Ultimate Sustainability Vision

 

OUR COMMITMENT

LEADING THE WAY

As the only 100% sustainable apothecary, botanica, and apparel & home decor boutique in the Bay Area we are leading innovation trend-setting within wellness.

ZERO WASTE GOAL

Our goal is to be 100% zero-waste from farm to product manufacturing to packaging . Our zero-waste goal insures that all scrap herbs and materials gets turned into something new. With the support of our community and folks who purchase our products we will be able to launch the next phase of our business, an eco-ashram, nestled among sacred woodlands spanning acres of fertile soil, ancestral trees, wild herbs, and ritual waters. We aim to be a refuge for healing, reflection, and reconnection. This next phase allows us to employ a zero-waste farming and production method of all our herbal and spiritual product offerings and zero-waste pattern cutting technique, which means that our garments will be designed to utilize the fabric to the maximum any reduce waste at the point of cutting.

CIRCULAR ECONOMY

We think that circular is the only way forward, so alongside our Zero Waste Goal, we have launched a recycling program which allows customers who have purchased in of our herbal products to bring back the empty glass vial or jars to the store to receive a refill and discount on their next purchase of an herbal product.

Another goal we have is to launch a mending and tailoring service, to extend the life of every garment we make.

SOLAR POWER

Our goal is to open a design and manufacturing studio that is run completely on solar-power.

LOCALLY SOURCED MATERIALS

We care about the impact that our materials have on people and planet. Wherever possible our materials are sourced locally, reducing transport emissions and benefitting the local communities. We also select certified materials like organic and non-gmo herbs, fair trade gemstones, organic cotton, or fabrics made from recycled materials.

PACKAGING

We take great care that all of our packaging is made from recyclable or compostable materials and printed using eco inks - that means the postal bag, stickers, labels and tissue paper too!

FAIR TRADE

Integrity and transparency have always been at the core of our approach which is why we go above and beyond to meet, or exceed, the WTFO Principles of Fair Trade. We also follow ILO principles.

We invite you to read the new Fair Trade Charter.  

(WTFO 10 PRINCIPLES OF FAIR TRADE)

PRINCIPLE ONE: CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED PRODUCERS 

At The Sanctuary we work to create opportunities for under-supported farmers, artisans, and tailors, focusing on Black empowerment by providing the right skills and opportunities to create a better life for themselves through fair trade.

PRINCIPLE TWO: ACCOUNTABILITY & TRANSPARENCY

At The Sanctuary we are on a journey towards full sustainability, traceability and accountability, joining forces whenever we can to learn from others. 

PRINCIPLE THREE: FAIR TRADING PRACTICES

At The Sanctuary we want to establish long term relationships that will bring sustainable benefits for the community. This is why we sometimes move more slowly to make sure the relationships are fair, committed and sustainable.  We work together to get the right ingredients, materials, perfect design, and the best quality so that everyone feels good.

PRINCIPLE FOUR: FAIR PAYMENT

At The Sanctuary our payments are negotiated freely and openly with employees and producers. Contracts are regularly reviewed and adjusted in a collaborative and transparent way, based on economic assessments and open dialogue. 

PRINCIPLE FIVE: ENSURING NO CHILD OR FORCED LABOR

We do not source materials or labor from any company that uses child or forced labor.

PRINCIPLE SIX: COMMITMENT TO NON-DISCRIMINATION, GENDER EQUITY AND WOMEN’S ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT, AND FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION

At The Sanctuary we believe deeply in the practice of equity and the principles of sovereignty and abolition. We do not discriminate in hiring, contracting, collaboration, or access to training based on race, caste, national origin, religion, disability, gender, sexual orientation, union membership, political affiliation, HIV/AIDS status or age. Our mission is to empower the Black community, so, naturally, our activities focus on helping Black folks succeed and flourish.

PRINCIPLE SEVEN:  ENSURING GOOD WORKING CONDITIONS

The Sanctuary is a place that is safe for everyone who works, plays, and gathers here.

PRINCIPLE EIGHT: PROVIDING CAPACITY BUILDING

We constantly work to highlight the skills and capabilities of our employees and community partners so they can support themselves and showcase their skills and crafts

PRINCIPLE NINE:  PROMOTING FAIR TRADE

The words ‘fair trade’ have been in our mission statement from day 1. Our work bears testimony to the fair trade principles and the ‘trade not aid’ approach.

PRINCIPLE TEN: RESPECT FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

At The Sanctuary we are committed to giving back to the earth as much as she has given to us. We aim to reduce our waste by reusing and recycling materials whenever possible.