Environmental

The weather patterns shown by countries across the world in the last few years show that the effects of climate change are very much a current discussion and not just a consequence that may happen in the future. In Sri Lanka itself, we have noted changes in fruit picking seasons and unusual rainfall. We feel that coconut coir as a soil substitute is a great sustainable product as it is produced from a waste product of coconut harvesting. We have ensured energy efficiency in all our manufacturing processes, and we are in the process of procuring solar panels which will ensure our GrowBags are produced with minimal use of fossil fuels (fossil fuels will only be used for transport). The production process will be carried out by 100% solar energy.

We are also working on improving the biodiversity within our factory premises. We have found a way to grow more than five different species of fruits and trees of biodiversity importance within our premises. Our motto is grow smart, grow green, which is reflected on every level of our business.

Social

As a female-led organization, we were also the first factory in the area to introduce equal pay. Many female workers were getting paid less for the same work a man does, simply due to gender. Our pay is role-based rather than gender-based.

We are also an organization that does not tolerate any form of inequality no matter what their race is. See our Company Code of Conduct below.

Furthermore, we run many workshops to coach our staff on improving their lifestyles. These coaching sessions are run by psychologists, financiers, etc., guiding them on how to optimize their life. In short, how to live their best life!

We also do many community projects, such as organizing dansal, a local tradition of offering a free treat for passersby on special religious holidays. We also work closely with the local temple, honoring the local culture and tradition in the area.

Economic

After the 2023 economic crisis in Sri Lanka, it was notable that many families had close family members migrating for work due to the increased cost of living and their inability to meet day-to-day expenses. The social cost of this migration is phenomenal. Many young children are left home to be looked after by grandparents or single parents, which ultimately leads to marriage breakdowns and neglected children. We wanted to design our work processes in a way that our workers can return home at night or at least take a 4-day break each month to spend time with family. Our preference for factory workers is first to get people from the local community. Our work shifts are designed in such a way that they can be home with their children or take care of their elderly parents before or after work. As such, our shifts are from 6:00 am to 2:00 pm and 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

We believe businesses should live and let live. Many of our policies are based on ensuring our staff lead a comfortable life—not just surviving as many people do in this country. Buying our products means that you are directly contributing to many people having a comfortable life, whether it be our coconut husk suppliers, the local community who sew uniforms, the local shops we purchase material from, the skills acquired through training provided, and lastly our direct employees. Our management spends considerable time ensuring these basic principles are met in running this business.

In conclusion…

Amory B. Lovins, co-founder of the Rocky Mountain Institute, along with Karlson Hargroves and Michael H. Smith, co-founders of the non-profit Natural Edge Project, released a book entitled *The Natural Advantage of Nations: Business Opportunities, Innovation, and Governance in the 21st Century. The authors identify the following principles to guide modern sustainability:

1. Dealing transparently and systemically with risk, uncertainty, and irreversibility.
2. Ensuring appropriate valuation, appreciation, and restoration of nature.
3. Integration of environmental, social, human, and economic goals in policies and activities.
4. Equal opportunity and community participation/sustainable community.
5. Conservation of biodiversity and ecological integrity.
6. Ensuring inter-generational equity.
7. Recognizing the global integration of localities.
8. A commitment to best practices.
9. No net loss of human capital or natural capital.
10. The principle of continuous improvement.
11. The need for good governance.

The guiding principles above have been the basis upon which our business was designed and how its run to date.