“It’s already too late.” Sir David Attenborough declared as he issued a grim warning to world leaders on climate change in February 2021, saying “Please make no mistake – climate change is the biggest threat to security that modern humans have ever faced.”
The Intergovernmental Panel on Client Change (IPCC) have declared that humans are the main reason for the current climate crisis. By constantly burning fossil fuels we are increasing the temperature and warming the planet year on year. So, yes, it is too late to reverse some of the damage that we’ve caused like the melting polar ice sheets.
The effects of climate change are clear and they are only going to get worse, the longer that we ignore the need for change, the temperatures will keep soaring. It is not too late to prevent some of the worst effects of climate change if we all start now. If we don’t take rapid action more people will die, animals will continue to become extinct and our quality of life will deteriorate. We will witness the destruction of our beautiful living world.
It seems our governments are finally waking up after decades of several warnings about the urgency to cut greenhouse gas emissions. But are people still willing to listen and help make lasting change?
Why sustainable brands are having their moment in the spotlight
1 in 3 consumers have stopped purchasing from brands due to their lack of consciousness about their businesses environmental impact. Brands that align themselves with being sustainably led are becoming extremely popular. Younger generations like Gen Z and millennials are leading the way to a new eco consumer market. Consumers want to know what the brand stands for, who and how their product was sourced and how each purchase will impact the environment.
What can we do about it and why should you bother?
Energy use varies dramatically depending on the size and type of business but on average businesses can use between 15,000 and 25,000kWh of energy each year, compared to the average household using only 3.700kWh per year.
Saving energy can be as simple as shutting down office computers properly at the end of the day, turning lights off when you leave an empty room or when there’s enough natural light. Letting fresh air inside to cool and ventilate office spaces instead of always relying on air conditioning. Filling the space with plants and greenery will instantly improve air quality and brings life to the office with minimal upkeep.
And whilst you’re finding alternatives to bigger issues, offsetting your emissions is a great place to begin…
- Go green with your suppliers and partners
Choosing a green energy supplier is much easier than it used to be. There is an increasing number of suppliers who provide power using renewable sources and guarantee 100% renewable energy.Choose suppliers and partners who are also conscious of the environment. There are plenty of suppliers that provide eco-friendly shipping and use recyclable materials, ensuring that your supply chain is in keeping with your growing sustainable business.
- Paperless
Who actually needs paper anymore? Everything from payslips, to e-bills to emails can all be sent online. Work can be stored in the cloud, and other online storage systems can be accessed by the whole team. Not just paper as we know it but switch kitchen roll out to tea towels and start using biodegradable/ bamboo toilet roll. Here at Notepad, we use toilet rolls supplied by ‘Who gives a crap’. It’s sustainable and the company helps build sanitation stations in deprived countries.
- Waste and recycling
Providing and encouraging the use of recycling bins in your workspace is key. Also providing healthy and sustainable sources of snacks and refreshments, supplying lists of greener food lunch spots in the nearby area, supplying cutlery to discourage the need for single-use plastics and providing a microwave for premade food from home to reduce food waste.
- Becoming a B-Corp
Being an eco-friendly business could involve tree planting, helping initiatives in your local area or even cycling/ walking to work. If one person from your office chose to walk/ cycle just one mile a week instead of driving you’d save 27kg of CO2 a year!
Certified B Corps have met the highest standards of social and environmental impact. Being part of community projects, providing lush spaces in inner cities, planting tree programs and supporting environmental charities. There are already over 3,500 companies across the world that have achieved the B-Corp Certification.
And WHY should you do it?
The government has pledged to cut the UK’s carbon footprint by 78% before 2035. Brands that haven’t already made steps towards reducing their carbon footprint risk being left behind as the government seeks to support those who help meet the UK’s target.
In a recent Deloitte survey, 34% of consumers were found to choose brands with environmentally sustainable processes over those which didn’t have any plans for the future environment. This could result in up to a third of potential customers being lost to more sustainable companies.
The first step forward is most important
Together we can lessen the impact of climate change. We can help create a flourishing future for the next generation. As a business, you should morally and ethically want to set an example and provide services and/or products that help and not hinder the environment.
Here at Notepad, we believe in going green, we’re currently transitioning into a B-Corp Company. We have made small changes to the way we work and our office environment and together these small changes add up to create real lasting change. We recognise the need for change and we’re in a position to influence companies and businesses to do the same.
If you want to work with a B-Corp-certified, creative, branding agency get in touch for a chat about how we can help you become unstoppable!
