Before the age of the internet, Netflix documentaries, and the demand for transparency from brands, we had no idea where anything came from, how things were made, sourcing details, or ethical practices. Fast-forward to now, and there is little left to the imagination when it comes to where the things we buy come from and how our favorite brands operate.

For example, the poultry industry had a rude awakening with documentaries surfacing, like Forks Over Knives where we got an inside look into the inhumane treatment of chickens. Now, if we can afford it, we pay double to buy eggs from “happy chickens” that live on an open pasture. I like to think that they wander around the field in a little terrycloth robe from a fancy spa and get their temples massaged every morning. At least that’s what I wish.

With this heightened awareness and the demand for corporate transparency from consumers, now more than ever brands must consider their contribution to the world, the environment and that their practices are net neutral, if not net positive. This is the bare minimum of what will be expected and what is right going forward.

Here are 5 things your brand should consider when building an ethical and responsible supply chain:

1. Ethically sourced ingredients. Each ingredient or component of your product should be ethically sourced with no harm to human life or nature. If your production vendors need to cut down trees in production, are they replacing them? Are they mining for resources in an environmentally harmful way? These are just a few examples of questions to ask your vendors before you go into production.
2. Carbon footprint. If you are able, try to source locally. Sending products back and forth around the world 3 times on large ocean vessels, planes, trains, and automobiles is contributing to mass amounts of carbon emissions. A good supply chain will create efficient transportation strategies that can reduce unnecessary shipping procedures.
3. Sustainable packaging. This is a BIG one for consumers. A recent study shows that 74% of consumers are ready to pay extra for sustainable packaging. Brands must push for biodegradable and refillable packaging options. While these options can be pricier up front, the earning potential for brands will far outweigh production costs. It will also keep our planet from looking like an episode of Hoarders. (Have you seen the landfills??)
4. Ethical treatment of animals. If your product isn’t certified cruelty-free, there is a good chance it won’t survive. It’s 2020, people—animal cruelty is a NO-NO! Bonus points if your product is vegan. Many consumers won’t even consider a product if it doesn’t ensure the ethical treatment of animals.
5. Ethical human labor. With the recent COVID-19 pandemic, many major brands have been called out for abandoning payments to overseas factories, with thousands of laborers’ hours going unpaid. If your brand is involved with unethical human labor, you will be exposed (rightfully so). To prevent participating in these practices, do your research and ask the important questions to your vendors, factories, and warehouses. Who is making your product? Are they of legal working age? What are the working conditions? How much time do they work per day / per week? You need these answers proven and in writing. Period.

We all need to contribute to the betterment of this planet and humanity. As we move towards real change, start with your supply chain and take these 5 steps to ensure you are doing your part. Making these important strides is something to be proud of—share that pride with your consumers! Let them know the efforts you are making for better packaging, better sourcing, better operations. They will thank you with their dollars.