In the face of worrying environmental conditions, more and more people are turning to more ethical and responsible alternatives. This also involves a change in consumption habits by prioritizing brands that adopt a committed and eco-responsible approach. In 2021, 74% of French people wanted more information about the environmental and societal impact of the products they buy, according to an Ademe study.
In this article, we will tell you about eco-responsible marketplaces, those online platforms that bring together different actors committed to the planet and humanity.
What is an eco-responsible marketplace?
Generally, a marketplace, translated as “marketplace” in French, is an online buying and selling platform that brings together several types of sellers (independent, professional, and private individuals). It acts as an intermediary between sellers and consumers.
Generally, the online marketplace does not hold stock, or very little in some exceptional cases. It is an online sales platform, but it is the brands that take care of sending the packages to the customers. This system is called dropshipping, and no, this delivery and logistics method is not always a greenwashing scam as you may often hear. Ethical dropshipping also exists. The only difference is that it is carefully planned and carried out with social and ethical values.
Finally, an online sales marketplace can group one or more categories and thus sell products from different brands in a single order.
For example, Le Bon Coin is a marketplace that brings together several ranges of second-hand products, while BackMarket focuses on the sale of second-hand electronic products.
An eco-responsible marketplace works on the same principle. It brings together several committed brands on its platform and offers one or more product categories. However, an eco-responsible marketplace is based on ethical and committed values. The brands it hosts on its platform must be transparent about certain criteria such as, for example, the production and design of products, the origin of materials, the environmental impact, and respect for people…
For example, Meanwhile Boutique is an eco-responsible marketplace that includes more than a hundred committed brands and creators and ethical products on its platform. Whether well-known or emerging on the market, it selects them through a charter of 17 values tailored to meet the boutique's quality and sustainability standards.
The criteria and characteristics of an eco-responsible marketplace
Although consumers, especially the youngest (77%) between 18 and 24 years old, have a positive image of companies that communicate about their ecological commitments*, it is important to recognize those that have a real impact.
Indeed, some companies try to make a good impression by using (false) ecological arguments to sell, at an exorbitant price, products that can be found online for a few cents or even a few euros. This is what we call greenwashing.
Here are some criteria that show the ethical and responsible commitment of a marketplace.
Reliable and committed communication
Communication between the marketplace and its customers is also a determining criterion. This can involve a fast and efficient customer service and limited external communication materials (low email volume…). An eco-responsible marketplace can also promote awareness actions through events to encourage a more ethical and planet-friendly way of consumption.
At Meanwhile Boutique, the after-sales service is open 24/7. The company is committed to transparent communication and raising awareness about responsible consumption through its eco-inspiring blog articles and its monthly newsletter.
Products with transparent composition
An ethical marketplace collaborates with brands that use eco-responsible materials, which are little or even non-polluting, and that guarantee the proper treatment of their employees. Companies concerned about the planet prioritize suppliers who are just as responsible and in line with their values.
Thus, the first thing to do before buying a product is to look at its composition on the product page. What material is this t-shirt made of? How is it made? The marketplace must include detailed information about the products it sells. If some information is missing, do not hesitate to contact or consult the marketplace's "about" page to find out a little more.
Meanwhile Boutique is committed to total transparency regarding the composition of the products in its collective. The marketplace provides detailed information about the materials used for each item it offers, notably in the “creator stories,” the biographies of its creators and brands. They detail, in particular, the sourcing and production locations of each brand.
Meanwhile Boutique is also the first eco-responsible marketplace to include value filters in its catalog.
Transparency regarding the origin of products
Transparency regarding the production chain and the sourcing locations of a product are points to consider.
International trade accounts for ¼ of global emissions and 57% of France's carbon footprint.** It is therefore preferable to favor a marketplace that promotes local or national brands and which advocate for a short circuit between the sourcing and manufacturing location. Because less travel means a lower carbon footprint.
Meanwhile Boutique is committed to being transparent about the production methods used by its collective. The brands are committed to fair working practices and fair compensation for their employees.
Identification of labels and certifications
Often forgotten but should never be overlooked: eco-labels and certifications. They represent a real guarantee of quality and ensure certain ethical aspects of a material, product, service, or company.
But beware, some greenwashing companies use “fake labels” to give themselves a greener and more responsible image. It is therefore very important to know them well so as not to fall for a fraudulent ad or brand.
OEKO-TEX, Fairtrade Max Havelaar, GOTS… there are many labels that guarantee an ethical and eco-responsible approach for a product or company.
In a previous article, we listed the ethical fashion labels and certifications that make up the ready-to-wear products of the brands at Meanwhile Boutique.
Precise information about brands and creators
Knowing the characteristics of a product is one thing, knowing the person who created it is another.
Before any purchase, it is good to know the environmental and social commitments of a brand or a creator so as not to fall into the greenwashing trap.
To do this, simply visit consumer forums. They do not hesitate to share their experiences and opinions about a brand or product.
It is also possible to find certain information directly on the marketplace website. For example, Meanwhile Boutique dedicates an entire category to its creators. Each one has a full biography about the founder, the brand, and their commitments.
Eco-responsible packaging
The positive impact of an e-commerce platform also comes through a detail that matters: the choice of packaging. To avoid single-use and plastic-filled packaging, brands favor responsible packaging. This notably involves using old cardboard boxes, recycled paper padding, an organic cotton pouch, or even reusable packaging like Hipli…
To minimize their environmental impact, the members of the Meanwhile Boutique collective favor reusable, recycled, and/or recyclable eco-friendly packaging and encourage customers to recycle their own packaging.
"Slow delivery" and "slow production"
Finally, the delivery time and method are determining criteria for the eco-responsibility of an ethical marketplace. "Slow delivery", or in other words, "slow delivery", is considered the most reasonable shipping method.
When we talk about slow delivery, we are not just talking about the delivery time of a package. It also takes into account the human impact. The slow manufacturing (slow production) of the product, the manufacturing of the packaging, dropping off the package at the Post Office… all these criteria are unconsciously part of "slow delivery". This is what differentiates it from 24-hour express delivery.
Meanwhile Boutique has slow delivery. For the vast majority of products, delivery times are 7 business days maximum excluding the design time. All orders are sent by the creators and brands to avoid double shipping.
Now, you have all the keys to recognize an eco-responsible marketplace.
With its commitment to responsible consumption, transparency, inclusivity, and its ecological initiatives, Meanwhile Boutique is an eco-responsible marketplace that stands out from other online sales platforms on the market.
To discover the ethical items from the committed brands and creators of the collective, click here: 👇🏼
* YouGov Study, Advertising and the Ecological Transition, September 2021
** Novethic, Infographic: 57% of France's carbon footprint comes from its imports
