Sustainability Profile: Edamame Kids

1. What is your company’s brand promise, vision or statement of values, and how does it relate to sustainability?

Edamame Kids is a retail store located in Calgary for eco-conscious parents. We opened during the summer of 2010 after we found a happy home for our baby boutique in the pedestrian friendly shopping area of Marda Loop. We chose a house as the location for our storefront and launched our online store during the fall of 2010.

Our philosophy is based on promoting products made from natural and non-toxic ingredients, providing support to new parents, recycling whenever possible, and having fun while parenting.

2. How are your products or services environmentally and socially sustainable?

 Edamame Kids conducts research into the products we offer in our boutique to ensure the product is consistent with our guiding principles.

3. How do your suppliers create positive social and environmental benefits either through their products or through their community partnerships?

We hand pick our suppliers based on a variety of criteria such as meeting the OTA’s American Organic Standards, Environmental Working Groups’ Cosmetics Database, industry certifications, and their involvement with community investment.

4. How does your business minimize the environmental impact of its operations?

Recycling

(a)  We recycle our cardboard, paper, and plastics. We reuse packaging material from our suppliers when we sent out online customer orders,

(b)  Our location serves as a community recycling collection point for used toners, ink cartridges, and dry cell batteries for the Marda Loop BRZ,

(c)  Through an ongoing partnership with Kidseat Recyclers, we have become a permanent collection point to accept used/expired infant car seats and booster seats for recycling, 

(d)  We collect new and gently-used maternity and children's clothing and other baby items on behalf of Made by Momma, and

(e)  We collect new and gently-used maternity and children's clothing and other baby items for the Calgary Urban Project Society (CUPS).

Energy efficiency – We decided to not replace the existing florescent lights in the store (and not upgrade to track light halogens). We open the doors during the warmer months to cool the store instead of using an air conditioner.

5. How does your business demonstrate ethical business conduct?

Edamame Kids Inc. is the parent company of Edamame Kids and Edamame Beans. The owner is very involved with customer service and all aspects of business operations. We believe in building meaningful relationships with our customers, suppliers, community partners, and operate with integrity. We outsource our bookkeeping to a third party accountant that specializes in working with small business owners.

6. What strategic community partnerships or affiliations does your company have in place?

Edamame Kids Inc. is a member of REAP Calgary (since August 2010), the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, and involved with working with the Marda Loop BRZ. We participate in the annual Marda Gras Street Festival and as we grow our business, we are look to gain visibility in other communities. We also try to stay connected with the community using social media.

7. What policy or guidelines exist to support charitable contributions? Or, if no formal policy is in place, what organizations have you previously supported?

We recognize the benefit of supporting the community and contributing to worthy causes when we can.  Priority is given to those located in the Calgary area and specifically makes a positive impact on children or promotes environmental sustainability. 

8. How many people do you employ locally? 3

9. In what ways does your business demonstrate its commitment to employee health and safety?

We have Worker’s Compensation Board (WCB) coverage, a fire extinguisher on site, first aid bag for staff or customer emergencies. We review our safety protocol with new employees and contractors.

10. In what ways does your business demonstrate its commitment to employee development and job satisfaction?

We are committed to creating a family-friendly workplace and encourage the pursuit of educational and professional development.

11. How does your business support employees to lead balanced lives and be active participants in their communities?

We support an eco-conscious lifestyle and provide the opportunity for staff to participate in community events and volunteer.

Many stores in Marda Loop are closed on Mondays including us.  We spend the day closed while staff are away to enjoy leisure time. We also hold workshops on some Monday mornings covering topics such as elimination communication (EC) diaper free, holistic nutrition, and other parenting interests.