At EBB & FLO, we are committed to creating a sustainable future for our planet and its people. We believe that everyone has a role to play in building a better world, and that small actions can have a big impact. That's why we have incorporated 6 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into our overall strategy. Here we explore our commitment to the SDGs, the steps we have taken to align with them, and the positive impact we hope to make.
#3 Good Health & Wellbeing
Our brand purpose is to promote connection, wellbeing, and nature. We believe that sustainability is not just about protecting the planet, but also about fostering wellbeing and building strong communities. To achieve this, we prioritise the health and happiness of our team, customers, and the wider community.
Goal #3, sets out to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages. In 2020, there was a 25% increase in the global prevalence of anxiety and depression, with young people and women being the most affected. That's why we strive to promote mental health and wellbeing through our products, actions, and messaging.
We believe that when people feel good, they're more likely to take action towards a sustainable future. That’s why, we design our products with wellbeing in mind. We select ingredients and materials that not only look and feel good but also do good. We choose sustainable and ethical options in all of our products, such as vegan-friendly and responsibly sourced ingredients for our candles, and recycled alloys and ethically sourced gemstones for our jewellery. We believe that every item we offer should enhance your wellbeing with minimal impact on the planet.
Our commitment to wellbeing extends beyond just our products. We believe that creating a culture of wellbeing starts from within, which is why we prioritise the wellbeing of our team members. We provide ongoing training and development opportunities, as well as a supportive work environment to ensure that our team members can thrive both personally and professionally.
As a brand founded by a mental health professional, we are deeply committed to promoting mental health and wellbeing. Our founder, Toni, dedicated her early life and career to supporting individuals in achieving mental and emotional wellness. We offer resources and support to our customers through our blog, social media channels, and customer interactions.
At EBB & FLO, we believe that promoting wellbeing is an essential element for a fulfilling and nourishing life. We're committed to helping individuals and communities cultivate connection, nurture wellbeing, and make a positive impact on the world.
#9 Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure
Our brand is rooted in a strong commitment to sustainability and innovation, which perfectly aligns with the ideals of Goal 9 of the UN SDGs. We understand that to achieve sustainable development, we need to build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialisation, and foster innovation.
In line with this vision, we are pleased to announce that we have secured planning permission to construct a sustainable development in a deprived part of our community. Our building will be constructed from repurposed shipping containers, which allows us to reduce waste and upcycle materials. Furthermore, the innovative design ensures that the building can be moved with ease in the event of any environmental threats, such as flooding.
However, our commitment to sustainability doesn't stop there. We are also committed to utilising the latest technology to power our building with renewable energy sources. We will be harnessing solar, wind, air sourced heat pumps, and grey water irrigation technologies, among others, to promote sustainable industrialisation and reduce our carbon footprint.
Our sustainable development is more than just a building. It is a symbol of our commitment to sustainable business development and practice, and it also regenerates an underprivileged area of our town while promoting accessible blue spaces. We are proud to be at the forefront of sustainable development, and we are determined to continue promoting sustainability in all areas of our business through innovation and forward-thinking practices.
#10 Reduced Inequalities
At EBB & FLO we strongly align with Goal 10 of the UN's agenda to Reduce inequalities, ensuring no one is left behind. We acknowledge that the effects of the pandemic have worsened social exclusion and income inequality and we recognise that financial hardship, poverty, physical disabilities, and other factors can prevent individuals from experiencing the transformative power of the ocean, that's why we established EBB & FLO COLLECTIVE CIC
Our ultimate goal is to encourage, empower, and enable individuals to connect with the sea, broaden their horizons, and improve their physical and mental wellbeing. We firmly believe that equal access to the ocean should be available to all. Through our efforts, we hope to contribute to reducing inequalities and promoting inclusion in our community and beyond.
#12 Responsible Production & Consumption
At EBB & FLO, we are committed to promoting responsible production and consumption, in alignment with Goal 12 of the UN's SDGs. Our mission is to ensure that our products have minimal environmental and social impact, while also providing longevity and functionality. We believe that sustainable consumption and production patterns are essential to sustain the livelihoods of current and future generations.
To achieve our mission, we prioritise the use of regenerative and recyclable textiles, as well as biodegradable natural fibers, inks, and finishes. Not only are our T-shirts made from 100% regenerative organic cotton, our beanies 100% regenerative British non-mulsed wool, and our hoodies a blend of 85% regenerative organic cotton and 15% recycled polyester, our suppliers comply with ethical and social practices ensuring PETA-approved, and Fair Wear certification. Our production process is also designed to be environmentally and socially responsible, using plastic-free and cruelty-free screen printing.
Similarly, our jewellery is crafted using recycled silver, ethically sourced gemstones, and upcycled silver off-cuts. We also ensure that our packaging is 100% recyclable and free from plastic, while our candles are hand-poured in small batches using 100% responsibly sourced, vegan-friendly soy wax, regenerative cotton-braided wicks, and premium fragrance oils that are cruelty-free, phthalate-free, dye-free, and preservative-free. Through our commitment to responsible production and consumption, we hope to make a positive impact on the environment and society.
#13 Climate Action
We understand that the impact of climate change poses a threat to the health and wellbeing of both our planet and its inhabitants. That's why we're committed to taking action to combat climate change and promote sustainable practices, both within our company and in our wider community.
Through our sustainable sourcing and production practices, we aim to reduce our carbon footprint and minimise our impact on the environment. Our commitment to using regenerative and recycled materials, as well as eco-friendly production methods, ensures that we're doing our part to combat climate change and promote responsible consumption and production.
In addition to our internal efforts, we're also dedicated to raising awareness and promoting education on climate change and its impacts. Our founder, Toni, has volunteered her time and expertise to work with local schools and organisations to educate and inspire on various topics including climate change, conservation, and environmental sustainability.
Toni has also been passionate about ocean conservation and has worked tirelessly to educate and raise awareness on the effects of plastic pollution on the environment. Through her workshops and community beach cleans, she has inspired and educated countless individuals on the importance of protecting our planet.
We recognise the importance of demonstrating our responsibility, that's why we're committed to continuing our efforts to promote sustainability and education, and to make a positive impact on our local community and beyond.
#14 Life Below Water
Goal 14 aims to protect and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources, which are critical to human existence and the planet's health. However, human activities are endangering marine ecosystems and livelihoods. Plastic pollution, for instance, accounts for 85% of marine litter, with the amount expected to increase by 2040. To support this goal, we have taken several steps to promote marine conservation and sustainability.
In 2017, we invested in a 2 Minute Beach Clean (2MBC) station, a powerful tool that empowers people to combat litter and plastic pollution. We also joined the Nurdle initiative, which focuses on removing and recycling marine debris from coastlines globally. We are custodians of the only Nurdle Trommel on the East Coast of the UK, helping us tackle marine pollution effectively. We also purchased Pollu Toys, designed by Sea Shepherd, a direct action conservation charity, to educate children about plastic pollution's harmful impact on wildlife.
Moreover, we have organised over 50 local beach cleans, involving community, corporate, and school groups. Each clean removes an average of 25kg of litter, contributing to healthier oceans and a cleaner planet, in addition we encourage our staff to volunteer and litter pick during summer months. Collectively we have removed over 1.25 tonnes of litter from our local coastline. By promoting community involvement and inspiring positive change, we can help tackle the major threat that litter pollution poses to marine ecosystems and human health.
We believe that sustainability is a way of living, that’s why we are committed to creating a sustainable future that benefits both people and the planet. Through our various initiatives and actions aligned with the UN SDGs, we strive to make a positive impact on the environment and our community. We recognise that there is still much work to be done, as we say, sustainability is a journey, not a destination, but we are dedicated to continuing to innovate, collaborate, and inspire positive change.
Together, we can build a more sustainable world for ourselves and future generations.