SDGs 101: What are Sustainable Development Goals — what do they mean to us?

Sustainable Development Goals were created by the United Nations in 2015.  “At its heart are 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries - developed and developing - in a global partnership. They recognize that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth – all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests.”¹ 

This ambitious plan has three overarching goals — end poverty, promote sustainable economic growth, protect the environment — all to be achieved by 2030.  It will take tremendous effort on many levels — from political leaders, to large corporations, to small businesses, to communities, all the way down to individuals.

What does this mean for businesses?

“Smart companies are discovering that it is no longer a choice between going green and growing long-term profits — sustainability is the path to prosperity. So for both humanitarian and business reasons, it is imperative that companies of all sizes take action and embrace the benefits of a green economy.”² 

What this means to DrTung’s

Ultimately, it’s the earth that ends up carrying the burden of waste — it’s not the supplier, manufacturer or consumer bearing the cost of wasteful components and products. We understand that as a company we not only have a responsibility to the human race and to our earth, but we actually have the power to make a difference, to reduce our share of the burden of waste on our precious planet.  

To address how DrTung’s can make a difference we chose eight of the 17 SDGs that resonate with our ongoing ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) strategy and objectives.

ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES:
Reduce our plastic packaging by 50% by 2023
Utilize recyclable, reusable, and biodegradable materials with assured performance
Make reusable, durable products with refills and replaceable parts
Continually source innovative, sustainable materials

What we’re doing…

• Switched more of our packaging and shipping cartons to sustainably-managed paperboard (e.g. FSC, SFI, PEFC) — PerioSticks, Activated Charcoal Floss, Smart Floss, Oil Pulling Concentrate, REJUV™ for Gums
• Encourage our team to reduce single-plastic and share their sustainable swaps on social media
• Our Team is mostly virtual – working from home offices reduces the use of fossil fuels/gasoline for commuting  

What’s next...

• Continue our work on the FSC paperboard packaging switchover for all products
• A [surprise] big packaging switch in July 2022 — this one initiative, by itself, will reduce the total plastic used in our packaging by HALF!
• Continue our work on the FSC paperboard packaging switchover for all products

SOCIAL OBJECTIVES:
Adhere to core values founded in love and care
Never test on animals 
Embrace diversity
Donate 2-3% of net profits to wildlife, the planet, kids & consciousness-building
Focus on local action, global impact organizations

What we’re doing…

• Support world-wide environmental and humanitarian organizations that resonate with our mission — share their stories on our social media and website
• Support community level organizations by making yearly donations on behalf of our team members to local organizations of their choosing

What’s next...

• Continue or increase these ongoing donations and collaborations
• Continue looking for new, innovative ways to share love, care and consciousness in the world

GOVERNANCE OBJECTIVES:
Always follow ethical business practices
Never use child labor
Foster positive, dynamic team environment strongly rooted in communication
Create strong work-like balance that is core to our employment policies & practices
Maintain strong vendor & supplier partnerships

What we’re doing…

• Most of our team members work from home — reducing commute time away from home whilst reducing carbon from driving and maintaining an office space
• Our virtual work life allows our team a more balanced home/work life and environment, so they can feel their best 

What’s next...

• Engage and collaborate with other businesses and associates that are working towards similar ideals
• Sharing our goals and progress on social media, inviting others with CTA’s to do the same

What does this mean for Individuals?

Just as governments, corporations and businesses have responsibility and power, we as individuals do too.  We all need to take responsibility for what we consume and how it affects humankind and the planet.  We also need to explore how we can harness our voice and our buying power to support companies and organizations that adhere to the ethical business practices that care for people, animals and mother earth.  

What this means to you  

We should ask ourselves often: What is my impact on the earth and in my community?  What can I be doing to make it a better place?  And remember, small changes made by many add up to big changes — it’s not necessary to “go big or go home”.   

Make a new resolution this Earth Month to adopt one new change every month that will be a positive change and impact on the earth, your community and you.  To help get you started, here are a few fun and handy resources: 

  Start with ten impactful actions:  Act Now—UN Campaign for Individual Action https://www.un.org/en/actnow
  The Lazy Person’s Guide to Saving the World:  https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/be-the-change/
  #WhatWillYouDo — Earth Day.org. https://www.earthday.org/earth-day-2022/
  Footprint Hero — 7 Best Carbon Footprint Calculators:  https://footprinthero.com/best-carbon-footprint-calculators

The Takeaway

We hope this helps spark conversations and encourages involvement in your community — understanding that change starts at the grass roots level and takes all of us working together.  We still have time to do this.  We can make our planet an equitable place for all — humans, oceans, earth, and all sentient beings.  #togetherwecan #investinourplanet