Our Commitment to an Improved Global Impact
Our global impact encompasses our community, including our co-workers, customers, and vendors, as well as our natural resources, from the air we breathe to the waters we fish. In sharing this we strive for transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement. We share our efforts publicly with the hope of inspiring action in others to invest in wild places and wild things.
It Starts at The Top
At the highest level of our strategy, we prioritize tactics that lead us to discover and implement changes benefiting our labor force at headquarters and around the world. We aim to minimize our environmental impact, practice environmental stewardship, and reinvest in our communities. Sharing our goals, successes, and areas for improvement demonstrates our accountability and commitment to our customers and stakeholders.
Powered by the Sun
As of January 2024, Work Sharp headquarters in Ashland, Oregon, is 100% solar powered. Previously, for ten years, approximately 50% of our energy was solar generated. With the addition of new panels, we now create at least 100% of the power we use, often generating a surplus.
Ship Smarter, Tread Lighter
Our overall shipping container density has increased by 30% each year since 2020. Through better organization and double-stacking shorter pallets, we've improved density by 90%. We're on track to further improve by 10-20% in 2024. This improvement has not only reduced shipping costs and fuel consumption but also minimized materials to handle at our production facility in Ashland, enhancing efficiency.
Going Green by Going Brown
We continuously seek ways to eliminate single-use plastic from our supply chain. Transitioning to brown paper, corrugate, or compostable packaging components. These efforts improve density, reduce single-use plastic, and improve warehouse efficiency. When you buy a Work Sharp product with amolded pulp organizer, consider composting it or using it to keep your gear organized.
Preserving Wildlife, Protecting Habitats
Work Sharp supports several conservation organizations, including The Mule Deer Foundation, Back Country Hunters and Anglers, The Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, and The Oregon Hunters Association, through funding and awareness creation. We also donate products for auctions or incentivize membership in many other conservation organizations and local chapters. As a community of outdoor enthusiasts, we recognize the importance of investing in the conservation of our landscapes, waterways, and the game we pursue.
Community Supporting Community
Our Work Sharp co-workers grow tighter as we support the community around us. We host an annual silent auction where all proceeds are donated to a local charity. Additionally, we support local food banks and engage in annual park cleanups. Together, we find everything more rewarding when we come together. Work Sharp offers a volunteer time off policy to encourage employees to contribute individually or as a team.
Recycling at Scale
Work Sharp makes regularly scheduled trips to local recycling centers for various materials. Since 2023, we've extended this service to our co-workers, allowing them to recycle batteries, scrap metal, paints, motor oil, and other recyclables that are not accepted curbside.
Goals for 2024
Remove all single use plastics from our supply chain.
Improve container density further by 10%
Implement the Work Sharp Rounds Up Initiative, where Work Sharp will round up to the next dollar for each product sold at every retailer. We plan to donate more that $50,000 to the Mule Dear Foundation in 2024.
50% of Work Sharp co-workers use volunteer time off.
Where We Can Improve
Continue to change packaging molds to compostable pulp inserts.
Apparel and merchandise sourced from environmentally responsible partners and regularly audit vendors.
Increasing opportunities and encouragement for coworkers to use their volunteer time off.
Use brown cardboard packaging for ecommerce sales channels to allow for easier recycling.
Do you have ideas or want to learn more?
EMAIL US with the subject line Environmental Stewardship.