AN environmental group has launched a series of free factsheets aimed at helping independent retailers.

Envirowise says the traders can take a big step towards cutting waste and utility bills by taking advantage of the factsheets online.

Check Out: Recycling and Waste' and Check Out: Utilities' give information to help stores manage their resources more efficiently by reducing waste, water consumption and energy use.

The new good-practice sheets also set out how much retailers could potentially save.

With more than 1.6 million tonnes of waste produced annually by retailers and wholesalers in the North West, there is significant scope for a major reduction.

Envirowise regional manager Nick Ward said: "Unnecessary waste is costing the industry a staggering £360 million each year, yet businesses can make substantial progress in cutting these costs by following the straight- forward advice in these new factsheets.

"For example, most retailers can expect to reduce their water use by up to 40 per cent and cut energy bills by up to 20 per cent through simple resource efficiency measures that cost little or nothing to put into place."

The new factsheets complement existing services for companies in the region. To download them, visit www.envirowise.gov.uk/easymoney.