The Purpose in Our Products, Packaging, and Shipping
Our business priorities and consumption choices speak volumes about who we are.
“By choosing products that are made sustainably, from companies that have demonstrated a commitment to minimize their environmental impact, experts say it is possible to make a difference.” - from Climate Curious by Sarah Kaplan
When we first started thinking about an online retail business, one of our biggest considerations was how to limit our carbon footprint. Online shopping – in particular, the transport of goods - is the 4th biggest contributors to carbon emissions on the planet. Throw in there all of the waste generated from shipping boxes and plastic packaging, and you’ve got a real environmental nightmare on your hands. We couldn’t bear the thought of being a part of that. We had to find a way to retail differently.
OUR PRODUCTS were the first consideration. We wanted to source goods from as close by as possible. Not only does this save on transport emissions, but it also ensures that dollars spent directly support our neighbors and local community. We also wanted products with minimal, reusable or recyclable packaging and to prioritize simple, clean*, and upcycled goods.
*by “clean”, we mean products without nasty ingredients like trans fats, corn syrup, artificial colors or sweeteners, and synthetic fragrances.
PACKAGING was our next consideration. Some packaging is inevitable with any shipped goods, but unnecessary waste is certainly avoidable. We choose our packaging carefully for maximum unboxing delight and minimal environmental impact. Our boxes are sturdy by design so there’s no need to double-box.
Our packaging includes:
· Locally sourced, branded gift boxes made with 50% post-consumer recycled content and printed with non-toxic, water-based ink. Our boxes ship as-is - there’s no need to double-box - saving on unnecessary cardboard waste so common in retail.
· Corrugated bubble sheets comprised of 100% recycled cardboard and made entirely from post-consumer and post-industrial waste. These protectors are curbside recyclable & naturally biodegradable.
· Locally sourced, 100% recycled and recyclable kraft crinkle paper.
· 100% post-consumer recycled, zero waste labels and card stock, fully recyclable.
SHIPPING was our final consideration - and one of the biggest because of its impact on the environment. If only we could teleport our gifts to their recipients to save on all those emissions! Alas, we’re still a few generations away from that possibility, so the next best thing is carbon-neutral shipping. Being carbon neutral means keeping your net release of CO2e (CO2 equivalent) into the atmosphere at level zero. Basically, whatever CO2e is emitted in the shipping process is canceled out by a process known as 'offsetting’ - a financial contribution to support projects that reduce emissions. These projects might include regenerating forests, replacing old equipment with more efficient technology, or even training communities in sustainable practices. Read more about it here. So, while carbon emissions can’t be entirely prevented, their impact can be cancelled out by a carbon offset. Frankly, there’s no reason that every online retailer out there shouldn’t be using a carbon-neutral shipping method. It’s easy, economical, forward-thinking, and just the right thing to do.
We’re very proud of the product, packaging, and shipping choices we’ve made and hope to impart that pride on our customers, as well. We hope our business practices give you more confidence and peace of mind as a consumer and inspire hope and change in your own online consumption choices.
Read more about sustainable shopping in the article below:
Trying to shop sustainably? Here’s what you need to consider.