Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Policy
Commitment
Garb is committed to operating in a sound, ethical, and socially responsible manner that considers, manages, and sustains the balance between economic growth and the welfare of society and the environment. Our obligation to conduct business in an economic, legal, ethical, and socially responsible way is the cornerstone of our corporate culture and operational practices. Garb’s CSR policy plays an integral part in our decision-making and product sourcing strategies. Garb is responsible and responsive to our stakeholders: customers, employees, vendors, investors, and the communities in which we do business.
The Fair Labor Association Code of Conduct, the Garb Code of Conduct, and our Core Vales -- Respect, Integrity, Teamwork, Initiative, and Benevolence -- drive our expectations at our factory and our supplier factories. Our standards and policies apply to all Garb and supplier facilities. Compliance is required, and regular audits are performed at least annually as a part of our participation in the Sumerra Ethical Supplier Engagement Program (ESEP). We work aggressively to timely correct deficiencies that are discovered, utilizing the Corrective Action Plans through Sumerra’s ESEP.
Corporate Governance
Garb and its suppliers strictly comply with all relevant legislation and ensure ethical corporate behavior in accordance with its Code of Conduct across all aspects of the business, ensuring respect and support of the communities and cultures in which we, and our suppliers do business.
All groups and individuals with whom Garb has a business relationship are, and will be treated in a fair, open and respectful manner. Garb will engage stakeholders clearly, honestly, and respectfully. Garb is committed to timely and meaningful dialogue with all stakeholders.
Responsible Recruitment
As an industry and as an individual company, we are committed to the fair treatment of workers in the apparel, footwear, and travel goods supply chains. One important part of this ongoing effort is working together to eliminate the potential for forced labor in the countries from which we source products. We commit to work with our global supply chain partners to create conditions so that: no worker pays for their job; workers retain control of their travel documents and have full freedom of movement; and all workers are informed of the basic terms of their employment before leaving home.
Employees
As an equal employment opportunity employer, Garb encourages teamwork, and provides fair remuneration, respecting human rights and supporting mutual respect between employees and management. We apply fair labor practices and ensure that employees are treated fairly, with dignity, and that diversity in the workplace is embraced. Garb creates a corporate culture and environment which attracts and retains reliable, respectful, and ethical employees. Garb does this while respecting the national and local laws of the countries and communities where we operate. We will not engage in, or tolerate, unlawful workplace conduct, including discrimination, intimidation, or harassment.
Environmental
During its 21 years in business, Garb has demonstrated its environmental commitment. From our conversion to a more environmentally friendly water-based screen print ink for decorating our apparel, to choosing the state of Colorado to call home, Garb continually proves its environmental responsibility.
Garb complies with environmental and governmental legislation and regulations applicable to our business operations. We are committed to meeting or exceeding applicable environmental laws and regulations and to continuously improving our environmental performance through resource conservation, waste minimization, water and energy efficiency and effective use of materials. We focus on reduce, reuse, and recycle in both our office and factory purchases and practices, and perpetually work to identify new means to support long-term ecological and environmental balance. Garb endeavors to reduce the impact on the environment through our commitment to continual improvement, and will continue to work with our partners to reduce their impact on the environment.
Community and Social Engagement
Garb interacts with the communities where we operate to develop positive relationships and support those communities’ needs. We stress collaborative, consultative, and partnership approaches in our community investment programs, and integrate community investment considerations into decision-making and business practices. Garb strives to provide employment and economic opportunities in the communities where we operate.
Work Health and Safety
Garb is committed to providing a safe, secure, and healthy workplace for all employees, and to protecting the health and safety of all stakeholders and individuals affected by our activities. All employees and representatives are responsible and accountable for contributing to a safe working environment, for fostering safe working attitudes, and for operating in an environmentally responsible manner.
An injury management system is in place to manage workplace safety, and employees are encouraged to report any hazardous conditions for immediate correction. Workers Compensation claims are monitored with a focus on improving workplace practices and reducing any lost time due to accidents.
The Garb CSR Policy is reviewed and updated annually, or more frequently as needed. All Garb employees, suppliers, and representatives will adopt the CSR Policy.