wasteless policy

Wasteless policy

In my store (as well as on Etsy), I follow the wasteless policy, which means I try to minimize the waste and unnecesary trash that my business generates. It’s a small contribution to the wellbeing of our planet, but an important one nevertheless.

My wasteless policy

  1. If I can get rid of something without compromising the quality or safety of product/shipping, I get rid of it.
  2. Whenever I can, I buy recycled or ethically-sourced materials and packaging. I am willing to pay a little more for this. All paper (boxes, backing cards etc.) and all plastic (pin wraps etc.) is recycled.
  3. I try not to throw away products that I removed from my store. I use them as gifts and freebies instead.
  4. Anything I add to your package can be used somewhere. A „thank you” token is usually a sticker or a charm. A flyer always has my art on one side so you can hang it on the wall (or give to someone). I do a unique painting for every year.
  5. I outsource production of certain elements if my production partner has better way of utilizing the leftover waste.
  6. Anything I make myself, I make to order. This way I reduce the storage space needed, the unneeded items gathering dust and overall risk related to making too much of products that may not sell.
  7. I do not throw away items that are of lower quality (B-grade pins, keychains etc.). Instead, I offer them at a discounted price or add them as freebies to your order.

My production partners:

www.925.pl – silver intermediates
www.westpack.com – jewellery boxes and packaging
www.taniepudelka.pl – shipping boxes

Why I think businesses should aim towards being as wasteless as possible

Businesses should aim to be more wasteless for a multitude of reasons, spanning from environmental to economic to social. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown:

  1. Environmental Responsibility:
    • Resource Preservation: Minimizing waste means using resources more efficiently. This helps in preserving finite natural resources for future generations.
    • Reduced Environmental Footprint: Wasteless operations lead to less pollution and a reduced carbon footprint, which is vital in the fight against climate change.
    • Biodiversity: Waste, especially plastics and harmful chemicals, can harm terrestrial and aquatic life, leading to a decline in biodiversity.
  2. Economic Advantages:
    • Cost Savings: Reducing waste can lead to significant cost savings in the long run. Fewer resources used means fewer resources bought.
    • Regulatory Compliance: With increasing regulations around waste and environmental protection, businesses that are ahead of the curve can avoid potential fines and penalties.
    • Market Differentiation: As consumers become more environmentally conscious, businesses that are seen as sustainable can differentiate themselves in the market, leading to potentially higher sales and customer loyalty.
    • Efficiency: Wasteless processes often result in more streamlined operations, leading to greater productivity and efficiency.
  3. Social Implications:
    • Community Relations: Companies that work towards waste reduction are often seen more favorably by the communities in which they operate, leading to improved public relations.
    • Employee Morale: Many employees take pride in working for environmentally responsible companies. This can improve morale, retention, and even productivity.
    • Public Image: A wasteless approach can enhance a company’s reputation, making it more appealing to customers, investors, and stakeholders.
  4. Innovation:
    • New Products and Services: The pursuit of wasteless operations can drive innovation, leading to the development of new products or services that are sustainable.
    • Competitive Advantage: Early adopters of wasteless practices may find themselves ahead of competitors, giving them an edge in the marketplace.
  5. Risk Mitigation:
    • Supply Chain Stability: Reducing waste often means relying less on finite resources, leading to a more stable and resilient supply chain.
    • Future-Proofing: As regulations and societal expectations evolve, businesses with wasteless practices will be better positioned to adapt without significant overhauls.
  6. Ethical Considerations:
    • Moral Responsibility: Many believe that businesses, as significant contributors to waste and pollution, have a moral responsibility to reduce their impact on the planet.
    • Future Generations: Adopting wasteless practices is a step towards ensuring a healthier planet for future generations.

In conclusion, moving towards wasteless operations is not just good for the environment but can also offer tangible business benefits. Embracing sustainability and waste reduction can lead to a more resilient, profitable, and reputable business in today’s evolving global landscape.