TxN 20 Highlights — Retail
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2022 TxN 20: Texan-led leadership in conservation for a sustainable future in Retail.
The Texan by Nature team is excited to present the fourth annual list of Texan by Nature 20 (TxN 20) Honorees. TxN 20 recognizes outstanding work in conservation and sustainability from Texas-based businesses.
It’s an opportunity to showcase innovation, commitment to conservation, and best practices from the industries keep Texas running: Agriculture, Architecture, Financial Services, Food, Beverage, & Grocery,Technology, Energy, Healthcare, Municipal Services, Retail, Transportation, and Construction & Manufacturing. Meet the 2022 TxN 20 Honoree leading sustainability in Retail: Yeti.
6,000 pounds of debris from the Colorado River – 2022 Honoree Yeti
Who is Yeti?
In 2006, we founded YETI Coolers with a simple mission: build the cooler we’d use every day if it existed. One that was built for the serious outdoor enthusiast rather than for the mass-discount retailers. One that could take the abuse we knew we’d put it through out in the field and on the water. One that simply wouldn’t break.
How Yeti sets the standard
YETIzens, Yeti employees, joined Austin FC and the Colorado River Alliance to volunteer 100+ hours to remove 6,000 pounds of debris from the Colorado River and the surrounding parks in Austin. This makes the river a more enjoyable spot for paddle boarding and kayaking and helps reduce the impact of plastic pollution in this important aquatic ecosystem. YETI’s partnership with Ducks Unlimited aids in the protection of a critical wintering habitat for a massive percentage of North America’s migrating waterfowl species from the pressure of environmental degradation and climate change. A portion of YETI’s annual sponsorship is designated for Ducks Unlimited’s Gulf Coast Initiative, aimed at protecting waterfowl habitats in YETI’s own backyard, contributing $1 million + to community organizations and foundations working on conservation and representation in the WILD.
Additionally, since launching hats with NetPlus® materials, YETI has helped divert 17,700 pounds of fishing net waste and achieved an estimated 50% reduction in the carbon footprint of their hat brim plastic compared to using virgin plastic. In 2020, YETI diverted 298,000 pounds of material from landfill and another 157,000 pounds of material through July 2021.
Why Forward Thinking Leaders in Retail Matter
Worldwide, the Retail industry contributes 25% of total greenhouse emissions. Scope 3 emissions, the ones companies are indirectly responsible for (i.e. product disposal by the consumer) make up a large portion of most retailers’ carbon footprints. By making sturdy products designed to last far beyond single use, Yeti is doing their part to reduce product waste and bring down Scope 3 emissions in retail.
How TxN20 Honorees Are Selected Each Year
To select the 2022 TxN 20 Honorees, the TxN Team evaluated submissions and conducted independent research across 2,000+ of Texas’ publicly traded and private companies in 12 key industry sectors.
All companies were evaluated on a 17-point scoring system, from which the top 60 highest-scoring companies moved on to the final round of TxN 20. A selection committee of top industry leaders and experts was then formed to evaluate the top 60 companies and select the final 20 businesses recognized as TxN 20 Honorees.
Honorable Mentions: Standouts in Sustainability
In addition to this year’s TxN 20 honorees, here are three industry standouts for best practices in conservation and sustainability coming from companies across the agriculture industry.
Industry Innovator: Walmart
The Bentonville-based Walmart helps people around the world save money and live better anywhere, from in their retail stores to through their mobile devices. In 2021, they diverted 81% of waste from landfills and incinerators globally. Additionally, they have committed to help protect, manage or restore at least 50 million acres of land and 1 million square miles of ocean by 2030.
Industry Innovator: Neiman Marcus
The Dallas-based Neiman Marcus is a luxury retailer offering merchandise and service that cater to the needs of the affluent customer. In 2021, they extended the useful life of over 350,000 luxury items through circular services. Additionally, they reduced Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 23%.
Industry Innovator: Home Depot
The Atlanta-based Home Depot revolutionizes the definition of “hardware store” by providing retail and home improvement services. In 2020, they helped reduce customers’ greenhouse gas emissions by 20 million metric tons. Additionally, they helped reduce their consumers’ water use by 250 billion gallons.
Get Involved:
Is your company at the forefront of sustainability in Texas? Share your work with Texan by Nature by submitting Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) data that showcases how your company benefits people, prosperity, and natural resources to programs@texanbynature.org.
To be considered for the official TxN 20 list, companies must:
- Have operations and employees based in Texas;
- Share a demonstrated commitment to conservation & sustainability;
- Showcase tangible efforts, impact, and data in conservation;
- NOT be a conservation-based nonprofit (501c3).