Throw Down the Gauntlet!

Hey folks! Here is an article from the folks at GreenBiz discussing responsibility in the food industry. There are a few people quoted in the article who are advocating for purveyors of our nation's food to take the lead in sustainability.

"We need to begin to think of retailers as leaders in sustainability; they help consumers live more sustainable lifestyles and build sustainable consumption into their lives," explained Michele Halsell, the managing director of the University of Arkansas' Applied Sustainability Center. "They are the link between the suppliers and the consumers, [and] taking that approach to your role in the world is the start of an important transformation."

And when retailers do it right, it's a "win-win-win," according to Halsell: the environment, local communities and most of all retailers themselves all benefit from green initiatives.

"You the retailers have bought all the environmental impacts [of the products you sell] at every step along the way," (Jonathan) Kaplan said. "That's a responsibility, but also an opportunity: you can have the biggest bang for the buck and you're in the driver's seat."

Clearly, the point of sale opportunities to educate (if that is what retailers are willing to do properly, honestly & transparently!!) are innumerable and ever-present. We at Visionary Values welcome this potential for every retailer to become a sustainability advocate!

We also must STRONGLY ADVOCATE for increased and consistent consumer involvement and oversight of this process. Initially it would most likely stem from an inherent distrust of these retailers to tell the whole story and keep it truthful. As the process matures however, it could develop into more of a friend looking after friend type of interaction (pie in the sky?!?) where we all look after one another's best common interests. After all, isn't this an essential piece of sustainability?!

As always, we love to hear YOUR opinions! Keep in touch!