Page 30 Sustainable products


Making a difference
In response to customers' growing interest in environmental issues, John Lewis ran a 'We Can Make a Difference' promotion in March and April 2008.The campaign covered more than 600 lines, which included biodegradable, organic, energy-efficient, Fairtrade, recycled and sustainable products ranging from organic beauty products and cotton linen to energy-efficient light bulbs and bins made from recycled newspaper. The promotion involved supplier events, window displays, banners and posters made from recyclable paper and water-based inks and we already intend to repeat it with more products in 2009.

"Using the shop floor to communicate our CSR standpoint, the campaign introduced our impressive range of environmentally responsible products and demonstrated our ongoing commitments."
Claire Gibbens Promotions Co-ordinator, John Lewis

(Picture of John Lewis 'We Can Make a Difference' website)


Handmade rugs
In parts of rural India, making handmade carpets provides much needed income for home workers, and many of the rugs we buy are produced by families in their own homes. In 2007, we launched a series of regular workshops to improve the working conditions for all our Indian rug makers, and to draft a code of practice. The rug supplier working group also helped to set up local eye camps, where specialists diagnose cataracts and other sight-related problems, and then cancer camps, which have already caught two cases very early. In recognition of the special relationship we have with rug makers in Ghosia, India, John Lewis has contributed approximately £50,000 over the last nine years to set up and run a local school for girls under the age of 15, who do not traditionally benefit from a formal education.

(Picture of cosmetics products with the caption:)

Our animal welfare commitments include a ban on animal testing on own-label cosmetics, toiletries, baby care and personal care products, a strict 'no fur' policy, and support of both the Fur Free Retailers initiative and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).


Fairtrade
In addition to working to ensure our own-label products are traded fairly, we also support established schemes such as Fairtrade, which contribute to the sustainable development of the communities where farmers and workers live. An estimated 7.5 million people in the developing world benefit from the sale of Fairtrade items, which guarantee a minimum price to cover production costs plus a 'Fairtrade premium' to be reinvested in farmers' businesses or the workers' local community.

Fairtrade sales in the UK exceeded £490 million in 2007. John Lewis Fairtrade products include items such as flowers, wine and clothing available in our shops, and coffee in our Place to Eat restaurants. In spring 2008, we again supported Fairtrade Fortnight with in-store and online promotions.


Pulling the plug on conventional bulbs
As part of our commitment to promote energy efficiency, John Lewis supports calls by the Government to phase out the sales of conventional incandescent light bulbs by the end of 2011.We will work with both Government and the lighting industry to ensure a full assessment of impacts is conducted before any mandatory policy measure is introduced. We also encourage customers to look for the 'Energy Saving Recommended' label, which means the bulb has met Energy Saving Trust criteria and standards.


Further information
> www.fairtrade.org.uk and www.fairtrade.net
Trading fairly

> www.fsc.org and www.proforest.net
Sustainable timber sourcing

> www.respectforanimals.co.uk
Fur Free Retailers initiative

> www.energysavingtrust.org.uk
Energy Saving Trust