Earth Week is now underway and across the planet, businesses are implementing new actions to join in the global celebration of and draw attention to the importance of investing in the planet all ahead of the official Earth Day 2023, taking place on Saturday, 22nd April.
Among those making noise this Earth Week is NOSY, the creative agency dedicated to the sustainability sector and one on a mission to help drive sustainable development through the medium of sound and vision.
This Earth Week, the team’s ceo and creative strategist, Matt Greg has offered up some keen insight for businesses looking to celebrate Earth Day in real style and embark on their own journeys of sustainable development, too with his own ten-point starter kit for putting plans into action this year.
- Adopt a Green Office Policy
Reducing energy usage, promoting recycling, and using digital communication instead of paper is a great way to get the ball rolling to involving the team with your overarching sustainability plans, suggests Matt. It’s a great place to start focusing on those smaller behaviour changes because every small step in the right direction counts.
- Choose Sustainable Suppliers
It’s time to start prioritising partners who share your eco-conscious values and source products and materials responsibly, Matt states. Look for suppliers with certifications like ISO 14001 or B Corp, then review their environmental policies and even reach out directly to ask specific questions related to your industry.
- Green Your Transport
You could start to consider low-emission vehicles or electric alternatives for your company cars, says Matt. Why not encourage ride-sharing and the use of public transport among members of your staff? Then, start measuring the distances being travelled and review them quarterly for efficiencies.
- Use Renewable Energy
Here in the UK, 40.5% of the grid’s energy is green so check whether your current energy supplier uses renewables. If not, explore the possibility of switching to a provider that does.
- Implement Circular Economy Principles
Realise that the circular economy does not begin and end with recycling, far from it. Rethink your production process to minimise waste and maximise resource efficiency. Then explore options such as remanufacturing, refurbishing, and then recycling.
- Offer Green Employee Benefits
Influence the company culture by showcasing the benefits and then deliver them. Encourage commuting by bike or public transport by offering incentives such as discounted travel passes and provide healthy, sustainable food options in the workplace.
- Educate and Engage
Spread environmental awareness by offering training sessions, workshops, and regular updates on your company’s sustainability initiatives.
- Monitor and Measure
A bit of hard graft, but it’s well worth investing time into. Start tracking your emissions by using a Scope 1, 2, and 3 calculator. You can then set realistic targets for improvement and begin working towards them.
- Support Environmental Causes
It’s the reinvestment in the planet that counts, isn’t it? Why not begin donating to or volunteering with local and global environmental organisations. We at NOSY, for example, support the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. Find one local to you and get stuck in with the team.
- Share Your Success Stories
Inspiring others to take action is crucial so why not use the power of your brand to encourage others to join the green movement? Showcase your company’s sustainability journey on your website, social media, and at networking events. Of course, you can and really ought to get in touch with the team at Products of Change who can share your stories with you and for you.
Drop editor Rob Hutchins a line at Rob@Productsofchange.com
