Our Green Philosophy
SUSTAINABILITY AT OUR CORE
At Jane Goodall Institute USA, our “green philosophy” is all about sustainability and responsible procurement. We strive to create products that align with our mission and values, focusing on thoughtful consumption and continuous improvement. Our commitment to sustainability guides our efforts to positively impact people, other animals, and the environment we share.
APPROACH
We believe in being mindful and caring in everything we do; from materials to labor. Our goal is to minimize our environmental footprint and encourage responsible consumerism. Through thoughtful action, we hope to inspire others and continue improving ourselves. Navigating the complexities of manufacturing and supply chains can be challenging, but we’re committed to learning and evolving. We take a bold and compassionate approach as we work towards a more sustainable future.
PRODUCTS
Our sustainability and procurement principles cover a wide range of products. These include marketing materials such as brochures and postcards, giveaways like pens and tote bags, and items for sale, including t-shirts, artwork, and home decor. We also apply this policy to products made by our partners, ensuring our affiliates adhere to our values.
CORE VALUES
Mindful Material Selection
We prioritize the use of sustainable materials like recycled and organic cotton while avoiding materials that are unsustainable or green-washed. Our approach is rooted in scientific understanding and careful consideration, ensuring that our choices align with our values and our founder's public remarks. Here are some examples of how we walk the walk:
- Recycled and Organic Cotton: We opt for cotton that is either recycled or organically grown to minimize environmental impact and support sustainable farming practices.
- Plastic Alternatives: We avoid using plastics whenever possible, but when necessary, we prioritize recycled or plant-based plastics.
- Sustainable Paper: We use post-consumer waste recycled paper or FSC-certified paper from sustainably managed sources, such as agroforestry.
- Ethical Labor: We avoid materials produced through forced labor, including in private prisons, to ensure the ethical treatment of workers.
Transparency and Ethical Sourcing
Transparency is crucial to us, and we strive to align our supply chains with our sustainability principles. While we rely on our vendors and partners to uphold ethical standards, we are committed to fostering transparency and integrity in our operations. This policy is our first step toward walking the walk. Here’s how we approach ethical sourcing:
- Vendor Integrity: We work with vendors who share our ethical values, focusing on fair labor practices and sustainable materials.
- Product Labeling: We rely on manufacturer labeling and certifications to verify the ethical and sustainable sourcing of materials.
- Continuous Improvement: We seek to improve our sourcing practices and increase transparency across our supply chain as we continue to grow.
Balancing Sustainability and Affordability
At Jane Goodall Institute USA, we are mindful of the products we create and aim to minimize production unless it directly contributes to our mission. When we do create products, we balance sustainability, durability, and affordability in our decision-making process. Our approach involves:
ENCOURAGING INNOVATION AND CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
We remain curious and open to innovation, always seeking new ways to enhance our sustainability practices. Our products often carry certifications such as organic and fair trade, but our focus remains on aligning practices with our core values.
JOIN US ON OUR JOURNEY
We invite you to join us on our journey towards a more sustainable future. When you choose a Jane Goodall Institute USA product, we hope it brings you joy and pride, knowing that it was created with care and aligned with our principles. Our commitment to sustainability extends beyond our products – it’s about building a community dedicated to positive change. We welcome your ideas and feedback as we continue to improve and innovate. Together, we can make a difference and inspire others to join us in creating a better world. Thank you for being a part of our journey.