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Published byBrendan Sherman Modified over 9 years ago
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PERSPECTIVES FROM HANDMADE EXPRESSIONS Greening Your Wholesale Business
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WHY Sustainability Matters It’s good for the environment Brand differentiation Customer trust Employee engagement Financial stability Resource security
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HOW to Implement Green Strategies Business Processes US Operations International Logistics Sales and Marketing Product Development Artisan Engagement Process Strategy Eco Impact Cost Benefit Annual Planning Prioritize and choose 2 or 3 High impact, low investment, high benefit
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REDUCE | REUSE | RECYCLE US Operations
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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PRODUCTION PLANNING International Logistics
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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…?
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Production Planning 2012 Goal: Reduce Air Shipping Volume by 20% 2012 Results: 41% Reduction!
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ECO-FRIENDLY COMMUNICATIONS Sales and Marketing
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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
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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
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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
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SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS Product Development
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Sustainable Products Product Packaging How to avoid poly bags? Very harmful for the environment – plastic made from oil, cannot be recycled
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Sustainable Products Product Packaging: Think outside the bag! Handmade Expressions example: Upcycled Sari Bags
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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
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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
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GREEN PRODUCTION Artisan Engagement
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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
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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!
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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
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