This document isn't fancy. And it's not designed to be because the work it entails is not flashy. It requires us to roll-up our sleeves, dig deep, and press through challenges.

We use this rubric to help us be increasingly aware about the way we conduct business.  It helps us evaluate impact, score a robust set of decisions, and remain accountable.  It is a living, breathing, goal-oriented document that pushes us to evolve. We update it as we learn and grow.  

01 | Design
Optimizing at the design stage is the first step towards an increasingly circular system.
⦿ Is the style durable and meant for increased use?
⦿ Are the material inputs safe, sustainable, and/or renewable?
⦿ Is there more than one function to the style? 
⦿ Can it be disassembled, recycled, and/or made again?
⦿ Are substances of concern designed out?
⦿ Is it easy to care for and repair?
⦿ Is waste minimized or removed? (style, markers, etc.)
⦿ Is it designed to efficiently go through the factory floor?
⦿ Has efficient machine setup been considered?

02 | Materials
Innovation at the material level enables sustainable growth. 
⦿ Is the final material certified? (OEKO-TEX, BLUESIGN, etc.)
⦿ Are the inputs safe, sustainable, and not of concern?
⦿ Are the inputs upcycled, renewable, or regenerative?
⦿ Are any dyes, colors, or treatments responsibly managed? 
⦿ Does it pass quality, durability, and performance standards?
⦿ Is end-of-life considered? How? 
⦿ Is the material manufacturing facility ISO or other certified?
⦿ Does the supplier have an environmental and social ethos?
⦿ Are the reps good partners and communicative?
⦿ Is the supplier USA based? Minority owned?
⦿ Are minimums, shipping, and lead times acceptable?
⦿ Does the price align with the budget? (now and long-term)
⦿ Does the material physically feel good? 
⦿ Are multiple options available for growth?
⦿ Is the material compatible with the factory’s standards?
⦿ Have externalities been defined? 
⦿ Is raw material transparency available? 

03 | Manufacturing
Good partners and processes are fundamental.
⦿ Is management transparent?
⦿ Can you tour the factory openly and frequently?
⦿ Are the people communicative and good to work with?
⦿ Is it a fair labor facility with living wages?
⦿ Is it experienced and proficient to produce luxury quality?
⦿ Does it have a reputable client base?
⦿ Do references check-out?
⦿ Is the facility certified? (ISO, etc.)
⦿ Is the factory USA based? 
⦿ Minority owned? 
⦿ Does the factory have a history of success?  Financially stable?
⦿ Are acceptable quality management systems in place?
⦿ Does the working relationship and facility feel good/right?

04 | Use + Washing 
Empower the customer with convenience and knowledge.
⦿ Can the style be conveniently washed in an average home?
⦿ Are material inputs durable enough to withstand 52+ washes?
⦿ Are resources available to customers to decrease impact? 

05 | Shipping + Packaging
Be intentional with every detail to minimize waste and emissions.
⦿ Is packaging functional, customizable, and brand aligned?
⦿ Does packaging reduce/eliminate waste and weight?
⦿ Is it easy to recycle, compost, etc. in an average home?
⦿ Is end of life acceptable?
⦿ Is it plastic free?  
⦿ USA based?
⦿ Minority owned? 
⦿ Are customer shipping emissions credibly addressed?
⦿ Are prices and lead/delivery processes acceptable/scalable?
⦿ Are material inputs innovative and brand aligned? 
⦿ Have unnecessary elements been stripped down?

06 | End of Life
Explore ways to motivate every stakeholder to keep styles and materials in use.
⦿ Are design and materials previously aligned with EOL?
⦿ Are resources available to customers to decrease impact?
⦿ Are EOL options convenient and motivating for the customer?
⦿ Does the price reflect the cost of potential EOL waste?

07 | Energy, Efficiency, + Waste
Evolving these practices is a never-ending mission.
⦿ Have internal processes been optimized for resource efficiency?
⦿ Are Scope 1 and Scope 2 measured and credibly addressed?
⦿ Is Scope 3 measured and credibly addressed?
⦿ Can renewable energy be incorporated?
⦿ Are carbon offsets necessary? 
⦿ Have freight and transportation methods been evaluated? 
⦿ Has Tier 1 final product manufacturing impact been evaluated?
⦿ Has Tier 2 fabric processing impact been evaluated?
⦿ Has Tier 3 raw materials been evaluated? How about direct land and use change?
⦿ Are supply chain partners authentically aligned? 
⦿ Can circularity principles be more deeply deployed?
⦿ Has business growth been factored in? 
⦿ Is modern equipment being used to optimize efficiency?
⦿ Is waste segregation addressed?  And/or purchasing altered?
⦿ Are upfront quality controls in place? 

08 | Marketing + Communications
Refer to Marketing Manifesto here for further detail.
⦿ Is the photography authentic?
⦿ Does the method align with humane technology?
⦿ Is the information credible or science-based?
⦿ Does the price reflect the true cost?
⦿ Are partners aligned and authentic?  Feel good?
⦿ Do collaborations propel aligned growth? 
⦿ Are statements aligned with leading industry guidance?
⦿ Would you share the messaging with a younger sibling, daughter, niece, etc.?

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