explanations on all available labels

  • The business has made a significant effort to move away from single-use practices and items and towards re-use instead. An example of this is establishing a mug library or borrowing system to reduce the use of single-use coffee cups.


  • This business is excellent at recycling. Following a waste audit, this business has proven to be able to identify and sort what can and cannot be recycled in curbside collection and makes an effort to recycle the items that cannot. An example of this is recycling their TetraPak, batteries, soft plastics and other items with Whangaparāoa Recycling Centre.


  • This business has taken steps to significantly reduce its paper usage. This can include digitising processes such as customer paperwork, offering receipts optionally not automatically to customers and saving paper that is good on one side for other purposes.


  • This business is taking steps to reduce its single-use waste. Once a business has demonstrated a significant and sustained reduction of single-use practices and items, it can become a re-use champion or be close to zero.


  • The business has measured its average power consumption over a month and taken action to reduce its power usage and has proven to do so significantly. Actions can include changing lightbulbs, upgrading to low-power appliances and adapting heating and cooling systems.


  • This business uses eco friendly products and takes eco friendly actions in the cleaning of their premises and goods.

The Salvation Army Family Store 2024 Eco Labels

  • This business has been diligent in ensuring that staff are knowledgeable about any sustainable practices implemented and ongoingly train and upskill staff to ensure sustainable changes are consistent and long term.


  • The business has intentionally chosen packaging options that have a very minimal impact on the environment. Using the waste hierarchy, reduction of waste, reuse system, recyclables and compostables are prioritised.