SURE - SUpport for Responsible Enterprises
An ECOLOGIA Sustainability Initiative As an international organization dedicated to promoting sustainable development, ECOLOGIA assists a wide range of enterprises in developing environmentally and Socially Responsible (SR) products. We have worked internationally to develop standards on social responsibility such as ISO 26000. We work locally to help individual business to develop supply chains that build communities and provide consumers with quality products. We work with regional networks of entrepreneurs to support a rising tide that transforms entire business cultures.
We understand that consumers, regulators, and supply chain managers really want to know if the products they handle are safe, fairly made, and environmentally friendly. We also understand that hundreds or thousands of labels and certification systems in the marketplace make it difficult for anyone to be sure that a business or product claim is accurate. Our experience has shown us that businesses are also challenged by certification systems that can become costly burdens without adding to their financial bottom line.
In order to assist consumers, businesses and regulators in making more informed decisions, ECOLOGIA will provide outstanding businesses in the field of social responsibility with our attestation to their SR initiatives. Our purpose is not to create yet another international certification, verification, or reporting system, nor is it to undermine or replace existing systems.
ECOLOGIA seeks to provide recognition for businesses that are rising stars in the universe of social and environmental responsibility, and by doing so, to offer recognition and support to businesses at the early stages of their emergence into regional or international markets, when such support is most needed. We do not undertake this responsibility lightly. We pledge that we will use our organizational resources to provide the public with accurate information. We do not claim to be entirely impartial “third party” observers who appear once every two years with clip boards for a two day inspection. We are colleagues, partners, and friends of these 21st century leaders. We are investing our time and energy in their work. We are encouraging our international colleagues and partners to invest financially in growing these businesses; and we are encouraging consumers to buy their products. We aspire to tell their stories honestly and completely.
We encourage consumers to examine in-depth information that we have about these businesses on our website. We welcome inquiries about these businesses and will be pleased to explain the reasons for our attestation. We want you to be SURE that you are making an informed and responsible decision when you engage these businesses or buy their products. Please contact us at ecologia@ecologia.org with inquiries and feedback.
**************
ECOLOGIA is pleased to launch SURE with its recognition of The Alashan Cashmere and Camel regional branding initiative. We recognize the extraordinary efforts and work in progress of emerging Inner Mongolian herder cooperatives, regional Cashmere and Camel Associations, and fiber processors/manufacturers working with these herder advocate organizations. Together they are addressing issues of desertification, poverty alleviation, environmental health, biodiversity, and cultural preservation. You can read more about these organizations and our related work funded by Ford Foundation China here:
|
