Responsible Retail Glossary
Sustainable | Refers to products, practices, or processes that minimize environmental impact, promote social well-being, and ensure economic viability for current and future generations.
Handmade | Products crafted by hand rather than machine, emphasizing artisanal skills and individualized attention. Handmade items carry a unique and personalized touch.
Handcrafted | Similar to handmade, handcrafted products are skillfully created using traditional or artisanal methods, showcasing craftsmanship, attention to detail, and a dedication to quality.
Local | Products sourced or produced within a specific geographic region, typically to support local businesses, reduce carbon footprint, and enhance community connections.
Fair Trade | A movement advocating for fair compensation and ethical treatment of workers, often in developing countries, ensuring that producers receive a fair share of the profits.
Organic | Refers to products made using organic materials, grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. Organic also indicates a commitment to environmental sustainability and health.
Oeko-Tex | An international certification system ensuring textiles meet strict ecological and socially responsible standards. Oeko-Tex certified products are free from harmful substances, promoting consumer safety and environmental consciousness.
Recycled | Materials or products that have undergone a process to reclaim and reuse materials from previously used items, reducing the demand for new raw materials and minimizing waste.
Upcycled | Repurposing discarded or unused materials into new products, extending the life cycle of materials and reducing waste.
Biodegradable | Capable of undergoing natural decomposition through the action of living organisms, contributing to a more environmentally friendly disposal process.
Sustainable Sourcing | The practice of procuring products and materials in an environmentally and socially responsible manner, considering factors like fair labor practices and eco-friendly production methods.
Transparency | Openness about business practices to contribute positively to society, encompassing fair treatment of employees, community engagement, and philanthropy.
Green Washing | Misleading marketing practices where a company exaggerates or falsely claims to be environmentally friendly or socially responsible to attract conscious consumers.
Local Sourcing | Procuring products or materials from local suppliers to support the community, reduce transportation-related emissions, and promote regional economic development.
Ethical Manufacturing | The production of goods in a way that prioritizes worker conditions, safety, and adherence to labor laws, while minimizing environmental impact.
Circular Economy | An economic model that promotes sustainability by emphasizing the reuse, refurbishment, and recycling of products, minimizing waste and environmental impact.
Carbon Footprint | The total amount of greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide, that are emitted directly or indirectly by an individual, organization, event, or product. Includes the production, transportation, and other associated activities of goods.
Social Responsibility | The ethical obligation of a business to contribute positively to society, encompassing fair treatment of employees, community engagement, and philanthropy.
Eco-Friendly Packaging | Packaging materials and designs that have minimal environmental impact, often prioritizing recyclability, biodegradable, or the use of recycled materials.
Green Packaging | Packing Materials and practices designed to minimize environmental impact, often through the use of recycled materials or biodegradable alternatives.
Zero-Waste | A philosophy and approach to production and consumption that aims to minimize waste generation, often by reusing, recycling, and composting.
Animal Wellfare | Ensuring that products and practices consider the well-being of animals, including ethical treatment and responsible sourcing of animal-derived materials.
By incorporating these responsible retail practices, businesses can contribute to a more sustainable and ethical consumer landscape.
