3 ways to find office supplies that are actually sustainable

We caught up with the team at Kokako Organic Coffee to discuss ways to find office supplies that are actually sustainable.

After one of the country’s wettest and warmest summers on record, floods and a devastating cyclone, it’s getting harder and harder to turn a blind eye to climate change. Choosing sustainable office supplies is just one way your company can be part of the solution. 

Kōkako Organic Coffee Roasters have been leading the way in the sustainability space for over 20 years. Recently, they released their fourth biennial sustainability report, communicating the impact of their operations on critical sustainability issues. 

We asked them how to find ethical companies who produce sustainable products in a market where greenwashing is becoming more and more commonplace. They had three useful tips, which you can read here. 

2. 1). Look for third-party certifications 

Organisations like B Corp, Fairtrade and BioGro NZ have stringent sustainability standards that they use to independently audit licensees and hold them to account. When you see a certification badge, that provides assurance that the product you’re buying has met these standards. 

From regenerative organics, to Fairtrade, to carbon offsetting schemes, there are many certifications companies can acquire to show their commitment. We recommend checking out this comprehensive list by The Sustainability Network, which outlines some of the best certifications in the biz. 

2. 2). Use a trusted directory 

There are some really great directories that you can turn to find quality products and companies that operate sustainably. Again, The Sustainable Business Network has a great one. Fair & Good is also excellent, plus they’ve released a Chrome extension, called Find Fair which highlights ethical products while you shop online. Handy! 

2. 3). Ask questions 

If there’s a company or supplier you’re thinking about working with, don’t be afraid to ask them about their supply chain. Do they measure their carbon emissions? What steps have they taken to reduce their footprint? What is their packaging made out of? Where have they sourced the ingredients from? You get the idea. Any company that’s making an effort to operate sustainably will be only too happy to answer your questions. 

If all of this has inspired you to revamp your office supplies, why not check out one of the directories to find some sustainable suppliers. 

If you’re in need of great coffee that’s made with people and the planet in mind, Kōkako is a solid choice. Fairtrade, organic, carbon neutral and with compostable packaging too, it feels as good as it tastes – and it’s locally owned and operated. 

Plus, they provide wholesale pricing for workplaces and can even offer you a range of machines if you’re in the market for one. To talk pricing, equipment or to dig a little deeper into their supply chain, get in touch with Charlotte at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

If you decide they’re the coffee supplier for you, mention that you’re a friend of Sharedspace and  they’ll hook you up with three months of coffee on the house.

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