If you’re reading this (a journal by a brand that prints ‘Made Different’ as its catchcry) it’s likely you’re the type to cringe at the phrase ‘it’s the way things have always been done’. Especially in today’s context where we are all learning how our choices as businesses and consumers impact the world around us.
Which is why we’re proud to share that Outland Denim has joined the United Nations Global Compact Network.
You may have already heard about this initiative, but if not, the United Nations Global Compact is a global body, organisation, network, if you will, that aims to provide a structure and framework for businesses who are driven by or simply want to implement sustainable practices into their organisation.
The compact recognises that organisational policy and procedure surrounding sustainability is often led by specialised sustainability focused departments. And while investment in this kind of talent is something to be celebrated, there is a risk that CEOs and executives are not involved in the process.
The United Nations Global Compact however insists on a top down approach in that an organisation’s commitment must come from no other than the CEO or top executive.
“Corporate sustainability starts with a company’s value system and a principles-based approach to doing business. Responsible businesses enact the same values and principles wherever they have a presence, and know that good practices in one area do not offset harm in another.” - UN Global Compact.
But this initiative isn’t just about talking the talk or collecting logos for our website footer. The United Nations Global Compact is for businesses that can’t help but be competitive with themselves. Each year, members of the compact are required to report consistent and measurable improvements in the areas of human rights, labour, environment, and anti-corruption. Specifically, on the 10 areas listed below:
1 Businesses should support and respect the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights; and
2 Businesses should make sure that they are not complicit in human rights abuses.
3 Businesses should uphold the freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining>
4 the elimination of all forms of forced and compulsory labour;
5 the effective abolition of child labour; and
6 the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation.
7 Businesses should support a precautionary approach to environmental challenges;
8 undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility; and
9 encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly technologies.
10 Businesses should work against corruption in all its forms, including extortion and bribery.
What we appreciate about this system is that it will challenge us at Outland Denim who, if you will allow us a moment to boast, have been described as the world’s most humanitarian denim brand, to push ourselves even further to reach the requirement of not just maintenance, but improvement annually.
This report is published online, and will be made available to all Outland Denim stakeholders including you, our amazing customers and advocates. So, in August of each year you can expect our progress report to arrive in your inbox, or newsfeed, or here on the Outland Journal; and we look forward to sharing with you each year the innovative, impactful, and clever ways our team are doing things in ways they haven’t always been done.
Learn more about the UN Global Compact by visiting their website here.
Or, to learn more about our Business Model or discover how your Outlands are #MadeDifferent, click here.
