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Eco Progressive Attributes

• Minimal Product Packaging/High Recyclable Content
  

  Product manufacturers and distributors need to balance the conflicting needs of maintaining product integrity and increasing the shelf-life of the products, while minimizing the negative environmental impact.
  
  Good packaging contains materials that can be recycled, along with a clear indication for customers on how best to dispose of the product itself after use.
  
  Factors include the following:

  • The amount of packaging used
  • The type of materials used for packaging
  • The potential for packaging reuse/recycling
  • Materials that are recyclable are not necessarily recycled (very few recyclable plastics are actually recycled – In North America the most commonly recycled plastics are of type #1, #2, #4 and #5)
  • The amount of recycled content
  • Is the packaging biodegradable?
  • The likelihood of the packaging becoming litter
  • The quality of consumer information on the packaging

  Sadly, the trend in recent years is to use more and more resource-intensive and hard-to-recycle packaging. For example, heavy but recyclable packaging, such as glass jars and tin cans, are now more often being replaced by low-weight but non-recyclable materials. Rising consumption levels and a greater demand for convenience also mean single-serve; material-intensive products are increasingly common.

• Low Resource Consumption
  
  •  Reduction or elimination of waste
    • 50% of product inputs from post-consumer waste.
    • 50% of product inputs from biodegradable materials (e.g. untreated seashells, bamboo, sustainably-harvested wood, fibres).
    • no release of toxic substances to nature.
  • re-use, reclamation or recycling of waste extraneous to manufacturing process.
  • Reduced Packaging.
• Low Energy Consumption
  
  • Production facilities are certified low energy users
  • Production facilities have an energy efficiency program
• Locally Sourced (within 100 miles)
  

  Locally Sourced/Locally made/Locally Grown products:

  Locally sourced materials and products have a lower impact on the environment due to lower energy use associated with the transportation of these goods. Buying local also means that you're supporting local businesses and your local economy.
  
  In addition, buying local contributes to the success of the local economy. Less shipping and handling means with each purchase, more money goes directly to local business and stays within the local economy.
   

  Eating locally supports sustainable family farms, which might not otherwise be able to continue operating. Produce that travels less distance can remain on the vine or branch longer for fresher, and more flavorful food. Transportation costs are lower and so is the impact on the environment.

  NOTE: This attribute is only valid when the product is sourced and sold locally (Locally is within 100 miles of the point-of-sale).

Socially Progressive Attributes

• Fair Treatment
  
  • Fair wages
    • Meets or exceeds local applicable Fair Wage Guide minimum standards, is subject to fair wage guidelines.
  • Fair labour practices
    • Employees are not working under “sweatshop” conditions (e.g. no forced labour, no child labour, weekly hours of work do not exceed local standards, no reduction in wages as disciplinary measures).
  • Safe and habitable physical working environment
    • Safe working conditions, free from physical abuse or threats of abuse with adequate heat, air, light, and access to toilet facilities.
  • Equitable employment opportunities
    • no discrimination on the basis of gender, race or religious affiliation.
  • Respect for basic human rights

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