YES, Zappos is one of the companies that comes closest to being able to be classified as a “sustainable company”. They committed to social responsibility and supporting its local community. Their socially responsible philosophy is what makes the company truly unique.
The company believes that sustainability is crucial to their business and the planet. The company’s downtown Las Vegas headquarters has received LEED®-Gold certification.
Zappos’ projects and initiatives are championed by the Campus Operations and Sustainability teams as well as the L.E.A.F. team, a grassroots, employee-driven movement to promote environmental issues and awareness throughout the company.
Zappos has been talking in-depth about their water and energy conservation efforts, recycling practices and on indoor air quality and health.
What are Zappos’ Sustainability Ratings?
The company was recently rated by the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) with a sustainability rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. This means that Zappos meets all of the SAC’s requirements for using sustainable materials and practices in order to create their products, as well as in how they operate their business.
According to the SAC, Zappos uses recycled packaging when possible. They also use sustainable fibers in some of their clothing items, including Tencel fiber and organic cotton. Finally, they’re part of 1% For The Planet—an organization that believes businesses should donate at least 1% of profits toward environmental organizations working toward sustainability goals around the world.
Zappos has a sustainability rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Greenpeace’s Guide to Greener Electronics (GGEE). This ranking is based on:
- how much a company recycles its own e-waste,
- how much it uses recycled components in the products it sells, and
- whether the brand has signed up for 1% for the Planet.
Does Zappos Use Sustainable Packaging?
Zappos packaging is 100% recyclable, and it’s made from recycled materials. The cardboard that the shoes arrive in was once used as a box to ship fishnet stockings (not kidding). All of Zappos’ boxes are also made from recycled content. Even better than that? Their cardboard boxes are created from 100% post-consumer waste and contain 40% less material than traditional ones.
Zappos also reduces their use of packaging materials by recycling used boxes into new ones when needed! This reduces the amount of waste going into landfills while also saving money since they don’t have to pay extra money every time they need more boxes made.
The brand also encourages customers to use reusable bags when shopping online or in store so that less packaging is needed overall.
What is Zappos’ History?
Zappos is a popular online retailer that sells shoes, clothing and accessories. It’s been called one of the top 10 online retailers in the world by Internet Retailer magazine.
Zappos was founded in 1999 by Nick Swinmurn, who liked to buy shoes online. He found that there was no place to get great customer service, so he decided to build one. The name of the company comes from a character in the movie “Blazing Saddles,” a bartender played by Gene Wilder who wore zebra-striped boots and matching hat.
Zappos was started under the domain Shoesite.com. Shoes make up 80% of the company’s business, with handbags and accessories accounting for the additional 20% of sales as of 2022. Amazon bought Zappos in 2009 for a reported $1.2 billion. There are now more than 1200 employees worldwide at the company.
Zappos offers several ways for customers to make a difference through shopping:
- Donate your old clothes when you buy from them.
- Buy products made by local artisans, which gives back to their communities while reducing shipping distances and CO2 emissions.
- Reuse packaging by returning items in reusable boxes and bags instead of using more wasteful plastic shipping materials.
How to Contact Lexy Silverstein, Sustainable Fashion Advocate
If you have any questions, please contact me at LexySilverstein@gmail.com. By the way, if you want more information on the sustainable dress I’m wearing please in the photo above, visit the website of the talented designer Natalia Trevino Amaro.
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