The complex world of sustainable sourcing
As the awareness of sustainability keeps rising, it becomes increasingly important to consider the environmental impact of our purchases and orders from the sourcing countries. Unfortunately, finding trustworthy suppliers who promote sustainable sourcing can be increasingly difficult to find. In this blog post, we’ll explore some tips and strategies for sourcing home and garden goods in a manner that is kind to the planet.
How to Source More Responsibly
One of the first things to consider when sourcing home and garden items sustainably is the materials they are made from. Some materials are more environmentally friendly than others, and by choosing products made from natural materials, you can reduce your carbon footprint.
For instance, wood is a popular material for home and garden products, but it’s vital that the wood you choose is sustainably sourced. Look for wood products that have been certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). This ensures that the wood has been harvested ethically, responsibly, and sustainably.
Another great material to consider for sustainable new product development is bamboo. Bamboo is fast-growing and requires minimal water and pesticides to thrive, making it an amazing alternative to wood or ceramics. Bamboo is incredibly strong and durable, making it an optimal material for sustainable products for the home and garden segment.
In addition to choosing products made from sustainable materials, it’s important to research the manufacturing process. Look for products that are made using environmentally friendly methods, such as those that use solar power or other renewable energy sources. Though these factories are harder to come by, they exist. Research is the keyword.
Global Reach - Local Presence
By choosing products developed locally or in surrounding countries, you can help reduce the carbon emissions associated with transportation. For example, shipping from China to The United States can be rather costly in terms of CO2, but if you source ceramics from Mexico, the transportation carbon footprint will be much smaller. Having agreements with freight companies such as Mærsk can also allow you to ship your goods in a more CO2-friendly manner.
Supporting local factories also helps stimulate the economy within that sourcing country, leading to better working conditions and higher wages among the factories and local neighborhoods.
In addition to considering materials, manufacturers, and transportation, it is essential to consider the durability and longevity of the product. Choosing products built to last can contribute to reducing the buy-and-throwout culture.
Finally, a big part of sustainable sourcing within home and garden items is to consider the end of a product’s life. Look for products that can be easily recycled or repurposed by consumers at the end of their life. This can help to reduce waste and ensure that the resources used to make the product are not wasted.
In conclusion, sustainably sourcing home and garden items is an essential step towards protecting the planet. By considering the material, manufacturing process, and end of life of the products you buy, you can make more environmentally friendly choices for your business.
It’s a complex world, but can be rather beneficial if done right. That’s why we have a team of sourcing and compliance specialists ready to help you find the right products, methods, and materials that allow your business to be more sustainable in the future.
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