At GreenBirdi, our mission extends beyond product sales; we’re committed to doing business in a good way and creating a better world for future generations. We focus on sourcing high-quality, ethical and sustainable products right here in Canada, while championing equality and environmental responsibility. Every product and brand we choose is carefully vetted to ensure they align with our values: minimizing environmental impact, promoting fair labour practices, and supporting local communities. By empowering Canadian businesses, especially woman-owned, Indigenous, and other marginalized groups, we aim to foster growth, create meaningful jobs, and contribute to a healthier planet you can trust.
In this article discover how GreenBirdi’s unique sourcing and vetting frameworks work, what principles guide our partnerships, and why every purchase you make with us supports not just the environment, but also local entrepreneurs, communities and ethical business practices.
Our Guiding Principles for Sourcing (CURESG Framework)
We follow a framework of CURESG, which stands for Cultural Understanding and Reconciliation, Environmental, Social, and Governance. This goes beyond standard ESG to place cultural understanding at its core, while continuing to evaluate our products and brands based on the more standard ESG framework of:
- Environmental: how a company interacts with the natural world
- Social: how a company interacts with people
- Governance: how a company is led and structured
We make sure that we, and all our suppliers and partners, follow these guiding principles:
- Sustainability First. Minimizing environmental footprint at all stages of production.
- Fair & Ethical Practices. Treating workers and suppliers fairly.
- Inclusivity & Equality. Prioritizing woman-owned, Indigenous, and other marginalized businesses.
How We Vet Our Products & Brands (CARES Model)
At GreenBirdi, we prefer a smaller, well-vetted product range over a vast marketplace that may harm the environment or our customers. The GreenBirdi CARES assessment translates our CURESG framework into an assessment model, through five interconnected pillars:
- Cultural Sustainability
- Authentic Wellbeing
- Regenerative Ecosystems
- Equitable Economics
-
Social Responsivity
We begin by researching businesses sustainability claims and ensuring our partners are transparent about how they meet their goals. We then look for certifications and standards, such as organic, Fair Trade, and cruelty-free. If a supplier looks good, we then talk to them and directly verify their claims. Once verified, brands receive our GreenBirdi Approved Seal.
Prioritizing Local & Small Businesses
We work with Canadian small businesses to help them access larger networks, while getting their handcrafted, small-batch products to you. We see three significant benefits to buying local.
1. Environmental Benefits
Buying locally provides significant environmental benefits by reducing the distance goods must travel, which in turn lowers greenhouse gas emissions from transportation. Local products often require less packaging and handling, decreasing waste and energy use. Supporting nearby businesses also helps preserve green spaces and local ecosystems, as these producers are more likely to use sustainable practices suited to their specific environments. Additionally, buying local strengthens regional supply chains, making communities more resilient and reducing the need for resource-intensive global logistics. Overall, choosing local is a simple yet powerful way to reduce your environmental footprint.
2. Buy Canadian and Local Impact
Buying Canadian supports Canadian jobs and keeps money in the Canadian economy. Buying locally reduces dependence on volatile global supply chains, which might be impacted by everything from public health incidents to tariffs to a ship getting stuck in the wrong place. This helps us keep prices reasonable, too.
We also care about strengthening the economy of marginalized people in Canada, including the indigenous peoples of Canada. Many of our suppliers are indigenous-owned, and we provide them with an outlet for their products that they might not otherwise have found, helping close systemic equity gaps.
3. Consumer-Positive Impacts
Buying locally can have several consumer-positive impacts, enhancing both the quality and experience of shopping. Locally produced goods are often fresher, higher in quality, and more transparent in terms of sourcing and production practices, giving consumers greater confidence in what they’re purchasing. Local businesses are also more responsive to community needs, offering personalized service and unique products that reflect local tastes and values. Additionally, money spent locally tends to stay within the community, boosting the local economy and creating a positive feedback loop that benefits consumers through better services, job opportunities, and vibrant neighbourhoods. Overall, buying local fosters a stronger connection between consumers and the products they buy.
The "GreenBirdi Approved" Seal
The GreenBirdi Approved Seal is a mark of trust that helps consumers make confident, eco-conscious purchasing decisions. All brands in the GreenBirdi marketplace have been carefully vetted to meet strict environmental and ethical standards, including sustainability, responsible sourcing, and minimal environmental impact. For consumers, this means less guesswork and more assurance that the items they buy align with their values. The seal also promotes transparency, allowing shoppers to easily identify products that support a healthier planet without compromising on quality or performance.
Balancing Sustainability & Accessibility
We believe that sustainability should be accessible to everyone, not just a luxury for a few. That’s why we carefully balance eco-friendly practices with affordability, ensuring our products are both planet-conscious and budget-friendly. We partner with local and ethical suppliers to reduce costs associated with long-distance shipping and excessive packaging, passing those savings on to you. By streamlining our supply chain and prioritizing transparency, we make it easier for you to make sustainable choices without sacrificing convenience, quality, or cost. GreenBirdi is committed to making green living a realistic and rewarding option for all.
The Ripple Effect of Conscious Choices
Every conscious choice you make creates a ripple effect that extends far beyond a single purchase. When you choose sustainable, ethical products, you’re not just supporting eco-friendly businesses; you’re encouraging a shift in the market toward more responsible practices. Your decisions influence brands, inspire others to shop mindfully, and contribute to a growing demand for transparency, fairness, and environmental stewardship. Over time, these small, individual actions add up, helping to shape a more sustainable economy and a healthier planet. At GreenBirdi, we believe that empowered consumers can drive meaningful change, one thoughtful choice at a time.
Ready to Fly with Us?
At GreenBirdi, every brand tells a story, and every purchase helps write a better future. By choosing brands that are local, ethical, and environmentally responsible, you're not just buying something sustainable, you're supporting a movement. From our CURESG framework to the GreenBirdi Approved Seal, we’re committed to transparency, integrity, and impact in everything we do. Whether you're new to conscious shopping or already a passionate advocate, we invite you to join our flock and fly with us.
Shop GreenBirdi products and visit our nest today. Every purchase you make creates a meaningful difference for you, our suppliers, and the planet. Together, we can build a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient world, one mindful choice at a time.
