A small business is its own ecosystem. At L&S, we’re concerned about the biggest ecosystem of all: our planet and how we can leave it in tact for the next generation. To be part of the solution, we’re always working behind the scenes on lessening our environmental impact, evolving as we find new and better ways of operating with intention and respect. Sustainability is a constant learning process and we’re open to new ideas. We choose sustainability as the lens we use to view all of our products—from our staples to anything new we’re considering bringing into the world. To ground us as a conscious company, we look within, but we also reach out to the community that sustains us.
Here’s how:
OUR PRODUCTS AND PACKAGING
We’re mindful of the raw materials we use and how our products are handled. And we want our products to be safe—for the people making them, for you, and even for our waterways. It’s a system. We use natural ingredients whenever possible instead of synthetic petroleum-based ones, including soy for our candles as well as organic and non-GMO sugar cane alcohol in our perfumes. We source our natural essential oils and our floral waters from conscious, ethical farms in the U.S., Europe, India and South America. Our products are vegan and cruelty-free, and contain no parabens, sulfates, phthalates, or palm oil. When it comes to our packaging, ours is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified, which means it comes from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social and economic benefits. You can reuse our glass body oil containers—they make pretty flower vases!—or recycle them. We add new products to the line when it feels right and when we can adhere to these practices. More is not inherently better. Perpetual newness is modern, but moving fast to attain it is rarely sustainable.
HOW WE GIVE
As of April 2020, the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, we’re thrilled to be joining forces with One Tree Planted an organization that’s reforesting the world. For every order placed through our website, one tree will be planted. Trees are the best of nature. They clean air and the water we drink, reduce C02 in the atmosphere, and can even create jobs. They touch our work; some trees even make fragrant essential oils! We’re excited to be able to do our part in helping to stop deforestation.
We are constantly inspired by the work of others and are grateful to be able to learn from and support organizations we believe are making our shared earth a better home for all of us to enjoy—for the present and well into the future. We continue to support other organizations, over the past year we have donated to:
She Should Run: A nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that encourages women to run for elected office.
Clean & Healthy New York: An organization promoting safer chemicals, a sustainable economy, and a healthier world.
The Nature Conservancy: An environmental powerhouse that conserves the lands and waters on which all life depends.