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MOM’s Organic Market Stands Behind Their Environmental Commitment

Pet Age Staff//December 1, 2014//

MOM’s Organic Market Stands Behind Their Environmental Commitment

Pet Age Staff //December 1, 2014//

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Going green just got a little easier.

MOM’s Organic Market, an industry leader in organic groceries, has partnered with the Pet Industry Sustainability Coalition (PISC) to deliver a selection of products that is not only great for your furry friends, but also the environment.

From rather humble roots, MOM’s Organic Market has grown from a garage-based produce delivery service to a full-service organic grocery chain with 12 locations in the Northeast.  Driven by the idea that business should protect and restore the environment, MOM’s Organic Market has implemented a series of successful in-store programs such as eliminating the sale of plastic bottled water and providing complimentary charging stations for customers with electric cars.

Now, they are taking their efforts a step further. After realizing that there was not enough transparency of information available regarding the sourcing, labor and environmental performance of the pet products on their shelves, MOM’s started using the Pet Industry Sustainability Toolkit to develop a supplier survey to gather information.

“As we dove further into the project we realized that our impact would be much grander if we collaborated with a reputable third-party such as PISC to create something that could benefit our customers, our pet food vendors and other retailers alike in the long-term,” said Charis Smith, Environmental Coordinator and Partnership Manager, MOM’s Organic Market. “We want to be a significant contributor to the sustainability movement and while our pet sector is a small portion of our sales, it is a great opportunity to pilot new ideas.”

Recent efforts by the Pet Industry Suitability Coalition, whose members include other retailers like Petco and PetSmart and brands such as Planet Dog, Only Natural Pet, Worldwise and West Paw Design among many others, have highlighted the ability of industry collaboration to leverage positive change.

Pet owners are understandably concerned about the health and well-being of their pets.  There has however, traditionally been a lack of concern regarding the environmental effects of pet products and the relationship between nutrition and sustainability.  The increase in popularity of mobile apps like GoodGuide, provide customers with valuable sustainability information for larger pet food manufacturers at the point of sale.  MOM’s Organic Market’s supply chain initiatives will provide transparency for a currently overlooked sector—small, independent, naturally focused brands.

Utilizing advisory services from PISC and sustainability consulting firm, Natural Capitalism Solutions, MOM’s Organic Market will gather information from significant suppliers about greenhouse gas emissions, animal welfare standards, sourcing practices and responsible labor practices.
While information is vital, solutions are the ultimate goal.

“As a retailer, we can drive demand for better practices but we also want to help our suppliers, not hinder them,” said  Lisa de Lima, VP of Grocery, MOM’s Organic Market.  “We plan to take a comprehensive look at all of the information we receive to identify the biggest environmental and social impacts and then work with them to find solutions. We hope that our suppliers will take advantage of the many services that the Pet Industry Sustainability Coalition offers so that we can all improve together.”

-Caitlyn Bolton