Responsibility at Ruohonjuuri
Responsibility is an integral part of all Ruohonjuuri´s operations
Responsibility has been integral to the activities of Ruohonjuuri, and Happy Food Store in Sweden, from their establishment to the present day. Ruohonjuuri was founded in Finland in 1982, with the following declaration: "Ruohonjuuri is based on the principles of sustainable development, according to which we have no right to deny future generations the opportunity to do the things we have the right and opportunity to do today."
Ecology and ethics are naturally part of our everyday work — we run our store with a smile, providing experiences and respecting people and nature. Although Ruohonjuuri is changing alongside the world, and as a pioneering eco-retailer we can sense changes in direction around the globe, the company’s core values remain the same. Over the years, commerce taking account of environmental issues has taken a more holistic direction, covering social responsibility and wellbeing, under the name Ruohonjuuri in Finland and Happy Food Store in Sweden.
Boldly towards a better future!
We understand that the world is not yet complete. Our company aims to turn society’s consumption habits in a better direction: tolerance, equality, ecology and the wellbeing of people, nature and the world.
A significant proportion of Ruohonjuuri´s shareholders are NGOs, whose annual budget is partly based on dividends paid by Ruohonjuuri. In addition, Ruohonjuuri is continuously engaged in community activities and a range of charity projects.
The Ruohonjuuri award and grants are awarded annually for pioneering work in sustainable development.
Ruohonjuuri currently employs more than 200 people in Finland, for whom it provides training on a continuous basis. The staff of Ruohonjuuri is also based in Finland. We encourage our employees to learn and study alongside their work, which we regard positively.
Ruohonjuuri fight waste in a number of ways, such as discounting products that are approaching their sell-by date. We also distribute products on the last day of their shelf-life to our staff, customers and to partners who wish to receive such products.
We support small businesses and sustainable operations. In all furniture and other purchases, we favor local production and small businesses. Over the last five years, we have bought store furniture and other materials worth around three million euro from local small businesses and artisans.
Each month, Ruohonjuuri donates the entire proceeds of one “do-good product” to a charity chosen by our customers. We donate and contribute tens of thousands of euro a year to around 500 organizations and projects that are seeking to improve the world.
From one person to another
Ruohonjuuri works in continuous interaction with customers and other key players. In response to the wishes of our customers, we continuously renew our product range and review our practices. Ruohonjuuri is great place to work — due, in part, to our customers. We are able to choose our employees from a rich and talented bunch.
All the staff we select are thoroughly trained and familiarized with our strategy and practices.
Prizing Zero Waste and recycling!
Ruohonjuuri offers a comprehensive range of reusable, zero-waste products that outperform disposables in terms of convenience and environmental friendliness. Zero Waste is a way of thinking that aims for a waste-free world. Plastic, in particular, is a problematic material. Reducing the amount of plastic is easy and effortless with Ruohonjuuri´s zero waste products!
At Ruohonjuuri, you’ll also find an attractive range of carbon-neutral products that promote the wellbeing of both you and the environment. A carbon-neutral product, which has a zero-carbon footprint, is also a choice that promotes a better world. Choices matter and small streams merge into flowing currents.
Recycling and waste sorting are staple approaches for us. We strive to reduce waste and encourage our customers to do the same. In terms of their packaging, products sold by Ruohonjuuri are a better alternative to comparative products. Ruohonjuuri always recycles where possible and waste is sorted for further processing.
Ruohonjuuri encourages the purchase of ethical and wear-resistant products. Our selection includes bottles made of glass or durable material, ecoffee cups, stainless steel drinking straws, wooden dish brushes, beeswax films as substitutes for plastic wrap, and menstrual cups. In addition, our natural cosmetics do not contain harmful microplastics.
The basis of a good life
We know the backgrounds of our products and work closely with the small companies that manufacture and import them. We believe that the world will become a better place, one product at a time and by working together.
Our professional team handles purchases on behalf of Ruohonjuuri. Transparency, proper supplier requirements and real-time monitoring of activities are important tools in the fight against corruption.
The fact that our products are almost all certified (organic, Natural Cosmetics, Fair Trade) also helps to eradicate corruption and abuse at production level.
Ruohonjuuri works with small wholesalers, supporting their livelihoods. We choose partners on the basis of mutual commitment and fair play.
All products selected for our shelves are a fit with the company's values. We select products that meet the wishes and needs of our customers, and fulfill the values of our company.
We pay our fair share of taxes
Ruohonjuuri was the first company in Finland to be awarded the Fair Tax Mark certificate, a new standard for companies as proof of responsible tax payment and reporting.
