What’s the challenge?
Most of us want to live a little more sustainably, but there are lots of factors to consider when you’re trying to make good choices for people and the planet. Plastic, carbon emissions, animal welfare, workers’ rights… It can be hard to know what to look out for.
And let’s be honest, a lot of the language around sustainability is quite bleak. We talk about ‘harm’, ‘damage’, ‘waste’ and ‘consequences’, so how can we get excited about a cleaner, greener tomorrow and actively choose good products when everything sounds so depressing?
What’s the solution?
Typically, if we focus on something, we get more of that, and we don't want more climate change, we want a stable climate, a clean planet, equality, and good health.
So, instead, we asked - what should we focus on to have the most impact right now? Which actions would help to make a sustainable future a reality?
This is why we created six overall sustainability paths to lead us into a sustainable future. It is how we can turn the negative narrative on its head and it starts with the way we talk.
For example, instead of climate change, we want to aim for a stable climate. So, let’s start asking ourselves, our community and brands around us - how can we create a stable climate?
The six optimistic things to look for
This positive outlook is reflected in the language of our sustainability framework for brands, which covers what we think are the most critical areas of sustainability. These six areas of optimism – which we call our paths – will be vital if we’re to achieve a truly sustainable future.
Look out for our ethy ecolabels which make it easy for brands to illustrate their verification and green efforts in these areas. Trust marks help you see at-a-glance how the products you choose are making a meaningful difference – with no negativity in sight!
1. Stable Climate
Brands that are contributing to a stable climate are being proactive about measuring their impact, setting targets and actively reducing their emissions. This includes initiatives such as aiming for or achieving carbon neutral status, using renewable energy and investing in reputable carbon offsets.
Look out for these ethy ecolabels which indicate a brand is verified in this area:
2. Clean Planet
We’re all about a clean planet with a flourishing ecosystem. Achieving this means using fewer plastics and exploring innovative new ways to package products, so brands that are contributing to a clean planet put recycling, composting, upcycling and waste reduction right at the top of their agendas.
Look out for these ethy ecolabels which indicate a brand is verified in this area:
3. Responsible Resource Usage and Production
We need to be smarter about the way we use the Earth’s resources and approach development in a way that maintains sustainable balance. This means using water mindfully, keeping supply chains local and embracing a circular economy so we get the most benefit and value out of everything we use.
Look out for these ethy ecolabels which indicate a brand is verified in this area:
4. Healthy People
Healthy people make a healthy planet. Socially-responsible businesses making strides in this area will be focused on the health and well-being of their customers and providing products that support healthy lifestyles and contribute to public health as a whole. Think natural, organic ingredients.
Look out for these ethy ecolabels which indicate a brand is verified in this area:
5. Thriving Communities
Businesses can be a real force for good when they support the communities that operate throughout their supply chains. From social enterprises and cooperatives, to brands championing Fairtrade and the Living Wage, we believe all businesses have a responsibility to give back to society.
Look out for these ethy ecolabels which indicate a brand is verified in this area:
6. Protecting Biodiversity and Animal Welfare
To create a truly sustainable world then we need to consider the wildlife that we share the planet with. This means transitioning to a greener way of doing things that respects our animal friends and supports ecosystems, habitats and thriving biodiversity. Brands working hard to protect the interests of wildlife will be vegan-friendly, cruelty-free and proactive about protecting natural environments.
Look out for these ethy ecolabels which indicate a brand is verified in this area:
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