For our first solution-based post this year we are going to look at how purchasing local and/or fair trade products is a way to be socially sustainable. We know that production of some common products is resulting in inequitable trading standards and environmental conditions, especially overseas in developing countries. Remember that system condition 4 is about being socially responsible. In addition, if products are both local and fair trade, then they help us reduce reliance on oil, which is a breach of system condition 1. To review the system conditions click here.
Otago Polytechnic as part of our goals to improve sustainable and socially equitable practices, is working towards becoming a fair trade tertiary institution. You can read the guidelines here. Your workplace could become a fair trade business too.
Switching to local/fair trade products is easy as many products are readily available. Make changes where you can by enquiring if there are any fair trade options for the products you need to purchase. Even small changes will make a difference. You might start with products such as biscuits, sugar, coffee, tea and chocolate as well as cleaning agents, and even home cosmetics, shampoo, and soaps.
Another thing to consider is if products are free from palm oil which is frequently harvested unsustainably from tropical forests, irreversibly damaging the environment and reducing habitats for many species of animals. Some palm oil is produced from sustainable sources so it is good to check before buying.
Finally, are the products locally produced and are they environmentally safe? Keeping these questions in mind will help you to make better decisions about what products to buy.
Where can you get fair trade/local products?
OfficeMax, which is a common supplier of office products, have listings of fair trade tea, coffee, sugar and hot chocolate. Many of your local stores also stock fair trade products. Try asking your shopkeepers to stock more fair trade products and that may cause them to start changing as well.
To find products that are Palm oil free review this link which is a list of palm free products compiled by the Auckland Zoo.
To focus on supporting local businesses you could consider obtaining supplies from your local wholefoods supermarket where you can reduce packaging by refilling your shampoo bottles and containers for many household cleaners. Here are some links to these in the main centres:
Dunedin - Taste Nature
Christchurch - Piko Wholefoods
Auckland - Huckleberry Farms, multiple locations
This link will help lead you to suppliers in other locations
How do I make this change as a junior staff member?
Talk to the person ordering - explain to them the rationale. Most people want to do the right thing and if they can see a benefit to the bottom line, they will be even more influenced to make the change.
Does this have a marketing advantage?
Yes! If your clients are aware you are trying to make a difference then they will want to support you over a neighbouring business who isn't. Make the change, market it on your website, advertise it in your next newsletter and put a sign up in the waiting area.
Dont forget to let us know what you are doing in your business and what difference it is making!
Next week - We look at adhering to system condition 4 in reference to the veterinary nurse and technicians.
Have a great week!
Otago Polytechnic as part of our goals to improve sustainable and socially equitable practices, is working towards becoming a fair trade tertiary institution. You can read the guidelines here. Your workplace could become a fair trade business too.
Switching to local/fair trade products is easy as many products are readily available. Make changes where you can by enquiring if there are any fair trade options for the products you need to purchase. Even small changes will make a difference. You might start with products such as biscuits, sugar, coffee, tea and chocolate as well as cleaning agents, and even home cosmetics, shampoo, and soaps.
Another thing to consider is if products are free from palm oil which is frequently harvested unsustainably from tropical forests, irreversibly damaging the environment and reducing habitats for many species of animals. Some palm oil is produced from sustainable sources so it is good to check before buying.
Finally, are the products locally produced and are they environmentally safe? Keeping these questions in mind will help you to make better decisions about what products to buy.
Where can you get fair trade/local products?
OfficeMax, which is a common supplier of office products, have listings of fair trade tea, coffee, sugar and hot chocolate. Many of your local stores also stock fair trade products. Try asking your shopkeepers to stock more fair trade products and that may cause them to start changing as well.
To find products that are Palm oil free review this link which is a list of palm free products compiled by the Auckland Zoo.
To focus on supporting local businesses you could consider obtaining supplies from your local wholefoods supermarket where you can reduce packaging by refilling your shampoo bottles and containers for many household cleaners. Here are some links to these in the main centres:
Dunedin - Taste Nature
Christchurch - Piko Wholefoods
Auckland - Huckleberry Farms, multiple locations
This link will help lead you to suppliers in other locations
How do I make this change as a junior staff member?
Talk to the person ordering - explain to them the rationale. Most people want to do the right thing and if they can see a benefit to the bottom line, they will be even more influenced to make the change.
Does this have a marketing advantage?
Yes! If your clients are aware you are trying to make a difference then they will want to support you over a neighbouring business who isn't. Make the change, market it on your website, advertise it in your next newsletter and put a sign up in the waiting area.
Dont forget to let us know what you are doing in your business and what difference it is making!
Next week - We look at adhering to system condition 4 in reference to the veterinary nurse and technicians.
Have a great week!
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