Food for Thought - Cultivating Sustainability in French Business Schools
Le Local is a hidden treasure on HEC's crowded campus, a beacon of sustainability in the midst of academics. Le Local is unlike your typical supermarket since it needs consumers to order a week in advance to avoid products spoiling and waste commodities. What began as a student-led effort has grown into a thriving hub for all things green, promoting local producers and cultivating a culture of mindful consumerism.
In an exclusive tête-à-tête with Elliot Ellis, one of the creative brains of Le Local, I discuss the project's enthusiasm, problems, and future goals.
Why Le Local?
For Elliot, it's all about following through. With a strong interest in sustainability and agribusiness, the journey with Le Local is a natural evolution, fuelled by personal conviction: “I’ve always had a deep-rooted passion for sustainability,” he explained.
Le Local is more than simply a marketplace; it is a thriving community centre where community and education ideals come together to provide a comprehensive experience that appeals to everybody. The non-profit business is distinguished by an emphasis on human connection and community participation, which pervade all aspects of the shopping experience. Because of the calm couch in the rear of the room and the homely atmosphere, grocery shopping is more than just a transaction; it's an opportunity to engage with the people and stories behind the items personally. Customers engage in vibrant conversations, swapping recipes and suggestions on sustainable living, creating an ambiance that goes beyond the traditional retail setting.
Le Local is more than just a supplier of commodities; it is a change agent, actively fostering a culture of conscious living inside the fast-paced academic environment of HEC Paris. Consider their instructional demos (seen below), in which kids learn about the benefits of using locally sourced foods as well as which fruits and vegetables are currently in season. By integrating sustainability into everyday routines, Le Local fosters a shift in thinking, allowing individuals to make mindful decisions that transcend beyond campus.
Of course, the path to sustainability has obstacles. “We’ve faced challenges, particularly in scaling our operations and communicating our mission effectively,” Elliot conceded. However, with plans to expand product offerings, enhance communication strategies, and collaborate with other associations, Le Local leads the way toward a more sustainable tomorrow.
Founder Biography: I’m Elliot, I’m from Lille, in the North of France. Following two years of intensive coursework in what the French refer to as “Classe Préparatoire”—focused on mathematics, philosophy, and geopolitics to prepare for competitive exams to enter leading French business schools—I embarked on the Master in Management program at HEC Paris in 2022. Throughout my personal and academic journey, I’ve developed a deep interest in environmental issues which is why, upon joining HEC, I became an active member of ESP’R, HEC's sustainability club, particularly via its local student grocery store, Le Local. I look forward to working in sustainability after I graduate!
