All businesses and organizations in our directory are selected by us according to the following criteria. We first pre-screen enterprises based on background research, a visit to the business and a conversation with the owner, guided by the triple bottom line principle (people, planet, profit).
In general, such businesses tend to:
- be socially, environmentally and economically sustainable
- value quality over quantity
- respect the rights of humans and animals
- create a positive experience for the customer
- express honesty about the value of their product or service
- express transparency about their supply chain
- attempt to minimize negative impacts across the lifecycle of their product or service
Once businesses and organizations have cleared our first step, we make sure that the majority of their products or services fulfill at least three of the below criteria.
Czech-made: Final stage of production in the Czech Republic
EU-made: Final stage of production in an EU country
Czech materials: Made from raw materials sourced from the Czech Republic
EU materials: Made from raw materials sourced from the EU
Natural materials: Made from non-synthetic materials
Direct trade: Directly sourced from farmers
Fairtrade: Possessing fairtrade certification indicating greater equity in international trade
Second-hand: Involving used products
DIY: Products and services enabling the user to be involved in the production process
Eco-certified: Possessing third-party certification indicating lower ecological impact
Sharing: Product or service based on collaborative consumption and sharing economy principles
Recycling: Product or service involving recycled or recyclable materials, meaning waste materials processed to be used again
Upcycling: Product or service involving materials “upcycled” to a higher quality or purpose
Composting: Businesses that compost organic waste, or offer composting services
Biodegradable: Including elements that are biodegradable, meaning those that can decomposed by biological agents (e.g. packaging)
Organic: Including certified organic products and ingredients, meaning those made according to third-party certification criteria
Raw: Including options made from solely raw ingredients
Vegetarian: Including meat-free options
Vegan: Including vegan options, meaning those free of animal products
Traditional: Respecting, preserving or reviving local cultural traditions
Repair: Repair services or products
Rentals: Rental services or products
Low-waste: Involving lower than conventional use of natural resources including water and energy; also includes low waste of packaging
Outdoor: Taking place outside, in public space or in nature
Free: Including product or services you can get for free
Pro-social: Fostering the building of local communities
Handmade: Made by hand
Durable: High quality and built to last
Renewable Energy: businesses supplying or using renewable energy
For more detailed information about the key sustainability criteria behind each category, please see our Sources & Useful Links page.
Do you think we’re missing some criteria? Let us know!
Header Photo: Emilio Bellu