While the box of shoes mentions how they are vegan and waterproof, the major marketing for their social responsibility is done on their website.

Vessi continually runs charitable projects such as raising money to donate meals to those in need, donating proceeds of sales towards numerous initiatives, and all year long, they fund projects to help improve the city and fight against homelessness. 

Vessi shoes can easily be purchased as they are an online store and can be shipped directly to your doorstep, however, if you do not own a credit card or have internet access, it would be very difficult to purchase a pair. Adidas also sells sneakers but do not advertise any of their CSR policies on the packaging.

 

An example of a biodegradable phone case is Pela phone cases which are handmade, plant-based, made from flax shive/ straw fibre (a waste byproduct of the oilseed harvest) and biopolymer, vegan, 100% compostable, and estimated to take anywhere between 6 months to 2 years to fully decompose. This brand also allows consumers to take back its product to help dispose of them if necessary, as well as donating part of their revenue to non-profit organizations such as ocean and land cleanup.

 

These durable and quality cases have the name of the company “Pela” on the back, bottom center of the case, delivered to a consumer with packaging made out of 100% recycled paperboard.  

Something else about the company/ product is that it also holds a screen protection guarantee, so if your screen cracks while wearing Pela’s phone case, they will pay for the repairs, as well promise hassle-free exchange and returns worldwide. These eco- friendly cases have also already removed more than 15, 000 pounds of plastic waste from the waste stream, which is just the beginning for these growing company. 

 

Some barriers to purchasing this product include its high prices for the eco-friendly phone cases, with prices that vary from $29. 95- 49. 95, for just the phone case. With a protector on the front screen the price can vary anywhere between $60 -80, which some consumers have already paid a large amount for their phone, may not like. Another barrier is the high competitor factor, as these cases and the idea can be easily replicated, improved upon, and sold for cheaper elsewhere, making Pela a weaker competitor, allowing for their threat of substitutes to be very high.

 

Trade-offs a consumer could make are     ones geared towards cheaper more trendy cases          such as Incipio Organicore Cases, where the lowest price is $24.99 with more colors and styles for a consumer to choose from. Another similar not-so- CSR product that Pela can be compared to is Nimble. Although Nimble phone case is the world's only iPhone case made from 100% recycled plastic bottles, with plastic-free packaging and 5% of its profit is donated to protecting the World’s Oceans and Marine life, it is not plant-based and is more expensive with its lowest price being $44. 95.

 

Sisters Sage is dedicated to close the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous entrepreneurs in Canada and want to inspire other Indigenous women to run their own businesses. The company donates many of their products to local shelters and charities, including DTES Women’s Shelter.

The products can be ordered on the company’s website and shipped across Canada and the US, customers are also able to receive free shipping on orders over $75CAD and $100USD.

-Vlada Chernova

MAC is incredibly diverse in their goal of impacting their surrounding environment and trying to lessen their environmental impact. MAC has various charitable programs, such as MAC Viva glam, which supports the MAC aids funds through the purchase of the Viva Glam lipsticks (100% of the proceeds are donated). MAC is the pioneer of the beauty industry, thus creating waves in the industry when the brand started its journey of not testing on animals (except where it is mandated). The program that has the greatest impact on the environment would be the “Back to MAC” program. Once a customer brings in six empty containers of anything that is glass or plastic, the customer can have a free lipstick, eyeshadow or lipgloss. The empty containers are then sorted and recycled to use in future MAC packaging. 

2.     How is this signalled on the packaging?

This is signaled through a “Back 2 MAC” imprint once you open up the product. This will let the customer know that the product they purchased are allowed to be traded in for a free product. 

The Viva Glam lipsticks come in special red packaging and are labeled all over the packaging. MAC also hold special campaigns to promote the Viva Glam lipsticks.

3.     What else do you know about the company/product CSR policies (brief Google search)?

The company really tries to implement a social responsibility concept from the bottom up. The workers get trained constantly with the slogan “All ages, all races and all genders”. Which highly impacts the corporate reputation because the cosmetic industry has really struggled with inclusivity.  Additionally, MAC sources its folding cartons from a leading sustainable paper mill to further their efforts in protecting their environments.

4.     What are the barriers to purchasing this product, if any? Any trade offs a consumer would make? Compare your product to a similar not-so-CSR product ...

Not all products are “recyclable” but all other products get incinerated to not end up in a landfill.  The products are in the more expensive range within the beauty industry. MAC stands above most because of their efforts and programs to achieve social responsibility. Many other brands do not have these initiatives. One big impact MAC is lacking is “clean ingredients”, brands like “Milk Makeup” or “Kosas” where they can have the “Clean product “label. 

-Perryn Thiessen

 

 

Burt’s Bees toothpaste is not tested on animals and is SLS free. It does not contain any artificial flavours or sweeteners, preservatives or blue, red, and yellow dyes. The tubes and cartons used to hold the toothpaste are 100% recyclable. 

2. How is this signalled on the packaging (if it is signalled, if there is packaging!)

 

Burt’s Bees tells you on the packaging that “we don’t add what you don’t want” meaning that they haven’t added anything into the toothpaste that may raise concerns with customers.

3. What else do you know about the company/product CSR policies (brief Google search)?

 

Burt’s Bees makes skin care products, cosmetic products and oral products all using sustainable practices. They also have developed a Natural Launchpad program in which they provide funding and mentorship for start-up companies whose focus is to improve our planet and quality and life.

4. What are the barriers to purchasing this product, if any? Any trade offs a consumer would make? Compare your product to a similar not-so-CSR product.

 

The toothpastes made by Burt’s Bees are more expensive than toothpastes sold by competitors such as Colgate and Crest. Customers may choose not to purchase them for this reason and stick with the more affordable brands.

 

- Mitchell Turner

Product: Kalkay Wild Rose Face Masque from Skwalwen Botanicals.

Skwalwen Botanicals is an Indigenous beauty line that creates organic and botanical/plan-based skin care products. The owner, Leigh who is an ethnobotanist, researcher, and community activist, honours the traditional Squamish plant knowledge as she incorporates sustainably harvested plants to her natural skin care products. Leigh’s business is inspired by the Indigenous plant knowledge as she incorporates her family’s and community members’ teachings on wild plant ingredients and processes to create clean and effective handmade plant-based skin care. 

2.     How is this signalled on the packaging (if it is signalled, if there is packaging!)

Each product’s package has a Squamish name to honour the land where the plant knowledge comes from.

3. What else do you know about the company/product CSR policies (brief Google search)?

According to Leigh, creating the products begins with the time she spends on the land and forests – by harvesting these natural ingredients. By using the Squamish cultural teachings, she uses gentle and respectful approaches to harvest her ingredients using techniques that are ethical and sustainable.

Each of her skin care products are luxurious and made with care, creating skin care products that are free from harsh chemicals such as phthalates, synthetic fragrances, synthetic colors and parabens.

4. What are the barriers to purchasing this product, if any? Any trade offs a consumer would make? Compare your product to a similar not-so-CSR product ...

The barriers to purchasing these products are shipping fees and its high prices. Skwalwen Botanicals can be ordered online, however there is a fee between $12-$20 for orders that are up to $99 and free shipping once orders are $100 or over. For US customers, there is a $20 shipping fee for orders that are up to $99 and free shipping for orders that are $150.

The prices are more expensive compared to it it’s competitors since their skin care products such as the face mask and facial bar are priced $39 and $20 respectively due to the natural, plant-based products used as ingredients that are also free from harsh chemicals. Olay, on the other hand, which produces similar products, is said to have parabens which is linked to cancer. The environmental effects of parabens can also affect marine life by killing coral reefs.
Alexa Marbella

2. The packaging itself is reusable, as people are now able to buy the refills and not waste as much plastic with each and every one of their purchases. This gives and opportunity for people all over the world to do better for our planet, while still using the products they are so used to. Apart from that, it states on the packaging that this product is invisible and that the packaging itself is reusable.
 

3. Fenti Skin focuses on making skincare easy and fun for everybody, men and women. It starts with the packaging of their products and finishes with their ingredients. Overall this business style helps them to educate people all over the world, and give people an opportunity to take care of themselves, while also taking care of the planet. 

4. The only barrier to purchasing this product is its  price, as compared to many other products in the same category it is located in a higher end of it. However, there are not as many options in the drugstore, that would compare even ingredients wise, let alone the social responsibility level of a company it is produced by. One of the similar products to  Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 is Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++ by Supergoop. Both of this products are promoting to be invisible and in a higher end spectrum, however the Fenti Skin product is reusable and the Supergoop one is not, which means it has a lower social responsibility level. 

These eco-strips are available in most supermarkets and smaller retail stores. In Vancouver, they can be found at Costco, Strong’s Market, Hewer Home Hardware, Greens Organic and Natural Market, Shaughnessy Pharmacy, and several other stores. They are also available online on Amazon, Well.ca and Tru Earth’s website where they provide free shipping.

1.  What makes it "socially responsible"? 

Tru Earth’s detergent eco-strips are an eco-friendly alternative to generic detergents available in stores. Each eco-strip contains ultra-concentrated and pre-measured detergent powder which easily dissolves in hot or cold water. It claims to keep 700,000 plastic jugs out of the landfill each year. 

2.  How is this signaled on the packaging?

Their logo and brand name “Tru Earth” is on the front of its packaging followed by the product name: eco-strips. The name itself suggests that the brand is eco-friendly. They have an eco-symbol on the bottom left corner. Additionally, they have a ‘biodegradable and hypoallergenic stamp on the bottom right corner that confirms the claims.

The back side of the packaging, on the top left corner says “Clean Green Simple” which also suggests that the contents are green. Under that, they make claims of being phosphate-free, biodegradable, hypoallergenic and 1,4-dioxane free. There is also a recycling symbol that suggests that the packaging itself is recyclable. 

Their eco-strips are certified paraben-free, chlorine bleach free, dye-free, and phosphate-free. Their strips are free of 1,4-dioxane, as certified by independent lab tests, and hypoallergenic as certified by independent dermatologists. Their products are biodegradable in accordance with OECD 310D. They are also vegan and cruelty-free, as are their suppliers. Tru Earth also has several other environmentally friendly products listed on their website. They are so confident in their company and its products that they advertise a 100% money back guarantee on all items. The packaging for these strips is much smaller than typical detergents. Therefore, there is 94% less pollution caused by transportation as compared to generic products.

This product is readily and conveniently available both online and in stores. They also provide free shipping, which means there are no added costs. However, the product itself is not inexpensive. For reference, a 3.78L jerrycan of ‘Tide Simply Clean and Fresh’ costs $11.59 on average and lasts for up to 89 loads. That means each load costs approximately $0.13 cents. Whereas the Tru Earth eco-strips cost $35.95 for only 64 loads which makes the cost $0.56/load. This makes the eco-strips nearly 5 times more expensive than regular detergent. This could be a significant expense depending on the income, size, and usage of a family/individual. 

                                      -  Pouru Patell

-It is an award-winning, invigorating body wash. The eco-conscious body wash has no wasted product at all and the packaging was made from recycled plastic which can be recycled. The bottle is made of 100% recycled plastic — 20% of which is from ocean plastic. Since the pump has no metal spring, it's fully recyclable as-is.

2. How is this signalled on the packaging (if it is signalled, if there is packaging!)

-The packaging has bottle made with ocean plastic written. Clean to skin, clean to planet. It reflects the company’s awareness of environmental protection and the determination to control marine pollution.

3. What else do you know about the company/product CSR policies (brief Google search)?

-REN Clean Skincare states that they’re not only focused on recycled, recyclable or reusable packaging in a bid to create a brand that is not just Clean to Skin, but Clean to Planet. The company works hard on more sustainable packs to launch their new products. They help to save and minimize as much plastic going to landfill in the quickest way. 

4. What are the barriers to purchasing this product, if any? Any trade offs a consumer would make? Compare your product to a similar not-so-CSR product .

-From my perspective, there are lots of body wash products in the market, one thing is that the consumer may choose other brands and they prefer to look for a cheaper price, REN has a higher price than other body wash, which cost $28 for 300ml, and the average is $10 or lower. Also, the product is less known than other competitors’ products. 

Compostic a company that has created a replacement to the cling wrap we use in our homes every day. This cling wrap is made from a combination of different biopolymers that create the feel and look of traditional plastic but can be fully composted within 24 weeks in a home composting environment. This makes it an eco-friendly alternative to regular plastic cling wrap and can help cut down on every household’s environmental footprint. In a world where non-reusable plastics are ravaging the environment any opportunity that can help reduce it is a welcoming sight. 

2.    How is this signaled on the packaging 

The packaging for Compostic cling wrap stands out among other cling wraps with large writing stating that it is “100% Compostable”. Anyone looking to cut down on their use of traditional plastics will immediately be drawn to this key wording on the packaging. The packaging also tells the consumer that this cling wrap will break down quicker than the average orange peel, which gives the consumer a good comparison of how quickly the cling wrap breaks down.

3.    What else do you know about the company/product CSR policies.

Compostic is a relatively newly formed company, founded and operated in New Zealand. It is on a mission to eradicate the need for traditional non compostable plastics. They are slowly expanding into new avenues and have recently released compostable plastic bags into their product line. They are pushing the message that their products are completely certified compostable which means they must fully break down within 12-24 weeks and leave behind no harmful residues or toxins. 

4.    What are the barriers to purchasing this product, if any? Any tradeoffs a consumer would make? Compare your product to a similar not-so-CSR product ...

The biggest barrier of purchasing this product would have to be the price. Conventional plastic cling wrap goes for around $5 for 150 meters of product, whereas Compostic Compostable Cling Wrap is sold for $15 for roughly the same amount. This could be a deterrent for consumers who are looking to save money but can be a niche product for people who are very environmentally conscious and are looking to cut down on their plastic usage. 

- Justin Vogt

100%, Biodegradable, Backyard Compostable, Suitable for hot, cold and wet food,
Microwave Friendly

2. How is this signalled on the packaging?
It comes with a simple packing highlighting the 100% biodegradable.

3. What else do you know about the company?

Greenovation’ are aimed at changing habits and mindset about using disposable items. they focus on qualitative, reliable and affordable products with responsibility towards the environment.

4. What are the barriers to purchasing this product, if any?
there are no major barriers to entry.



-Anubhav Aggarwal

2. How is this signalled on the packaging (if it is signalled, if there is packaging!)
On the back of the packaging

3. What else do you know about the company/product CSR policies (brief Google search)?
The company also believes in fair treatment to farmers and have an initiative to offer education and fair trade projects

4. What are the barriers to purchasing this product, if any? Any trade offs a consumer would make? Compare your product to a similar not-so-CSR product ...
There are no barriers in puchasing this product. It can be compare to Dawn soap

Upload the name of your product, where you can find it and the answers to the four questions to the Padlet display below. 

https://www.drbronner.com

1.       These toothbrushes are a greener alternative to an everyday item. Toothbrushes are normally made with plastic and are thrown in the trash where they will sit and not degrade. The bamboo used for these toothbrushes will bio-degrade much faster and overall impact the environment much less.

 

2.       The packaging indicates that the toothbrush handle is “zero waste” and “eco-friendly”. The packaging is also made from cardboard with minimalistic colours, giving the illusion of a green product without even reading the packaging. 

 

3.       Bmbu Creations is a company that specializes in making green products from bamboo. They mainly make magnetic bamboo knife holders, but also make other products such as bamboo toothbrushes and travel utensils. 

 

The barriers to purchasing this product are the price and availability. At around $3.50 per brush, they are a little more expensive than a regular plastic brush, which also does not include the shipping price. As well as the price, these brushes are not available in stores as much as regular brushes.

Name: Aidan Michell

Levi’s offers their customers products they can trust were made sustainably. In the mission to conserve water, Levi’s encourages customers to conserve resources alongside them, creating a partnership between every customer and their brand that’s hard to break 
4. what are the Barriers to purchasing this product if any?
the biggest barrier of manufacturing the product is the heavy machinery used to create this by using different kind of machines, as the machines cost is very high this will indirectly relate in product price and as a result the product price would also increase.

Sustainable, reusable bags from a company that donates to environmental causes.

2. How is this signalled on the packaging (if it is signalled, if there is packaging!)

There is reference to the bag being “reusable” on the packaging.

3. What else do you know about the company/product CSR policies (brief Google search)?

The company is actively donating to causes related to the environment (donating $100k to Surfrider Foundation during Earth Month). 

4. What are the barriers to purchasing this product, if any? Any trade offs a consumer would make? Compare your product to a similar not-so-CSR product ...

It is more expensive than regular ziplocs which could deter others from purchasing. It is not as easy to find as regular Ziploc bags that are stocked in every grocery store. 

They also plant 10 trees around the world for every product you buy from them.  they also have the B-corp certification

2. I don’t remember how the package is but by 2023 , the company wants to use only recycled paper for their inserts 

3.Tentree is constantly considering their impact and footprint with their products,  in manufacturing, they only work with socially and environmentally responsible factories that are approved by  Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WARP), To find their planting locations and navigate local laws and customs, tentree works with non-governmental organizations with an “on-the-ground presence” like WeForest and Eden Reforestation.

4. It’s more expensive and they normally have their products in other retail stores, but they don’t have their own.  Because they are more expensive compared to other clothing brands, people tend to buy from other stores. but on the other hand, it being more expensive shows the extra steps through it's quality.

5. Tentree T-shirt , easiest is to buy online or they also have their products in MEC, Boat house and a few other places. 

- Kelly Wong

1.    What makes "socially responsible"? (Ideas: sustainable, local, organic, free range, low environmental impact, recycled, corporate reputation ...)

Lush has designed their products which has little to no packaging at all in an effort to reduce carbon emissions and waste. In addition, 100% of Lush’s products are vegetarian meaning they are like plant based soap that support the ecosystems and biodiversity more compared to non-vegetarian products. 81% of its products are vegan meaning they haven’t been tested on animals. In addition, vegan soap are from fats or oils from vegetable origin as opposed to other animal fats. If packaging is unavoidable, Lush will use 100% recyclable and biodegradable bags.

 

2.    How is this signalled on the packaging (if it is signalled, if there is packaging!)

Lush doesn’t have packaging on most products and there are little signals to it as well. This is because it doesn’t need to signal because customers know most products from the naked eye are package-free. If it does signal it would have to be printed to a piece of packaging or display board which will defeat the purpose of package-less design.

 

3.    What else do you know about the company/product CSR policies (brief Google search)?

Lush creates shampoo bars in an effort to preserve water and without the use of plastic containers, a sustainable practice going forward for conducting business. In addition, Lush cares about whether or not its suppliers are corporate sustainable as well, so it chooses a sustainable supplier to work with for ingredients in their products, this includes suppliers treatment of workers.

 

4.    What are the barriers to purchasing this product, if any? Any trade offs a consumer would make? Compare your product to a similar not-so-CSR product ...

Since most of its products are package-less, it would be difficult to have barcodes on the product itself. Lush stores team members will know what product that is based on experience and will know what to charge the customers but for resellers, they require a barcode as other companies employee are not trained to know all of Lush products. Other branded soap such as Dove are found more readily available at retail stores but it comes at a cost from the packaging.

Renny Szeto