According to statistics, it’s likely that as we near the end of January, only 9% of people will have stuck to their new year’s resolutions, with a staggering one in four failing in the first week of the year!

If you really want your business to become more sustainable in 2023, we’ve outlined some tips that will make your sustainability goals more achievable.

Why focus on sustainability in 2023?

In today’s world, consumers and those in the supply chain are much more sustainability-focused. They expect the organisations that they purchase from to be adopting a sustainable approach and working towards a net-zero target.

Even in markets where there isn’t a customer need for sustainable practices, adopting a more sustainable stance can lead to lower operating costs and overhead expenses, increased bottom-line profits and an enhanced employee experience.

So what steps can your business take in 2023 to become more sustainable?

1 – Understand where you currently are

Any business looking to become more sustainable should start by measuring and understanding their carbon footprint.

The carbon footprint of a company is the total amount of greenhouse gasses (GHG) emitted directly or indirectly through its activities expressed as carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e). A carbon footprint report identifies how much business operations are contributing to climate change and is the perfect place to develop an action plan from.

So before you start with any actions, it’s best to understand your starting point. This way, any actions you implement you can report on their success/impact.

Small measures

If you’re a passionate member of a ‘Green Team’ or you’re struggling to get leadership to commit to a carbon footprint, don’t be put off. There are a number of small measures that can be introduced in a business setting. Unfortunately, without a carbon footprint in place, it will be difficult to understand what impact this is having but recognise you are helping the planet by looking at the following three areas, all of which are easy to explore:

Focus on recycling

Find out what is recyclable with your waste management service and make sure it is clearly posted on bins so employees know what they can and can’t recycle.Make sure bins are easily accessible and encourage employees to recycle as much as they can.

Along with recycling paper and plastic, it’s also important to not forget about e-waste, including computer parts, mobile phones, and ink cartridges, which can be a pollution risk with toxic chemicals leaking into the ground. Common e-waste items include computer parts, mobile phones, batteries and ink cartridges. Ensure you have proper disposal providers in place and are not disposing in standard waste bins.

Use alternative energy sources

You don’t need to take large steps to get started using alternative energy sources. Contact your energy provider and explore their Green Tariff options. Green tariffs will either match your usage with renewable energy generation or the energy provider will commit to supporting environmental schemes on your behalf (the least preferred option, as it still results in the burning of fossil fuels).

Solar, wind, and geothermal energy sourcing are much easier on the environment than fossil fuels – ask whether your energy can come from these sources.

Encourage behaviours which reduce your energy use

By using less energy, you can save money and limit the effects on the environment.

One way to save on energy is to address the phenomenon known as vampire power, which is when electronics continue using energy even in standby mode. Speak to your workforce about this and request that they unplug devices and chargers when not in use and turn off devices instead of letting them go to standby mode.

If you haven’t already done so, make sure standard light bulbs are replaced with LED ones. These use up to 90% less energy than incandescent bulbs and can last up to 25 times longer.

As with your electronic devices, turning off lights when not in use is an obvious way to reduce usage. You could also look into the feasibility of installing motion sensors to automatically shut off lights when a room is empty.

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Summary

As stated at the start of this blog, the most important sustainable resolution a business can make is to undertake a Carbon Footprint.

If this feels daunting, don’t worry, Groundwork’s Sustainable Business Consultants will work with you to calculate your footprint. Once this benchmark is established we can support you with a comprehensive pathway towards net-zero emissions.

Contact us to speak to a member of the team about getting started.

CONTACT

You can view this blog and other Groundwork blogs here

All images courtsey of Groundworks

Sustainable commuting solution

Mobilitways Commuter Census Survey 2022 reported that 81% of commuters were considering an alternative travel mode and 61% of commuters worried about rising fuel costs. Not only will sharing a journey be at least half as expensive as driving alone, they will also be making substantial CO2e savings contributing to your net-zero goals.

Be proactive in tackling Scope 3 commuter emissions

Each vehicle removed from the road saves an average 139kg of CO₂e per employee every year.

Track the number of shared journeys and miles saved

View all of your sustainable travel data on a custom dashboard. Collectively, Liftshare communities have saved over 1 billion miles!

Improve air quality in your local area

Fewer cars mean less congestion and reduced emissions in your local area.

A net zero strategy that doesn’t include Scope 3 commuting emissions isn’t a net zero strategy

Start making CO₂e savings today

I am extremely pleased with how the Liftshare system is constantly evolving and improving to provide us with more and more valuable data. The whole Liftshare community has been a huge success for Arup and very much helped to alleviate our car park issues. I would be more than happy to recommend their services to other businesses.

Sandy Farar, Arup

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Author Leon Davies | leondavies.co.uk

I’m a passionate advocate for sustainability, and I want to use my knowledge and drive to help as many businesses and individuals as possible.

Real change is all about action, so it’s an exciting time as global leaders prepare to come together at the UN’s Climate Change Conference (COP) in late October.

Their mission is to find ways to accelerate the action we’re taking as the inhabitants of this earth so that we can make a planet-saving impact fast.

For me, that’s terrific because while I love talking to people about climate change, going green and saving our planet, unless we do something, nothing will happen.

I feel lucky because my job is helping businesses become more sustainable and encouraging everyone to live more sustainably – and it’s also my passion.

Because it’s my passion, when people come up to me and say, “I’d really like to go greener, but I haven’t done it yet because I don’t know where to start, and it seems quite tricky,” it tends to rankle me a little bit.

Surely if we all stopped procrastinating about going greener and just got on with doing it, we’d quickly find out that living a sustainable lifestyle and running a sustainable business isn’t difficult to accomplish at all.

Whatever you think you can do, do it. It won’t take long before it becomes a way of life you won’t even have to think twice about, and if we all made just one small green change at a time, it would cumulatively make a huge difference.

If you’ve got something that doesn’t work, don’t throw it away – try fixing it!

(Of course, I’m talking here about appliances and other fixable or up cyclable objects; if you’ve got a person in your life that doesn’t work, or a dog that won’t bring the ball back when you want it to, you need to be taking advice from a completely different type of consultant.)

Seriously, though, a lot of us are horrendous for throwing stuff away instead of trying to repair it, and that level of wastefulness and laziness has a massive impact on our carbon footprint. So, instead of tossing your glitchy electronics or household appliances into the skip next time they stop working, fix your relationship with electronics and electricals by trying to repair them instead. In fact, if we make a habit of looking after our appliances a lot better than we do (like regularly cleaning and maintaining them), that’s often all it takes to prolong their life cycle.

Take a look at this fantastic social enterprise scheme called The Restart Project for more information and ideas and to find out about their nationwide network of skill-sharing workshops.

Alternatively, if you’ve got any working electrical items that you want to get rid of, why not donate them to the Norfolk homelessness charity Emmaus? A lot of other charity shops won’t accept electrical items but Emmaus do, and they test them before they resell them, so they’re a brilliant place to purchase second-hand electrical goods from too. Give them a call!

Stop using single-use plastic

It’s well known that plastic waste is environmentally catastrophic. Of the 8.3 billion tonnes of plastic in the world, only a tiny percentage of it can ever be recycled. Items like plastic bags, plastic packaging and plastic straws can take up to two hundred years to decompose. Please stop for a moment and think about how much harm that is doing to our animals, our oceans, our ecosystem and our environment during that incredibly long length of time. Surely that’s not the legacy we want to leave our kids and future generations?

Back in January 2018, the UK government launched a 25 Year Environment Plan committed to improving air and water quality, creating richer habitats for wildlife, and curbing the terrifying amount of plastic that’s clogging up the world’s oceans. It also includes a lot of other initiatives.

Helping the planet by curbing your use of single-use plastic is a sustainable step you can take right away.

·        Stop buying bottled water.

·        Take your own bag with you next time you go to the supermarket.

·        The next time you have a party or a picnic, choose naturally sustainable disposable tableware and packaging instead of single-use plastic knives, forks and plates.

·        Invest in a reusable bamboo or metal drinking straw. That’s not only a healthier eco-friendly solution, it’s also more cost effective.

Eat less meat

Yes, I know that will sound like a step too far for most of the carnivores reading this, but if each of us replaced one or two meat meals a week with something veggie or vegan, we’d make a significant impact on the planet’s greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). The odds are, we’d feel and look quite a bit healthier too.

GHG emissions occur at every stage of the meat and dairy process, from farming (i.e., methane produced by livestock and nitrous oxide produced by fertilisers), processing, packaging, the transport required to ship the product onto the supermarket shelf, to finally serving it on our plate.

The meat industry consumes a massive amount of water too. It takes 10,910 litres of water to produce 0.5 kg of meat. On the flipside, it only takes 114 litres of water to produce 0.5kg of wheat.

Still not convinced?

In that case, you could at least start eating greener by buying at least half your food locally. The COVID lockdowns proved that the increasingly popular idea of the 20-minute neighbourhood, where everything you need in work or life should preferably be within twenty minutes’ walk of where you live, is more achievable than we might previously have thought. Not only is buying your food locally a great way to cut down transport costs, support local retailers, and help your community to flourish, it’s also healthier and more sensible. Meat spoils, and fruit and veg lose their nutritional value over a relatively short time, so how far your food has travelled can have a noticeable impact on how long it will last when you get it home. 

Save energy

·        Switch to energy and cost-saving LED bulbs.

·        Turn off lights when you’re not in the room.

·        Turn down your thermostat: almost half the money spent on energy bills is absorbed by heating and hot water costs. Turning your heating down by just one degree could save up to £80 a year.

·        Switch off computers, TV’s and other appliances when you’re not using them, or only keep them on standby if it’s necessary for their operation.

·        Don’t charge phones or tablets overnight; charge them during the day, so you can see as soon as the battery’s full and then disconnect them.

·        When you’re making a hot drink, only boil the amount of water you need: according to British Gas, if all of us only boiled the water we needed for a cup of tea, we’d save enough electricity in one year to power the UK’s street lights for a month.

·        Wash your clothes at a lower temperature: washing at 30 degrees instead of 40 degrees will help reduce your energy usage. Also, if you do a lot of washing, cutting out one wash cycle per week could take £5 off your annual energy bill.

Be mindful about recycling

·        Recycle your paper and cardboard (newspapers, magazines, leaflets, boxes, etc.) but remove any tape from the boxes before putting them in the recycling bin.

·        Recycle your metal cans but clean them out beforehand because contaminated containers can’t be recycled.

·        Recycle textiles and unwanted clothing, maybe by donating them to a charity shop or putting them in the charity bank at your local supermarket.

·        Recycle your garden waste: if you do a lot of gardening, ask your local council to supply you with a recycling bin especially for that purpose.

·        Items like batteries and paint are considered hazardous waste products and can be trickier to recycle depending upon where you live. Check if your local recycling centre will take them. If they don’t, ask them if they ever have a hazardous waste amnesty when they’ll temporarily accept paint, batteries and other hazardous waste items. Most councils do.

On the other hand, if there’s only a small amount of paint in the can, add something absorbent to dry it out (like cat litter or sawdust) and then, once it’s dried, you can put the paint container in your general waste bin.

Green your commute

When you want to go somewhere, only use your car if you’ve got no other option – walking, riding a bike, or taking public transport are the best ways to get places while minimising your CO2 emissions.

Or, if you have to use a car, find out if there’s somebody you can car share with or would like to car share with you. If you’ve got to drive every day to get to work, car sharing is an excellent way to get to know your colleagues better.

Alternatively, if you live in or around Norwich, you could book a ride with a certain zero-carbon taxi company I’m associated with!

If one or two of these tips sound familiar, it might be because you’ve already read my article, 10 Ways to Save the Planet by Living More Sustainably. If you haven’t, check it out. It contains plenty more suggestions to encourage you to start thinking and living more sustainably.

A final thought

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) says, ‘A healthy planet depends on all of us’, and my team and I will always be on hand to help you achieve that. Whether you want to implement more sustainable solutions in your business or your home, or if you know somebody who wants to go greener and could benefit from our expertise, please get in touch.

At the end of the day, it all starts with mindfulness; being aware of why we’re doing something, consuming something, buying something, needing something, producing something… and those are all elements that, on a very microscopic level, begin with each of us as individuals and then gradually expand out.

It’s in your power to be the change you want to see in your world. Don’t do it alone. Let’s all do it together. NextStart going greener by discovering what’s outside your own front door!

You can view this original article here at leondavies.co.uk

Emma Andrews Jan 1 | Canopey Greener goods, all under one roof.

The start of a new year is a time for fresh starts and new beginnings – and setting yourself a resolution can provide a sense of purpose and direction.

Many people find that having a sense of community and shared purpose can help them stay committed to their goals, and telling others about your resolution is a proven way to increase how successful you are in keeping it.

Making a resolution can also be a way to reflect on the past year and identify areas to make improvements. It can be a way to motivate yourself to make positive changes in your life, whether they’re related to your health, career, relationships, or personal growth.

Why make a sustainable or eco-friendly resolution?

Every year the effects of climate change are becoming more and more apparent, and urgent action is needed now. It’s expected 2022 was the UK’s warmest year since records began in 1884.

But it can often feel out of our control to do something about it. Enter: the New Year’s resolution! A great way to make more sustainable habits and see a positive change in a tangible way. And you can get started today.

But did you know there are more benefits to sustainable resolutions than just reducing your impact? Here are just a few:

• Many sustainable practices, such as reducing your meat consumption and growing your own food, can also have health benefits.
• Living more sustainably can also help you save money in the long run, for instance by reducing your energy consumption or using reusable products instead of disposable ones. And yes: it is cheaper to and lower impact to wash something to use again, rather than buying something cheap new!
• As we’ve mentioned, a sustainable New Year’s resolution can have a positive impact on your mental health. When faced with the scale of climate change, making sustainable choices can give you a sense of accomplishment and pride in the impact you are making, and the standard you set to others, which has a knock-on effect itself.

Without further ado, let’s get started with our list of sustainable New Year’s resolutions.

1. Reduce meat and dairy

It’s officially Veganuary! so what better time to cut down on the meat you buy and consume?

One of the biggest changes you can make for a more sustainable diet is cutting out meat. Studies comparing different lifestyles show that opting for a vegan diet could reduce the carbon emissions of what you eat by up to 73 per cent.

Looking at dairy is a good idea too, and milk is an easy swap that almost a third of UK adults are already making! On average, cow milk produces three times the CO2 of plant-based milk, and cows themselves produce methane, another greenhouse gas.

Thankfully, there are plenty of options, from oat, to soya, and even potato milk! Try Califia Farms’ and Minor Figures’ oat milks, or Dug potato milk.

Remember that you don’t have to go Cold (plant-based) Turkey. Start by cutting down meat and dairy in one out of five meals and go from there.

2. Shop secondhand

Did you know that on average, each person in the UK has 57 items of clothing in their wardrobe that don’t get worn?

Buying secondhand, especially clothing, is a brilliant way to drastically reduce your impact. The fashion industry is a BIG polluter, not just of carbon emissions, but water and plastic waste, too. Thankfully, buying secondhand is easier than it’s ever been!

For clothing, take your pick – from charity shops and boot fairs, to apps like Depop and Vinted. It’s not just the stuff nobody wants – you can find loads of great brands, luxury pieces and unique fits to suit your needs. What’s more, you’re more likely to find one-of-a-kind styles that nobody else has.

For used tech there are some great marketplaces like mpb (for camera gear) and Backmarket for a wide range of items.

It goes both ways: you can sell your stuff, making money from unwanted devices, clothing and decorations while decluttering the house.

3. Cut down on the car

Switching some of your journeys to other types of transport like the bus or train are great ways of cutting your carbon footprint, and with the current price of fuel you might save money, too!

Carpooling with colleagues is a great way to save on the work commute. Better yet, if it’s a walkable or cyclable distance, they are the easiest way to go emission-less!

If you’re walking, you can pop on a podcast or music. It’s a great way to clear your mind, get away from computer screens, and get fit while you’re at it.

4. Get gardening

An active, flourishing garden doesn’t just look nice: it’s a great way to reduce your impact and even mitigate emissions in your area.

Plants and trees absorb and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, improve soil health and provide a safe haven for whole ecosystems of insects, animals and fungi. They’re a great way of using up compost from food waste, which in turn reduces the emissions created by food breaking down improperly in landfill, where there often isn’t enough oxygen or bacteria to break it down.

What’s more, you can easily grow your own veg, including tomatoes and lettuce, saving money on the food shop. RHS has great beginners guides as well as a specific tips on gardening for the environment.

If you don’t have a garden, there are plenty of ways you can plant in window boxes or on a balcony. And of course, house plants can be placed anywhere indoors.

5. School yourself

Learning is always a good goal, and there’s so much to delve into when it comes to sustainability.

Learn more about the issues and what you can do to lead a more sustainable life with books like Greta Thunberg’s newly-released The Climate Book or Fashionopolis, an in depth guide to sustainability in fashion by Dana Thomas.

Some great podcast picks include How To Save A Planet and Sustainababble. And there are some great blogs and news sites online including Low Tech Magazine, Positive News, and Good On You.

For more books and magazines about sustainability check out our recent Christmas gift guide.

6. Upcycle and regift

Many of the things we need are already in a cupboard or drawer in our houses – and after Christmas, that’s especially going to be the case. Repurposing presents and upcycling what we own are therefore great ways of reducing waste, unnecessary emissions and saving space.

It’s an excuse to get crafty or practice a bit of DIY, and a unique handmade gift also shows you care. Things like birthday cards can easily be made by hand, and if you’re not planning on using that gifted soap bar, why not wrap it up in tissue paper and string and gift it on to someone who will?

Pinterest is a great place for ideas and ways you can upcycle and make something new from existing objects, and even look for inspiration for handmade birthday cards.

7. Support local

Big established chains and supermarkets can be some of the biggest culprits for carbon emissions and waste.

Shopping a bit more thoughtfully, by doing at least some of your shop at your local grocer or butcher, can help cut down on both. By moving away from supermarkets you generally support smaller supply chains, less waste and more local suppliers which tend to be more ethical and responsible.

Many grocers and butchers allow you to buy just what you need and packaged in paper bags, saving money and food waste, and plastic packaging.

8. Buy better

Finally, we couldn’t not include this one. Making a New Year’s resolution to support better brands that care about the environment is a fantastic way of voting with your wallet. You could also boycott Amazon, while you’re at it!

Whether you want to go all-out vegan, order organic, phase out plastic or find Fair Trade accredited brands, Canopey.com – launching early 2023 – is the place to go!

With products spanning skincare, clothing and footwear, technology, homeware, food & drink and more, we feel like we know a thing or two about reducing the impact of your shopping basket. And our impact calculator makes it easy to see the carbon emissions, water waste and plastic waste you could be saving by choosing better alternatives.

Good luck!

Making and sticking to a New Year resolution can be hard, so make sure yours is realistic and don’t lose faith if you don’t quite meet it.

The key thing is to keep going and try your best. Remember that perfect is the enemy of good.

Happy 2023!

You can view this original blog and more Canopey blogs here

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