We talk a lot in our industry about “futureproofing” businesses, navigating regulation, and sourcing lower-impact materials. But if we strip all the corporate jargon away, what is the real point of it all?
It’s the next generation.
They are not only the consumers of tomorrow; they are the designers, educators, and leaders who will inherit the systems we are building right now. So when it comes to inspiring them, we have a profound responsibility, and an amazing opportunity.
Team POC has been embracing this opportunity this week.
(Image above from Nicola’s daughter’s school classroom project this week).
POC’s US Ambassador, Andrea Green, has been learning about what the future means for the next generation of atheletes and sports fans:
“Anyone who knows me knows that the Olympics and sustainability are two of my absolute favourite things. So when I was invited to the Road to 2028 Summit hosted by the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI), I practically skipped my way to the Intuit Dome – LA’s stunning new LEED Platinum multi-use stadium.
“The summit focused on a powerful idea: using the 2028 Olympics as a cleantech catalyst to spark immediate action and leave a lasting legacy. As parts of the world experience oppressive heat, California and LA are facing climate change with their eyes wide open, recognsing it as both an undeniable reality and an economic catalyst for change. We all know that two years from now will only be hotter.
“The summit established four clear priorities for a climate-resilient future: accelerating vehicle electrification, optimising public transportation, securing water resources, and expanding the urban shade canopy to advance climate equity.
“Having just reintroduced ourselves on the world stage during the World Cup, Los Angeles is eager to welcome the world again in 2028. This cross-sector collaboration is a perfect reflection of our mission at Products of Change, proving that we truly are ‘Faster, Higher, Stronger – Together’.”
Meanwhile, POC’s Fashion Ambassador, Julia Redman, a lecturer in fashion management at the University of the Arts London, where she is inspiring and shaping the next generation of students towards a more sustainable fashion industry of the future. And this week, Julia graduated from the University of the Arts London with a Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice for Art, Design & Communication. Huge congratulations Julia!
But we aren’t just cheering from the sidelines; POC has its next Young Green Leaders webinar coming up next Tuesday (21 Jul), and this time we are thrilled to welcome Briony Pete from The Circular Life to run a workshop with the group on building leadership and influence in sustainability. This will be a hands-on discussion full of practical insights and tools. To learn more about the Young Green Leaders or to register for this webinar, click here, or contact Kathryn.
And continuing to build on the next generation of talent, POC is delighted to be welcoming our very first intern from September, Ruby Rocksmith. Ruby is studying Geography and Environment at Loughborough University and is joining us for her placement year. We look forward to introducing you all to Ruby at BLE and at the POC Conference in November.
(Photo – Ruby joining the POC team this week for ’Slushies and Plushies’, a launch event hosted by POC member Biofluff.)
Ruby is working through the education modules on the POC platform over the summer, and we’d like to share friendly reminder to all our POC members that you have full, unlimited access to our educational modules and resources. Simply log in to the platform to get started. If you’re not sure where to start, click here to email Nicola who’ll be able to help you.
You’re never too young to start thinking about what’s next, and so I (Kathryn) was back at my former secondary school on Tuesday for its alumni careers day, speaking about my education and career journey, all the way from A Level choices to here at Products of Change.
I remember being in their shoes and having similar careers day and being slightly overwhelmed about the choices ahead – but also excited about them. So what myself and the other alumni kept emphasising again and again was that no choice is really permanent and you can change your mind and your career; what it boils down to is always trying to pick the direction that you are passionate about and good at and that will see you a lot of the way through.
For me, that was always something that allowed me to write – that was my north star and informed every education and career decision I have made since school, until now where I get to write for POC every day.
Was fantastic to be back and hopefully a useful and enjoyable day for the students too!
Even younger than this, the team at Wastebusters has been working with schools around the country. Primary school minds are absolute sponges, ready to absorb and mimic the world around them. Which is why they are the perfect audience to engage with on sustainability initiatives they can get stuck into, teaching them how to care for the world around them and the agency they have to make a difference.
As well as its Recycle to Read initiative, Wastebuster has also been running the Hidden Treasure Hunt, to tackle one of the UK’s fastest-growing waste streams – tech and electricals – through a fun campaign promoting repair, reuse and recycling.
In partnership with Recycle Your Electricals from Material Focus, Currys plc, with Microsoft, Ecogenesys and DHL Supply Chain, the programme has:
♻️ Over 78,000 unwanted electrical items registered for repair, reuse, or recycling.
🙌 Over 22,000 people registered their recycling drop-offs.
📍 Over 59,000 recycling visits recorded.
🏆 Two award nominations
📺 And even an appearance on CBBC’s Newsround!
So as we head into the weekend, think how you might inspire the next generation of designers, educators, and leaders who will inherit the systems we are building right now.
Have a good one,
Team POC
