Jingle all the way to a Sustainable Holiday Season

At thl, we are committed to becoming a future-fit business. Our 23 science-based sustainability goals help is make meaningful improvements by guiding our decision-making and actions. The goal, BE04: Procurement safeguards the pursuit of future-fitness, is a priority goal for thl as sustainable procurement plays an important role in how we will become a future-fit business and meet our other sustainability goals.

Sustainable procurement means only buying what we truly need, and making sure that the production, use, and disposal of these items minimise negative impacts and encourage positive outcomes for the environment, economy, and society. This approach requires having policies and processes in place that enable thl to anticipate where negative supply chain impacts might occur. thl has a Sustainable Procurement Policy which sets out our commitment to:

• Minimise our procurement of unsustainable products and materials and maximise sustainable and circular products and materials.
• Prioritise suppliers who have embedded sustainable and ethical practices within their organisation and who drive such practices within their own supply chain.

We recently published our FY24 Modern Slavery Statement, outlining the impacts and risks of modern slavery in our supply chain and the steps we have taken to reduce the risks in our operations and supply chains.

When making purchases, we can ask ourselves some key questions before making the purchase to make more conscious purchases:

• Is it necessary to purchase this?
• Does this purchase minimise materials and waste? (i.e. what is it made off, what happens to it at the end of its use)
• Does the product come from a reputable (and where possible local) supplier? (i.e. avoids long freight and/or potential modern slavery/human rights violations)
• Are there any alternative products/solutions that have more sustainable materials and/or responsible suppliers?

By purchasing more sustainably, we can contribute to a circular economy where waste does not exist and supports progress on the future-fit goal, BE07: Operational waste is eliminated.

This mindset extends beyond the workplace. With the Holiday Season coming up, here are some ideas to help avoid unnecessary purchases and choose more sustainable options:

• Gift experiences! Concert tickets, pottery classes, bungy jumps, a weekend away—these are just some ideas that are more sustainable than new clothing, technology, etc.
• Quality over quantity—reduce the chances of gifts going to waste by buying one quality gift rather than lots of cheaper, disposable, or poor-quality items.
• Cut your food waste—be realistic about how much food you need and use up leftovers. Instead of single use plastic wrap, use reusable containers and wax cloth covers to keep leftovers fresh! If you're visiting friends or family, remember to take some containers with you to help share the leftovers.
• Remember the principles of reduce, reuse and recycle where you can – say no to single use plastic and disposable items.

Have a safe holiday season!
thl