Environmental Sustainability

The fashion industry doesn’t have a good reputation when it comes to sustainability. According to the United Nations Environmental Program, fashion industry processes account for up to 10 percent of global carbon dioxide output, and the industry is accountable for 20 percent of the 300 million tons of plastic produced each year around the globe.…

In episode 429 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Jeremiah McElwee, chief merchandising officer of Thrive Market, a leading online marketplace specializing in a highly curated assortment of organic and non-GMO products. During the wide-ranging episode, McElwee provides an overview of Thrive Market and his role within the organization (0:55), including how merchandising…

There's an unpredictability of winter weather that makes the upcoming season especially interesting for meteorologists, and far less enjoyable for anyone who has experienced the shock of a significantly higher energy bill thanks to extreme weather events like those that experienced Texas’ February 2021 storms. When we look ahead to the colder months, there’s some…

In episode 425 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Eric Bjorling, director of brand marketing and public relations at Trek Bicycle, a global leader in the design and manufacturing of bicycles and related products. Listen in as Bjorling discusses the genesis of Trek Bicycle's new bike trade-in and refurbishment program, Red Barn Refresh (0:52)…

All of us are familiar with the phrase, "Nothing in life is free," (including lunch), but this sentiment truly resonates when examining the intricacies of free shipping in e-commerce. What if we changed the script on free shipping, viewing it not merely as a business maneuver, but instead as a catalyst for eco-conscious evolution? It…

The LEGO Group announced last week its pledge to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050 as part of its continued efforts to reduce environmental impact. The pledge is an extension of its existing near-term climate target to reduce GHG emissions by 37 percent by 2032 from a 2019 base, according to a company…

The fashion and logistics sectors have both become increasingly concerned with sustainability. According to Deloitte, almost one-third of consumers have stopped shopping at specific retailers due to ethical and environmental concerns. As such, retailers are now searching for ways to introduce greener processes. With customers becoming more aware of the role they play in the…

For some, the decision by the Biden Administration to enact the Executive Order on Advancing Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing came as a welcome surprise. Drawing inspiration from the remarkable strides made by biotechnology to quickly develop effective COVID-19 vaccines, the order broadcasts an intent to leverage government expertise and resources to pave the way for a…

Now more than ever, B2B buyers are weighing up the environmental impact of the decisions they make. Studies show that 69 percent of those with decision-making power in B2B businesses consider sustainability performance when selecting suppliers and renewing contracts. This is putting increasing pressure on manufacturing, industrial and automotive firms to be more sustainable than…

Just a few decades ago, sustainability wasn't a business priority. Today, most companies understand the importance of sustainability, both from a business and social responsibility perspective. So, what’s changed? Today, companies are relying on technology to power their workforce’s efficiency and productivity more than ever. Carbon footprints have greatly increased in the process. According to researchers,…