The Eco-Ability Standard

The Eco-Ability Standard represents our strong dedication to both people and the planet. As a social enterprise, we strive to uphold a comprehensive set of guidelines that prioritize sustainability, inclusivity, safety, ethics, and transparency. These principles form the foundation of our operations and guide our decision-making processes. In return, they support our two key missions: the need for businesses to reduce waste and the need for individuals with special needs to have access to meaningful employment opportunities.

First and foremost, we are a SOCIAL ENTERPRISE.

WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?

A social enterprise is a type of organization that combines the principles of business and entrepreneurship with a primary focus on addressing social or environmental issues. Unlike traditional for-profit businesses, the main goal of a social enterprise is to create positive social change and make a meaningful impact on society, rather than maximizing on financial profits.

The distinguishing characteristic of a social enterprise is its dual mission of pursuing both social objectives and financial sustainability. It aims to generate revenue through its business activities to support and sustain its social and environmental goals. This revenue can come from selling products or services, receiving grants or donations, or a combination of these sources.

In addition to generating positive social impact, social enterprises often prioritize principles such as ethical sourcing, fair trade, environmental responsibility, and empowering marginalized communities. They may also provide employment and skill development opportunities to disadvantaged individuals or strive to create inclusive business practices.

WHAT DO WE STAND FOR AS A SOCIAL ENTERPRISE? 

SUSTAINABILITY

Eco-Ability seeks to provide consumers with a more sustainable and responsible way to shop, reducing the environmental impact associated with excessive packaging and waste generation. We strive to create a circular economy that does as little harm as possible to our planet and future. We prioritize products that align with sustainability values, such as organic, locally sourced, fair trade, and ethically produced goods. Our products are made from recycled, recyclable, compostable, biodegradable, and/or renewable materials.

INCLUSIVITY

At Eco-Ability, inclusivity is not just a value we uphold; it is a guiding principle that shapes our every action when it comes to providing employment opportunities for individuals with special needs. We firmly believe that every person, regardless of their abilities, deserves a fair chance to thrive in a supportive and inclusive work environment. We actively strive to create a diverse workforce where individuals of all backgrounds and abilities can contribute their unique talents and perspectives. By embracing inclusivity, we foster a culture of acceptance, understanding, and respect, empowering individuals with special needs to unleash their full potential and make meaningful contributions to our organization and society as a whole.

SAFETY

We prioritize the well-being and protection of our consumers and the environment. To ensure this, we assess the potential hazards or risks associated with each ingredient in our products. We understand that having comprehensive data empowers us to make informed decisions and create safer, better consumer products. As part of our commitment, we rely on the Environmental Working Group (EWG) to guide our choices, utilizing their extensive research and resources to reassure us that we are selecting the safest options available.

ETHICS

We seek to ensure that humans are treated fairly, animals humanely, and the environment respectfully. By adhering to certifications like vegan, cruelty-free, fair trade, and climate neutral, we ensure that our operations align with these ethical values. We understand the interconnectedness of all living beings and the environment, recognizing that our choices and actions can have profound impacts. By integrating ethics into our decision-making, we strive to create a world where every aspect of our business, from production to consumption, upholds the principles of respect, compassion, and sustainability.

TRANSPARENCY

The Eco-Ability Standard emphasizes the importance of transparency and continuous improvement. These principles are essential for promoting responsible and effective social and environmental practices in industries and organizations. The Eco-Ability Standard fosters a culture of learning and collaboration. We seek to enable collective progress towards a more sustainable future. Emphasizing the importance of these principles helps create a framework for organizations to assess their social and environmental impact honestly, identify areas for improvement, and drive positive change at both individual and industry levels.