Jeremy Piercy, owner of Shared Earth writes:
We are all getting more and more concerned about the environment. Individuals and community groups can play a huge part in influencing policy-makers to take action – witness David Attenborough changing our attitudes towards plastic waste, and Greta Thunberg, an unknown schoolgirl from Sweden, starting a worldwide campaign to tackle the climate crisis, leading indirectly to the UK government announcing a Climate Emergency earlier this year.
But businesses also have a key role to play, especially in terms of product innovation and responsible sourcing. Plastic is not in fashion and it was noticeable at the Autumn Fair in Birmingham how busy were stands such as Shared Earth and Paper High which specialise in ‘eco’ products. Meanwhile we see schoolkids going on strike to support action to tackle the climate crisis so what, apart from selling products made from sustainable materials, can we do to help, if we believe that action must be taken, and soon, to save our planet?
Well, on 20 September, a worldwide climate strike has been called, specifically to involve businesses. In the UK, Ben & Jerry’s, Patagonia, Lush, Seventh Generation and Shared Earth will all be closing their shops from 9am to 1pm to emphasise the importance of tackling the climate crisis.
Who are the consumers of the future, and what kind of businesses will they want to support? Whilst the shops which are closing for a few hours on 20th September may lose a few sales, they are likely to gain far more through the respect and support they receive from customers, who see they are taking positive action on this issue, and are not just concerned about making profit.
Watch this space for more details on how your business can become more sustainable and meet the urgent imperative to go ‘greener’ as consumers seek alternatives to plastics and other environmentally harmful materials.
