What is Sustainable?
Navigating through uncertain times.
It is extraordinarily difficult to find alternatives to the thousands of products that sustain us, or to invent more efficient methods of production. As a society we try to discontinue harmful choices, but without better ones we cannot expect people to change.
The best way to correct unsustainable behavior is to model sustainable alternatives that people genuinely prefer—without coercion. Truly sustainable methods emerge over time, as they strengthen rather than diminish the people they touch, making lives easier, not harder.
Ending one way of producing food for a thousand people demands a viable alternative—one offering equal quality while better serving that same community. If you pressure for a change that harms people, those affected will turn on you.
A commitment to sustainability demands a clear ethos—principles against which every endeavor is measured. Organizations must earn profits to grow, yet can choose to move forward only when their actions positively impact the community.
To be accountable we must accept whatever truth emerges, not only romanticized notions of our expectations. Plans on paper will not walk us through emotional turmoil, family problems, illness or injury. To learn from hard truths takes a rare vulnerability in a world caught up in shifting blame.
Only by placing faith in others, will others be able to place faith in us.
I promote sustainable behavior in the Cowichan Valley by connecting with locals actively pursuing this spirit. By hearing their stories and exploring how people work, live, and shop, we can illuminate the genuine workings of our community.
My life’s work has involved producing software to process and analyze data. Ordering and presenting data is an art form—if you can interpret its story, you might replay reality like an old vinyl record. Within data, I find hints and clues that sustainable business practices are already taking over.
To prove this, we will analyze data from every place we do business. But first, we need an ethos—a simple, measurable foundation for our actions.
Savvy Guide for Sustainable Business
Complement existing markets to boost business for everyone.
Raise the standard for all by competing in markets with poor service.
Choose good suppliers, knowing how they treat people and the environment.
Give your vendors, staff and customers exceptional respect and care.
Put fun and love into everything.
In delivering products to the community, I've found it necessary to source materials globally. Cost alone discourages excessive shipping, but I have had to acknowledge that not all resources are available locally, requiring flexibility.
Skateboards can be refurbished here, using Canadian maple decks combined with metal parts from China. Northern Beaver, a longstanding Canadian company in the east, manufactures vending machines domestically. Our stone polishing materials are sourced globally, though the rock tumblers are made in China.
We intend to build, sell, and support products in ways that minimize waste and encourage local production. This careful balance must be consistently maintained unless society collectively decides to abandon certain products altogether.
Which products do YOU believe we should offer?
A business that seeks harmony with its suppliers, workers, and customers is naturally sustainable; one that falls out of balance will eventually be abandoned.
The underground mall that houses the Savvy Shop was recently featured in the local paper:
https://www.cowichanvalleycitizen.com/home/business-notes-laine-vintage-underground-mall-has-room-for-more-vendors-7904565
Thought it was a fitting backdrop for our reflections on sustainability — dozens of micro-shops drawing hundreds of visitors, each hoping to satisfy a want or a wish.