Sustainability
Understanding Sustainability
Sustainability is our north star. It’s a word that means different things to different people, and we look to the definition of sustainable development from the 1987 United Nations Brundtland Commission report to guide our approach:
"Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."
We believe in our capacity to affect change and the power of making intentional choices to support the health of our planet. Our merch embodies these values, with options including products made from recycled and organic materials, locally made goods and partnerships that donate proceeds to environmentally-focused non-profits or plant trees with the purchase of each item.
We source from companies that care
Our partners are equally committed to making our planet healthier through different initiatives. Many of the brands we work with are B Corp certified, Climate Label certified, Forest Stewardship Council certified, part of 1% for the Planet or have other environmental and social certifications.
B Corp Certification is a designation that a business is meeting high standards of verified performance, accountability, and transparency on factors from employee benefits and charitable giving to supply chain practices and input materials.
A company that displays The Climate Label has measured greenhouse gas emissions from making and delivering products and services; publicly disclosed the data; and verifiably met The Climate Label Certification Standard criteria for funding climate solutions.
The Forest Stewardship Council certification means a product was made using sustainable forestry practices. This includes zero deforestation, fair wages and work environments for staff, protection for local animals and plants and appropriate consultation with local communities.
1% for the Planet is a global movement inspiring businesses and individuals to support environmental solutions through annual membership and everyday actions. Its business members give at least one per cent of their annual sales directly to approved environmental partners.
Purchasing local
We work hard to source Canadian-made products for our clients based in Canada. Our selection of made in Canada products is large and constantly growing, as we are always on the lookout for new quality products made right here at home.
Purchasing locally means that each product has a lower carbon footprint as it travels less distance from production to delivery. We enjoy supporting local companies and makers, and our journey off the beaten path is often rewarded with the discovery of unique products.
Offering recycled and recyclable products
More and more of our products are recycled or, at very least, recyclable. While not every single product we offer falls into this category, we aim to get as close as possible and strive for constant improvement. We also love organic products and keep our eyes out for products that incorporate other aspects of sustainability, including reusable items, pieces made in an energy efficient manner and in facilities that are carbon neutral.
Knowing where our products come from
It is important for us to know where our products are made, and more of our clients want to know, too. We source from products all over the world, and wherever possible we try to include products from our client’s region: if you are in Canada, we aim to include a made in Canada option; if you are in the UK, we look for products locally made in the UK.