Santos Organics will use the following guidelines in order to promote the most positive impact on the environment from the purchase of food and consumer goods.

 

Animal agriculture and its associated processes, including land clearing, is a hugely energy intensive process that is damaging our atmosphere and environment. Therefore the only product we offer is ethically derived fish oil for practitioner distribution only. This is accepted due to unavailability of a viable alternative to this important nutritional supplement.

 

We will not stock any fresh produce from other countries (except NZ) due to the huge amount of pollution caused by the importation and exportation of food. Local, ethically grown sustainable spray free produce is accepted where

certified organic is not available.

 

We are opposed to unnecessary technical intervention in food due to the production of these foods having a negative impact on ecology and life systems of the earth. This is reflected in our strict policy of not buying or selling any product that may contain any genetically modified ingredients. We will also not sell products derived from genetically modified foods or ingredients even where it fulfills other criteria. We pay particular attention to products with soy, corn or canola. We are also opposed to the irradiation of foods. We do not irradiate food, nor do we buy irradiated food or ingredients.

Our mission is to make available to the consumer foods that are natural, free

of chemicals and artificial additives and ecologically sustainable.

 

Products containing palm oil must use ethically derived palm oil that is

certified organic, as the ethical status of “sustainable palm oil” certifiers are industry funded and are deemed to not be in alignment with our ethical

requirements. We are opposed to the massive destruction of forests caused by the production of Palm Oil.

 

Wherever possible we will choose organic and biodynamic products. For an understanding about the benefits of organic agriculture please visit our Frequently Asked Questions section. Products with relevant certification will be prioritised over products without certification. The regulations surrounding certified organic produce ensure that the land is cared for and in the case of converted farms repaired. Grown without petrochemical fertilisers it is better for consumers and for the health of

the soil and surrounding waterways. Organic certification also ensures milk

and eggs are produced in accordance with high animal welfare standards.

 

Santos Organics makes purchasing choices based on a preferential system which

highly regards locally made or grown products due to the minimisation of environmental pollutions caused by storage and transportation. Food miles quantify the distance food has travelled prior to reaching the consumer. Local refers to the Northern Rivers Region which extends from Ballina to Tweed, preference being given to the most local products. Regional is defined as being from the NSW North Coast or Southern QLD.

 

Due to the huge amount of waste being generated by our society we are dedicated to minimising the waste generated from purchasing our products. Products with minimal packaging will be preferred over more highly packaged

alternatives. Where no alternatives exist as may be the case with products

such as “ready meals” or with snack sizes it may be appropriate to forgo

stocking the line altogether.

 

A product may be given preference if it is shown to have exceptional health merit. Products catering to food intolerances are promoted where other ethical criteria are also met. Products considered generally healthier, for example those not containing refined sugar, are given preference to equivalent products that do. A product may be removed if it has ingredients, particularly chemicals and additives that are thought to be harmful to health.

 

Products can be preferred where the product company has proven ethical business practices that are focused on minimising negative environmental impacts. Where products meet few of the above Ethics Criteria the company may be invited to highlight their sustainability and ethical policies and practices. If the company cannot show environmentally sound and ethical practice the product may be discontinued. Companies are encouraged to highlight their green and other ethical policies and practices.

 

In particular non-edible items such as cleaning products must be biodegradable and be non-harming to the environment.

 

Santos Organics aims to minimise its imported product selection and promote new local production opportunities in an effort to encourage local economies and reduce its carbon footprint.

 

Santos Organics believes that testing on animals for any reason is unethical, unnecessary and should be banned. We advocate for caring consumers and provide a wide range of cruelty-free products.

 

Santos does not stock products containing or products from:

Genetically Modified (GM) Ingredients

Santos Organics will not stock any product that has Genetically Modified ingredients. We pay particular attention to products with soy, corn or canola. GM crops are strongly tied to the use of fertilisers and can transfer genes to non-target species. Due to lack of GM labelling all products containing soya, maize, cotton (seed) and canola must be checked for GM with the product company unless the ingredients concerned are certified organic.

 

Multinational Corporations (MNCs)

Many MNCs make profit based decisions to operate in countries with lower environmental and social justice standards or in those where the relevant legislation is not enforced. It is exceedingly difficult to trace the ethical accountability of MNC’s due to their scale and the global dispersal of their activities. As such, Santos will only stock the products of Multinational Corporations where their ethical accountability has been certified by a third party (eg Organic or Fair Trade certifiers).

 

Unfair Trade

Santos Organics will not stock Chocolate or Coffee that does not display a Fairtrade logo unless it is certified organic or is Australian grown or has been deemed to be from fair trade by another third party certifier.

 

Toxic Chemical Ingredients

Where toxicology data is inconclusive, the precautionary principle must be applied. Ingredients considered to be toxic include but are not limited to: artificial preservatives, colours and flavours, petrochemicals, parabens and sodium lauryl sulphate.

 

Imported Fresh Produce

Santos will not stock any imported fresh produce. We strongly privilege and support local producers through a number of active programs and encourage the growth of the local fresh produce economy.

 

Non-Biodegradable Cleaning Products

All cleaning products stocked by Santos Organics will be “readily biodegradable” see Australian Standard AS4351 (“readily biodegradable” products biodegrade to 70% of their content within 28 days).

 

Bottled Water

Santos Organics will not stock any bottled water. Despite the fact that PET bottles are 100% recyclable most are purchased when people are away from home and without ready access to recycling facilities. As a result only 35% of PET bottles are recycled (ABS).