Eco Policy
At OutdoorGearstore.com.au, we understand that our whole industry, our livelihood is in fact owed to the great outdoors and the environment we currently have. As an eco-conscious company, we're also aware that on the other-hand all the products we sell for the enjoyment of the great outdoors have an impact on the environment. In fact, the environmental impact associated with the creation of these products is probably larger than all other impacts we have as a business.
We believe part of the answer lies in increasing our support for companies and products that are making progress. Ultimately, the most far-reaching solutions will stem from changes in product design, materials and manufacturing processes.
Australian manufacturers and distributors are very creative and innovative and we believe that not only can they reduce negative impacts but may eventually develop solutions that have net benefits for the planet whilst still turning out the best products for the outdoors available.
We are doing our bit as a company, in the following ways:
Green Energy:
We source our renewable energy from Momentum Energy, to reduce our carbon footprint. Momentum's SmilePower is more than just renewable energy generated from nature. It is clean energy from a hydro system that has been powering Tasmania for nearly 100 years. It's the new standard in energy and a way we can promote our commitment to sustainable energy. For more information, visit the momentum energy website.
Reduced and Recycled Packaging:
Wherever possible, we will re-use packaging previously sent to use from our suppliers, or from other local businesses that we actively collect their empty boxes and packaging from, to prevent them going to landfill.
Because we are using "pre-loved" boxes, we will sometimes wrap the box with brown kraft paper for presentation purposes, and the kraft paper is a 100% recycled product.
Where we can't re-use a box, we will use a 'new' purchased box, which is made from recycled materials.
We will also use recycled fillers like recycled tissue paper, newspapers etc.
All our stationery is printed on eco-friendly paper made from sustainable forestry plantations holding the FSC logo. The Forest Stewardship Council certifies the paper comes from sustainable harvested forests.
Green Products:
We actively search out products that are eco-friendly, and prefer to deal with suppliers and manufacturers that are active in this field. We always look for products made from a high percentage of recycled, rapidly renewable and/or organic fibres. We also look at production techniques such as BlueSign® and other accreditation systems when we make our range/purchase decisions.
We have many suppliers that are making great developments in manufacturing processes and techniques to reduce their carbon foot print, companies like Vaude, Black diamond and Sea To Summit.
We will also feature eco-friendly products on our site with the use of this icon, and the benefits of the product will be clearly spelt out in the product information.
Customer Education:
We understand that educated consumers can drive innovation through the purchasing decisions they make. Many of our customers are at the forefront of an eco-conscious mindset.
We are also happy to explain the eco-benefits of the products we sell to anyone that will listen!
Other Little Things we do:
No paper receipts (unless requested) - all online orders have electronic EFTPoS receipts, and Tax Invoices. We will only provide paper receipts in store if requested, but again our point of sale system will email a receipt to you, so it'll be home before you are!
LED lighting - we use LED lights and energy saving globes wherever possible in store and in our warehouse.
As we add new initiatives, we'll list them on this page. If you've got suggestions, please let us know.
