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WHY Sustainability Matters
It’s good for the environment
Brand differentiationCustomer trustEmployee engagementFinancial stabilityResource security
HOW to Implement Green Strategies
Business ProcessesUS OperationsInternational
LogisticsSales and MarketingProduct DevelopmentArtisan Engagement
Process
Strategy
Eco Impact
Cost
Benefit
Annual Planning
Prioritize and choose 2 or 3
High impact, low investment, high benefit
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Office Energy Change your lighting: CFLs or LEDs, utilize sunlight Power down: computers and electronics at end of day Be seasonal: set temperature controls, casual office
dress code Green purchasing: Energy Star appliances Renewable energy: self-financed or city programs
Handmade Expressions joined Austin Energy’s Green Choice program – 100% of our energy cost supports wind energy in TX
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Waste Recycle and compost in office Double-sided printing Kitchenware – dishes, cutlery, mugs Hand towels in kitchen and restrooms Green purchasing:
Recycled-content paper Refillable pens Second-hand furniture and equipment
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Warehouse Handmade Expressions embraces recycled packaging
We reuse boxes in 50% of shipments to customers Use papers, advertisements, and other materials for
packaging Partner with neighbors to get clean boxes This also results in huge cost savings
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Warehouse Important to communicate your efforts
Use recycling to elevate your brand and showcase your commitment to environmental stewardship
Can increase customer engagement, trust, and loyalty
Emissions
Domestic Shipping Huge but inevitable
impact – think about carbon offsetting
Handmade Expressions participates in UPS’s carbon neutral program
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Office Commuting Engage employees to
carpool, bike, or take public transport
Production Planning
As fair trade wholesalers, international shipping is again an inevitable part of our business
Default ship by sea or ground transport Minimize air shipping, particularly for heavy and
bulky items
HOW to minimize this impact…?
Eco-Friendly Communications
Printed materials Use FSC certified, recycled content paper and soy or
vegetable-based inks About 15% more expensive But adds long-term value if you add recycled symbols or
messages
Divert to electronic communications where possible
Eco-Friendly Communications
Handmade Expressions example: Decided this year to
launch only 1 catalog per year moving forward Quarterly electronic
launches More efficient
marketing resources Reduces costs from
photography, print, and mail
Eco-Friendly Communications
Business Travel First, is travel necessary or can you employ new
technologies? Go To Meeting, Webinars, Skype all can enhance
outreach or training in a green and affordable way
Flights: direct, environmentally friendly airlines Lodging: stay within walking distance of destination,
choose hotels that have green practices
Sustainable Products
Product Packaging How to avoid poly bags?
Very harmful for the environment – plastic made from oil, cannot be recycled
Sustainable Products
Product Packaging: Think outside the bag! Handmade Expressions example: Upcycled Sari Bags
Sustainable Products
Green materials: Recycled/Upcycled Organic Responsibly sourced Natural Dyes
Divert from landfills
These are demanded by consumers and give you marketing value if communicated
Sustainable Products
Handmade Expressions example:
Materials In 2012, developed Preferred
and Restricted Materials lists Based off eco factors of
renewability, water use, energy use, toxicity, and disposal options
Our challenges: Artisans have access to few
materials We work with a vast array of
products and categories
Green Production
As fair trade wholesalers, we are in a unique position of direct partnership with artisans and farmers
During producer visits, ask questions such as: Are harsh chemicals used in any processes? Where are dyes and effluents drained? Are scarce resources required in production? Is there potential for dust or smoke inhalation?
Partner with NGOs on environmental development projects
Green Production
Handmade Expressions example: Water Conservation in Barmer
Partnered with local NGO to develop and install custom water filtration system for block printing community
This will save over 5 million liters of water per year!
Conclusion
HOW TO IMPLEMENT GREEN STRATEGIES
1. Keep it simple List your areas of impact and
prioritize Focus on just 2 or 3 projects
2. Engage your team Use their passion as an asset Challenge them to set goals and
celebrate achievements
3. Communicate to your customers Delivers long-term brand value Generates trust and excitement
for your brand