Environmental policy

Background

We see our environmental policy as the logical and essential continuation of our equity, diversity, and inclusion policy, and as driven by the intersectional feminist values stated above. We are particularly concerned that Canada ranks among the worst nations in terms of climate inaction and its refusal to adhere to the various international measures in place. In light of this reality, which puts us in an extremely privileged position from a climate perspective, we have drafted a proactive policy, which has measurable impacts in our daily activities.

The choices made in the organization’s day-to-day functions follow the principles of sustainable development from an ecofeminist standpoint: “If the environment is degraded, women’s condition is also degraded,” explains Elsa Beaulieu Bastien, a researcher at Concordia University who examines the relationship between feminism and environmental activism.

Definitions

Ecofeminism

Ecofeminism is a movement that considers the similarities and shared causes between systems of domination and oppression of women by men and systems of overexploitation of nature by humanity. According to this standpoint, ecology requires that we rethink the relationships between genders as well as between nature and humankind.

Sustainable development

According to the Brundtland Report, sustainable development is defined as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

Application

This policy applies to all of the following locations:

• Physical and virtual workplaces
• Locations where Club Sexu holds activities related to its mission and projects
• Any other location where individuals need to be to perform their duties
• This policy covers the following aspects:
• Products developed by Club Sexu
• Travel or commuting related to Club Sexu’s activities
• Events and activities organized by Club Sexu
• Club Sexu’s partners and sponsors

Policy statement and measures

For each aspect described in the environmental policy herein, Club Sexu commits to the following.

Human Resource Management

• Encouraging active transportation to our facilities and prioritizing remote meetings with our collaborators to minimize greenhouse gas emissions related to our practices
• Prioritizing digital communications, both internally and externally
• Prioritizing positive social impact initiatives when choosing work tools and servers
• Including this policy in every employment, freelance, administration, and management contract

Events

• Prioritizing the renting or loaning of equipment when possible
• Favouring digital posting and signage to avoid the waste of paper when possible
• Minimizing the waste produced for an event by implementing reusable measures (e.g., Ecocups)
• Offering waste sorting installations when possible
• Favouring meat-free menus for our clients and employees
• Prioritizing places that are easily accessible by active transportation

Product development

• Favouring reused or recyclable material when possible
• Prioritizing products without individual packaging
• When it is not possible to pick up our products at their pick up location, prioritizing the bundling of packages for shipping in order to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions related to transportation
• Prioritizing compostable and/or reusable mailing packaging
• Prioritizing the pre-selling of products in order to avoid surplus and unconsumed goods

Partnerships

• Prioritizing local partnerships (and therefore products) when possible to promote the economy of small and medium-sized enterprises
• Refusing sponsorships and associations with private companies that exploit the planet and commercially profit from the environment

Lastly, we are committed to reviewing and updating our policy and practices on a regular basis to ensure their environmental effectiveness. We acknowledge that alternative ways of life and modes of consumption are constantly evolving and we see this as an opportunity to think about our activities in an innovative way, in accordance with our values.