Environmental friendly brands that set a model for all of us

Climate change is our present, and we should ensure that it doesn’t become our far future. It is the most significant issue that humanity faces, and it will not go away unless we all unite and act. We must become aware of harming the planet as individuals, corporations, and businesses. That is why it should be appreciated that some of the companies decided to take responsibility and implement environmental awareness in their missions. Sustainability is the key factor in organizing your business to be eco-friendly. It is crucial to be transparent and follow high ethical codes by using raw materials. Furthermore, the process of manufacturing, packing, and shipping should correspond to the environmental rules and norms. Finally, recycling is necessary at the end of the product’s life and offsetting the carbon footprint.
But, the story doesn’t end there. With their vast influence, companies should take a step forward and be the trailblazers in promoting the fight against climate change. Through environmental policy advocacy, promoting environmental awareness and local participation in conservation efforts, partnering with other movements and organizations, brands should send a profound message that can have a real impact.
Besides, from a moral point of view, brands can gain a huge advantage by being eco-friendly. Recent research showed that consumers increasingly seek to engage with eco-friendly products and companies. An independent study commissioned by SmartestEnergy reveals that customers increasingly favor brands committed to environmental sustainability. The study shows that 4 out of 5 people describe themselves as likely to choose a brand with a positive approach to environmental sustainability.
Let’s see some examples of how brands are trying to make a difference in this battle for a brighter future.

Patagonia

It is all about green when it comes to Patagonia. For example, in 2016, they promised $10 million of their Black Friday sales to grassroots environmental groups dedicated to maintaining and enhancing the planet. Furthermore, Patagonia also gives 1% of its sales to Earth Tax, which supports ecological organizations worldwide to restore forests, take down dams, and protect endangered species.
Transparency is also a significant factor in Patagonia’s story – they’ve been genuine and honest about the areas of their business that need improvement, like using fossil fuels to produce shells for their coats, which contributes to climate change.

Seventh Generation

Seventh Generation is manufacturing cleaning products free of harmful toxins and chemicals. With a similar price to competitors’ items, this company is making an affordable yet beneficial choice that is safe for the environment. Their goal is for 100% of their products and packaging to use biobased or post-consumer recycled material by 2020, and like Patagonia, Seventh Generation aims to become a zerowaste company by 2025. It is also worth mentioning that the company also recently topped Forbes’ annual “Best For The Environment” list.

New Belgium Brewing

The industry leader in sustainability, New Belgium Brewing diverts 99.8 percent of its waste from landfills. In addition, it encourages its employees and customers to bike rather than drive. Furthermore, they advocate for climate change action and signatories to both the BICEP proclimate business coalition and the Brewery Climate Declaration. One of New Belgium Brewing Company’s main focuses on being environmentally conscious is their energy consumption. While they acknowledge their role in greenhouse gas emissions, they aim to lower their energy impact by energy conservation, onsite production, and implementing an internal energy tax.

Nike

Nike is an excellent example of how to change the course regarding corporate sustainability. Its line of sustainable products is made using environmentally preferred materials like recycled polyester. The company also uses renewable energy sources in manufacturing. Moreover, Nike has pressed 650 suppliers in 52 countries to develop and implement written environmental policies.
They’re also making it easier for designers to make green choices with an app that helps you compare the environmental footprint of different fabrics. Nike is also partnering with NASA and other government agencies to spark innovation in chemistry to green the processing of raw materials into goods.

Pela

Pela is thriving on the foundation to create a waste-free future. It is their motto that developed technology can construct products without waste. Their products are made of biodegradable and compostable materials and are free of BPA, lead, cadmium, and phthalates. Some of Pela’s products directly donate a portion of the sale to causes they care about. In 2019, Pela offset their entire carbon footprint by purchasing carbon credits and are now Climate Neutral Certified. In 2020, they planned to reduce carbon emissions by streamlining transportation routes to distribution centers, help globally decrease product end-of-life waste, and help manufacturing facilities shift to renewable power or improve energy efficiency.