Small, independent shops get most of the credit for sustainable shopping, but sometimes you need something only a big retailer sells. The good news is that some large companies have made public commitments on energy, materials and waste. This piece, first written in 2016, looks at a few of them and at how to judge a big company's green claims for yourself.
Why big companies matter for sustainability
A single large retailer can buy more renewable energy, recycled material or responsibly sourced wood than thousands of small shops combined. When a company that size changes how it sources or ships, the effect reaches its whole supply chain. That is why it is worth knowing which mainstream brands are making real changes, rather than feeling guilty every time you shop somewhere big.
Five companies that made early sustainability commitments
REI
The outdoor co-op has long put sustainability at the center of its mission, with goals around climate impact and waste, solar panels on a number of its stores and more efficient lighting across its retail locations.
IKEA
IKEA has invested in wind and solar energy, moved its lighting range to energy-efficient bulbs and set sourcing standards for the wood and cotton it uses, including work with the World Wildlife Fund on responsible forestry.
Nike
Nike turns recycled plastic bottles into polyester for some of its apparel, and its Reuse-A-Shoe program grinds worn-out sneakers into material for sports surfaces such as tracks and courts.
Levi's
Levi's has developed finishing techniques that use less water to make its jeans, and has run worker well-being programs with suppliers in several garment-producing countries.
LEGO
LEGO joined the World Wildlife Fund's Climate Savers program and has invested in offshore wind energy as part of its goal to reduce its carbon footprint.
How to judge a company's green claims
Commitments change, deadlines slip and new programs launch every year, so check a company's latest sustainability report rather than relying on an older article like this one. A few questions help:
- Is there a number and a date? "Carbon neutral by a stated year" is easier to hold a company to than "committed to the planet."
- Is progress reported? Look for annual updates that say what was achieved, not only what is planned.
- Is it independently verified? Third-party certifications and audits carry more weight than self-reported claims.
- Does it cover the whole product? Recycled packaging is good; a product made with less energy, water and waste is better.
Our own approach
We hold ourselves to the same questions. You can read about how we think about packaging and sourcing on our sustainability page, and how we test every product on our 5 Nation Standard testing page. For more on choosing organic, see what you need to know about eating organic and our guide to sustainable and eco-friendly gift ideas.
