Sustainability is becoming increasingly important as global consumers sit up and take notice of the way we are all treating the planet that we call home. In fact, 80% of global consumers feel that the companies we purchase from should help to improve the environment and implement programs that contribute to this [1]. Not only are we caring more, but the proof is in our purchases. Between 2014 and 2018, sustainable product sales in the US rose by nearly 20% [2], and 72% of consumers in 2019 bought more environmentally-friendly products than five years earlier, with 81% expecting this to increase in the next five [3].
But what does it mean to be sustainable?
When sustainability is mentioned, our first thoughts go to ecological sustainability, that is, preserving our planet in terms of the land, water, and ecosystems around us. But we can also look at how businesses affect economic sustainability and social sustainability, too. Economic sustainability refers to economic growth that does not come at the expense of a given community’s culture and has no negative social or environmental impacts [4]. Social sustainability pertains to the effects a business might have on people including fair wages and supporting gender equality within their workforce, but also improving the lives of people that they affect, such as those living around a manufacturing plant [5].
Organics
For a product to be certified organic, such as by the Soil Association, there are a strict set of rules that must be followed that serve to protect the environment and human health. This includes the ban of unnecessary pesticides that not only alter the natural soil quality but can also run-off into rivers and affect water ecosystems. By choosing a product that is organic, you are ensuring that the land used to produce your supplement is well nourished, supporting biodiversity and protecting surrounding waters. This also means that the environment won’t be damaged for the use of future generations.
Herbal Sustainability
As well as your supplement provider choosing organic herbs, certain manufacturers of particular herbs can be chosen for inclusion in a supplement because of their quality, such as with KSM-66 Ashwagandha (read more here). These manufacturers, such as Ixoreal Biomed who make KSM-66 Ashwagandha, may make their own additional commitments to creating a supply chain which is sustainable all the way from the field to the final product. In the case of KSM-66 Ashwagandha, there is full traceability, which ensures complete transparency and that sustainable organic practices are being followed. They also focus on social sustainability, investing in medical facilities, infrastructure, and schools, as well as employing mainly women that harvest the herb to support equality in local communities.
Sustainability Initiatives
Look out for the other sustainability initiatives that the company producing your supplements may be involved with – this could include reducing or balancing carbon emissions, reducing air pollution, or introducing re-used or recyclable packaging. One such initiative that we at Authentic Biotics are involved with is our partnership with ‘One Tree Planted‘, a non-profit organisation that focuses on global reforestation to offset carbon emissions, intercepting water to reduce pollution and prevent flooding, nourish biodiversity and maintain the 1.6 billion jobs that forests provide.
If after reading this, you’re noticing that your supplement company isn’t as sustainable as it could and should be, why not switch to an environmentally and socially responsible alternative? Try our SimplyGREEN Organic Immunity Goals and our SimplyGREEN Pro Brain Health Goals supplements to nourish your mind, body and our planet.