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Second Edition of the Positive Apéritif with La Bouquinerie du Sart, Beeforest, and the Responsible E-Commerce Collective
Optimal Ways had the pleasure to organize a second time the “Apéro Positif” (Positive Apéritif) on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, bringing together around fifty enthusiastic participants. This exclusive event, aimed at Optimal Ways’ clients and service providers, seeks to highlight the agency’s CSR approach and offer inspiring testimonies.
A Unique Concept
The Positive Apéritif is not just any event. It offers a unique setting where stimulating exchanges, inspiring testimonials, and eco-friendly details come together. From the warm welcome to the enriching discussions, and a local, sustainable buffet, everything is designed to offer a timeless experience.
Optimal Ways’ CSR Approach
Launched in 2021 with the support of Ititoca, Optimal Ways’ CSR approach has progressively developed with key milestones: joining the 1% for the Planet France collective (November 2021), publishing the first CSR report (December 2022), and obtaining B Corp certification in May 2024. Optimal Ways’ CSR commitments, along with relevant indicators, are available in the 2023 CSR report.
Circularity and Solidarity
Domitille Widmaier and Vianney Poissonnier from La Bouquinerie du Sart opened the evening by discussing circularity and solidarity. In response to the saturation of social rehabilitation centers (CHRS) in Lille, La Bouquinerie du Sart offers an innovative solution: collecting books and clothing for resale while providing training and employment to people in reintegration. This model not only reduces waste but also restores hope and autonomy to people in precarious situations. With a significant social impact, La Bouquinerie du Sart has supported 40 people in reintegration contracts, including 26 from shelters, achieving a 73% success rate in professional reintegration. Environmentally, over 2 million books and 320,000 items of clothing have been sorted, contributing to waste reduction and promoting the circular economy.
Urban Micro-Forests
Next, Mathieu Verspieren from Beeforest introduced us to the concept of urban micro-forests. These biodiversity-rich plantations are created in urban areas to combat climate change and raise awareness among city dwellers about the importance of trees. In four years, Beeforest has planted 55 micro-forests and educated more than 15,000 children and 5,000 volunteer citizens, proving that local engagement can have a global impact.
Responsible E-Commerce
Afterward, Thomas Lemaire and Julie Mascart from the E-CO collective presented their white paper on responsible ecommerce. Addressing sustainability challenges in e-commerce, from product design to logistics and marketing, their goal is to promote a more ethical, sustainable, and local e-commerce by tackling the entire value chain to reduce environmental impact and improve transparency.
A Gourmet and Eco-Responsible Finale
The evening concluded with an eco-responsible, vegetarian, and zero-waste cocktail prepared by Bonsigne, accompanied by local beer tastings from the Waale brewery based in Wasquehal. A true moment of exchange and inspiration shared by Optimal Ways’ clients and service providers!
