In class we were introduced to a variety of reporting systems, such as Climate Counts, GRESB, and MAKING. Until this lecture, the only platform I was familiar with was MAKING. I have actually worked with this app in the past, and I am a huge supporter of the MAKING reporting system.

I think the MAKING app is a great representation of how businesses are coming together to make change; not just in their value chain, but in the industry they operate in. It is so powerful when companies can develop sustainability practices and then share them with competitors. I think that is what I admire most about Nike – their ability to develop such an incredible app, and then share it with public.  In addition to the reporting system MAKING, and the ones we discussed in class – this link provides a summary of the most successful sustainability apps in 2013.

In terms of sustainability and apps, one of my favourites is Rippl. It was developed by the charitable organization Ocean Conservancy. They discover science-based solutions to tackle some of the largest ocean conservation challenges. This includes supporting some of the largest US fisheries to ensure they are meeting sustainable standards, and raising awareness of the issues associated with trash, and carbon damaging our oceans.

If you want to learn more about Ocean Conservancy and the improvements they have made > click here. 

I highly recommend downloading Rippl, I use it all the time and for good reason. To be honest, I am slightly forgetful – and sometimes I need a reminder, especially when I’m tired (I think we students know the feeling a bit too well). This lifestyle app sends me notifications to ensure that I am making sustainable decisions daily. Although I am not the most “green” consumer, I am working on it. This app has enabled me to drastically change my daily routine, and build new green living habits.

Below I have attached screen shots of the reminders you can set on the app. The best part about Rippl is that it is completely customizable to your lifestyle. It allows you to set personal goals, and reflect on your progress. Oh and yes students, the app is free don’t worry!

Perhaps you don’t need daily reminders like me, and if so – well done, I am jealous. However, I have shared this app with friends and family that needed that extra push to make those sustainable changes to their lifestyle. So far, they have seen tremendous success. If you don’t think you need the app, show someone who does!

In response to the documentary we watched in class, Trust Cost, we discussed how organizations could implement strategies to lower “total cost”, and how to make consumers more aware of all the factors they should consider. As we know, price is only one element in the equation, but it is sometimes the only factor considered in the consumers purchasing process.

I started to think of companies that offer sustainable products at a relatively low price, and immediately I thought of Walmart. They are one of the world’s largest retailers, and they have successfully incorporated sustainability initiatives throughout their entire value chain.

Walmart has consistently positioned themselves with an “everyday low pricing” strategy. Along with many other organizations, Walmart received negative publicity after the Bangladesh tragedy – and so they should. However, I think it is important to acknowledge the changes Walmart has made to their business model. And more importantly, the example they are setting for large retailers in the garment industry. Who knew you could offer affordable prices while sustainably sourcing, producing, and distributing your products at the same time?!

The True Cost documentary gave me a new perspective on the “total cost” of the products I am buying, and how price should not be the only factor considered in the purchasing process. I consider myself to me a relatively high price-sensitive consumer, and the guilty owner of several $5 t-shirts. However, this documentary had such a powerful impact on how I view the products that I own, and the ones that I will buy in the future. Although this documentary was heart breaking, it was extremely informative – and I hope more films like True Cost are produced in the future.

On a happier note, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that Walmart is a founding member of the Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety. The work that Walmart has done so far for the Bangladesh community is inspiring. It is incredible to see such a large retailer leverage their size and scale to influence positive change around the world. Of course, Walmart is not perfect – as no organization is. They have lots of room for improvement; however, I think it is important to acknowledge the changes they have made, and the ones they are striving to make in the future.

It is my hope that large retailers in the “fast fashion” industry, such as Forever21 and Zara, will aspire to have a similar business model to Walmart. I am confident that as consumers become more aware of the “total cost” of their products, they will develop a higher standard and expectation for sustainable sourcing, producing and distributing.