Whether we like to admit it or not, the cannabis industry has created a massive waste. Millions of products are sold throughout North America each year, the vast majority in single-use plastic packaging, often for regulatory reasons.

In most markets, labelling requirements, child safety protocols, and tamper-proof seals make containers quite large. These cans and Mylar bags are often destined to stay in landfills, despite a conscious effort by many consumers to get what they can put into the recycling bin.

moxie is a brand dedicated to helping solve the growing waste problem in the industry. The Long Beach, California-based business is currently available in seven states, including Arizona, California, Florida, Michigan, Nevada and Pennsylvania, and its environmental impact is a game-changer.

While sustainability certainly comes with higher costs, Moxie’s team is committed to going the extra mile while maintaining an affordable price point for consumers — even if it puts them at a loss.

“We always put the right things before revenue,” said Tessa Adams, Moxie’s chief marketing officer.

From eco-friendly packaging to energy-efficient lighting in grow facilities, this brand sets high standards when it comes to putting the planet first.

Ambitious environmental plan puts Moxie ahead

Moxie was founded in 2014 on the belief that cannabis can benefit our society in many ways. “Cannabis is all about helping people,” Adams said. “Furthermore, we must help the world be the best it can be.”

Their high-quality products (including flowers, concentrates, vape pens, and, later, food) combined with a focus on social justice helped the brand rise rapidly. The company soon expanded into Michigan and Nevada, and soon after, Moxie became the first licensed cannabis business in its home state of California.

In 2020, the brand launched a sustainability program, announcing its intention to become the first carbon-negative cannabis company. Moxie soon switched almost all of its outer packaging to 100% recyclable, Forest Stewardship Council certified, and chlorine-free cardboard. The labels are made from biodegradable grass paper.

Switching to greener packaging is an expensive move. In an industry where profits are already slim, Moxie’s team knew they were facing a budget battle. However, as Adams pointed out earlier, it’s all about doing the right thing regardless of cost.

“We’re looking at our future, we’re looking at the future of our children, and we’re questioning what’s going to happen,” she said. “So for us, we have to preserve a future for the rest of the world.”

Additional Environmental Practices Expand Sustainability Initiatives

Despite a huge effort to switch to more environmentally friendly packaging, Moxie is not done. The brand is working with waste management providers to help further offset waste generated in production facilities and convert it into usable energy. This can include everything from break room trash to used shipping supplies.

The company has also installed LED lights in its indoor growing business and is building an outdoor plantation for raw material extraction to better control the supply chain.

“It’s going to be huge for us, letting the outdoors grow. It’s definitely going to help offset some of our emissions,” Adams said. “We’ve always sourced our materials, we’ve tried to source from sustainable farms, but we’ve always wanted our own so we can create our own sustainable efforts.”

Adams also hinted at imminent announcements of partnerships with similar companies in multiple markets to further their environmental efforts.

“As an industry, we have a responsibility to do everything we can to protect the planet. We want to work with as many other companies as possible to find ways we can all be better. I think that’s how we can really impact change. “

Community building completes Moxie’s mission

As Adams has said before, cannabis is about helping people and the world.

In addition to its ambitious environmental commitments, Moxie has partnered with several nonprofits to maximize its impact, supporting causes such as homeless youth, breast cancer research and low-income medical marijuana patients.

The company is also partnering with the Last Prisoner Project to help promote restorative justice and right the wrongs of the war on drugs.

For Moxie’s team, it all comes down to being a well-meaning steward and setting an example for other operators to encourage them to go above and beyond.

“We have a responsibility to pave the way for the industry and act as leaders to help solve some of the problems our planet is facing right now,” Adams said. “If we don’t protect the planet we live on, we’ll have nothing.”