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Be The Change: Empowering Youth With Cutting-Edge Skills

by Bibiana July 15, 2024

written by Bibiana

Young people across the world are facing diverse challenges. From climate change to social injustice, the future can seem daunting. But guess what? YOU have the power to be the change you wish to see in the world!

Imagine a world where young people aren’t just prepared for the future, but they’re actively shaping it. This is the essence of youth empowerment: equipping young individuals with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities to take charge of their lives and positively impact their communities and the world, encouraging them to take charge of their own lives.

What Does It Have To Do With Sustainable Development?

Sustainable development is about meeting our current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. Here’s why youth empowerment is closely linked to this concept:

Population by age — Screenshot of data from Our World in Data

Young people today represent a historic demographic force, with over 3.28 billion people under 25 years old globally. Full of creativity, energy, and a fresh perspective, they are an invaluable asset for building a more sustainable and prosperous future. This is why the concept of a “youth economy” is gaining traction. When empowered, they represent a wellspring of innovation, energy, and resilience – essential qualities for tackling global challenges like climate change, poverty, and inequality.
A skilled and engaged youth population presents a remarkable opportunity for economic growth and social progress. They are the drivers of innovation and entrepreneurship. However, a variety of obstacles, such as education, unemployment, and restricted participation, hold young people back. Often discouraged rather than empowered, young people do not fulfil their potential.

Empowering young people isn’t just about individual success; it’s a strategic investment in a sustainable future. Their fresh perspectives and inherent interest in the planet make them invaluable allies in crafting solutions to the world’s most pressing issues.

Did you know that July 15th is World Youth Skills Day? This year’s theme, “Youth Skills for Peace and Development,” celebrates the incredible potential young people have to build a better future.

By supporting youth development, we’re not just shaping individual lives; we’re building a future where young people are active participants, not passive bystanders. This is how we ensure a world that thrives, not just for us but for generations to come.

How Can You Celebrate World Youth Skills Day?

There are many ways to participate in World Youth Skills Day and contribute to this important cause. Anyone can provide their support through the following points:

Become a mentor and guide young people as they navigate their career paths. Offer guidance on resume writing, interview skills, or navigating specific industries.
Support youth-led initiatives. This could be financial backing, volunteering, or simply spreading the word about the project.
Spread awareness through social media campaigns. Share articles like this one to promote the importance of skill development for youth and encourage others to get involved.

And for the youth themselves, let’s talk about skill development.

Why Youth Skills Development Matters

In today’s world, characterized by rapid technological advancements and global challenges, the need for a skilled and adaptable workforce is essential. By fostering their unique talents and strengths through skill development, young people are empowered to meet these challenges and actively contribute to economic growth and social progress.

Youth skills development for career growth, environmental and other benefits — Photo from Canva.com

The future is full of possibilities, and the skills you develop today will set you on the path to success. This skillset focuses on two main areas: soft skills and hard skills. Soft skills are all about how you interact with the world around you, while hard skills are the technical abilities you learn through specific training or education.

Essential Skills for Young People

There are several categories to which you can divide the key skills beneficial for the development of young people.

Behavioural Skills: These “soft skills” are essential for success in any field. They encompass communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence.
Digital Literacy: Understanding and proficiently using technology is a necessity in the digital age. Whether pursuing a career in tech or not, digital skills are crucial for navigating new technologies, connecting with others, and acquiring and analyzing information.
Entrepreneurship: This fosters innovation, creativity, and self-reliance, all vital qualities for economic growth.
Leadership: Leadership skills allow young individuals to inspire, influence, and drive positive change. Opportunities for developing leadership can be found through participation in student councils, volunteering in communities, or spearheading social campaigns.
Sustainability: With increasing concerns about climate change and environmental conservation, knowledge and skills in sustainability can offer a distinct advantage, particularly for “green jobs” focused on environmental solutions.

Skill Set For The Future

As we look towards the future, the need for a diverse, adaptable, and highly skilled workforce becomes even clearer. By prioritizing youth skills development, we can empower young people to succeed in their chosen fields and reduce the risk of unemployment for future generations.

Soft skills eg. presentation skills & communication — Photo from Canva.com

Let’s start with soft skills, the cornerstones of effective communication and collaboration. According to an article in Forbes magazine, the importance of collaboration between younger employees and experienced leaders is crucial. Younger generations bring fresh perspectives and technological know-how, while leaders can provide guidance and mentorship.

This approach fosters a culture of respectful communication and empowers younger employees to contribute their ideas and skills. Employers who invest in their employees’ development through mentorship programs and training will benefit from a more engaged and innovative workforce.

Let’s have a closer look at the desirable skillset…

Skills For Leaders

Respectful communication: Transparency and open communication build trust and encourage younger employees to contribute.
Skill development: Invest in mentorship programs and training to empower younger workers and enhance their value.
Ownership and decision-making: Trust younger employees with responsibility and involve them in decision-making to foster intrinsic motivation.

Skills For Youth

Set personal standards: Define your strengths, weaknesses, and goals to chart your career path.
Seek mentorship: Actively seek out mentors and learn from their experiences.
Lifelong learning: Stay updated with industry trends, attend workshops, and continuously develop your skills.
Discipline and consistency: Develop a routine and stick to it to achieve your goals.
Stretch goals: Set ambitious goals to push your boundaries and drive excellence.
Self-assessment: Regularly evaluate your progress and adjust your approach as needed.
Open to feedback: Seek constructive criticism from mentors and colleagues to identify areas for improvement.

Unleash Your Inner Changemaker

Ever doubt young people’s ability to create real change and make an impact? Think again! I’ve personally encountered brilliant young minds and entrepreneurs tackling diverse issues. Let me inspire you with a number of ideas and stories on how to take action and become a changemaker.

Feeling overwhelmed by where to begin? Our guide, “Overcoming Overwhelm: How to Start Your Sustainability Journey,” provides a beginner-friendly roadmap for adopting eco-friendly habits and contributing to a brighter future.

Overcome Your Fears

Feeling overwhelmed by eco-anxiety? Don’t let eco-anxiety paralyze you! Instead, channel those concerns into positive action. Join a local conservation group where you can connect with others who share your passion for the planet. Learn sustainable practices to reduce your own environmental footprint and inspire those around you to do the same. To get started on your sustainability journey, here are some helpful resources: “Tackling Eco-Anxiety: Finding Peace in a Changing World” explores the link between environmental worries and mental health, offering strategies to manage eco-anxiety and find purpose through action.

Environmental Advocates

Volunteering is a fantastic way to gain experience, build your network, and discover your passion. Ready to test your skills and make a real difference? Here are some epic missions to choose from. Here are some specific volunteer opportunities for environmentally-conscious young people:

Tree planting or habitat restoration projects help combat deforestation and promote biodiversity.
Beach or waterway cleanup efforts can tackle plastic pollution and protect marine ecosystems.
Volunteering with local farms or organic gardens teaches you about sustainable agriculture and healthy food systems.
Advocacy organizations empower your voice to influence environmental policy decisions.

Learn more about volunteering opportunities in this article.

Environmental Warriors

Let’s get to the inspiring stories… most recently, I have met a young boy who hasn’t even graduated. Yet, he has planted over 200 mangroves in his local community to protect his village from floods. In fact, his story was the one that inspired me to write this article.

Of course, we can all have a look at the inspiring stories of the youngest Nobel prize winner, Malala or the well-known Greta Thunberg. But these are all stories that we are very familiar with, and trust me when I say that there are many other inspiring examples.

Melati Wijsen

Melati Wijsen’s journey as a changemaker began at 12 with Bye Bye Plastic Bags. Since then, she’s led youth movements, spoken on global platforms, and graduated early to pursue change-making full-time. Bye Bye Plastic Bags is an NGO driven by youth to say NO to single-use plastic bags. Melati is also the co-founder of YOUTHTOPIA, a learning platform for young changemakers to learn from each other and accelerate change.

Jack Harries

Jack Harries and his twin brother started a YouTube channel, “Jacksgap,” in 2011 during their gap year, which rapidly gained popularity. Soon enough, Jack co-founded Earthrise Studio, an impact-driven media company that aims to tell stories for a new world.

Jack has worked on many fascinating projects and award-winning original series such as ‘Seat At The Table‘ and ‘The Breakdown‘. Explore the Earthrise Studio and learn more about a variety of climate-related topics.

Jeffrey Opoku

Jeffrey has dedicated to a just transition for his community. He launched his first community-led project, which led him to nationwide education campaigns, founding Sustainability Week Accra for university students and gathering 125 young Ghanaians to address environmental issues. He currently serves as a youth representative at the World Future Council, co-leading youth engagement efforts.

George, Shubhan, Sumedh and Reichen

Inspired by the first hand experience of flood in their local area of North Carolina. This team of young students decided to do something about it. They created FloodGate, a revolutionary computational tool that allows you to predict flood patterns in a way that has never been done before and won the Earth prize of 2024. This fresh start-up is still on its way, but let’s see where this group of talented youngsters will take us.

Don’t forget that if you have an idea of your own, don’t hesitate and apply for such competitions, not only that, you might be able to receive funding but also gain more visibility and traction for your business.

“It is the long history of humankind (and animal kind, too) that those who learned to collaborate and improvise most effectively have prevailed.”
Charles Darwin

Did you realize something? Yes, none of these changemakers were alone. We often underestimate the power of collaboration, fearing it might burden others. Yet, the stories of Melati, Jack, and countless others prove the opposite. It is collaboration, that is the true source of our success, both on a personal and environmental level.

Article by Bibiana Eva Bartschova. I am an impact-driven researcher from Czech Republic. My passion for youth advocacy led me to Green Cloud Nine, as a writer and editor I am able to share with you knowledge contributing to a better world. Join me on this exciting journey and explore the world through the lens of empowerment.

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July 15, 2024 0 comment

Living Sustainably Social Projects With Yourself

Be the Change: Volunteer Opportunities for Your Holiday Time

by Bibiana June 24, 2024

written by Bibiana

Summer is approaching, and for many young people, this means a lot of free time. For others, it’s a season of holidays and travelling, but what about making a difference?

Volunteering is a fantastic way to spend your summer break or even family holidays, developing new skills, helping others, making an impact, and all while having fun. This guide will equip you with the knowledge and resources to find the perfect summer volunteer opportunity.

Benefits of Volunteering

First of all, volunteering provides benefits far beyond helping others and making an impact.

Volunteers may contribute to the economic development of the area through an increase in resources, knowledge transfer and skill development.
It can support social development through the promotion of cross-cultural understanding, vivid engagement, and community participation.

“Humans are social creatures, and cooperation has been essential to our evolutionary success. Helping others not only benefits them, but it also strengthens social bonds and increases our chances of survival.”
Evolutionary Theory

Volunteering benefits - personal growth — Photo from Canva.com

Through these experiences, we can learn from each other and widen our perspectives on the world. Moreover, volunteering can also be a transformative experience for the volunteers themselves. Compassion, the feeling of concern for another’s suffering and the desire to help, literally activates parts of our brain. Interestingly, these same areas are also linked to reward and motivation. This suggests that acts of compassion, like volunteering, can be intrinsically rewarding, lighting up the pleasure centres in the brain. By helping others, we not only contribute to their well-being but also experience positive emotions ourselves.

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
Mahatma Gandhi

Studies show that volunteering activities promote our social, mental, and physical health as well as well-being. Engaging in impactful activities fosters a sense of purpose and responsibility, further helping us to develop leadership skills. Even the youth can benefit, as long-term positive effects have been recorded. By actively contributing to environmental solutions and social action, young people gain valuable knowledge and build confidence to advocate for change.

Guide to Volunteering

There are many different ways of volunteering, and in most cases, you don’t need extra experience. However, if you do have special skills, many organisations need volunteers with specific skill sets to help with tasks like legal aid, financial counselling, or website development. Let us guide you through the most common categories:

Social Services: Eg. homeless shelters, soup kitchens, or food banks. You could also assist with senior care, disability support, or crisis intervention programs.
Education: Support children and adults in their learning journeys by volunteering as a tutor, mentor, after-school program helper, or literacy coach.
Animals: You can care for and walk animals at shelters, assist in wildlife rehabilitation centres or foster animals in your home.
Environment: Volunteering for conservation efforts, park clean-up projects, tree planting initiatives, or community gardens.
Arts & Culture: Share your passion for art, music, or history by volunteering at museums, libraries, theatres, or historical societies.
International Development: Use your skills to support communities abroad through organisations focused on education, healthcare, or infrastructure development.

Finding Your Perfect Fit

Now that you have an idea of the possibilities, here’s how to decide which volunteering opportunity aligns with your interests and skills:

Self-reflection:
- What are you passionate about?
- What skills and experiences can you contribute?
- Do you prefer working with animals, people, or the environment?
- How much time can you realistically commit?
- Are you comfortable working independently or as part of a team?
Explore your options:
- Research volunteer opportunities online or through local community centres, non-profit organisations, animal shelters, rescue groups, or government agencies.
- Talk to friends and family who volunteer to get recommendations.
- Consider attending volunteer fairs or information sessions to learn more about different institutions.
- If you are going on holiday, you can research the specific location and tailor your experiences based on that.
Interview the organisation:
- Don’t hesitate to ask questions about the volunteer role and the company’s mission.
- Make sure the values and goals align with your own.
- Inquire about training and support provided to volunteers.

Remember, volunteering is a two-way stream. You should feel excited and fulfilled by the experience. Choose an opportunity that allows you to use your talents, make a difference, and grow as a person.

Summer Volunteer Opportunities

Many of us think about volunteering as an individual experience, something that we mostly do locally in our spare time. But volunteering can also be a way of more sustainable travelling, giving something back to the culture and locals. Whether you are alone or with your family, volunteering can create a truly unique bonding experience that enriches you and many others.

“Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.”

Family Volunteering Ideas

Ditch the usual beach routine and swap souvenirs for service! This summer, families can trade flip-flops for work boots and turn their vacation into a life-changing experience through volunteering. These shared experiences not only strengthen family bonds but also broaden horizons and leave a lasting positive impact on the communities they visit.

Instead of learning about foreign cultures in the museum, learn directly from the locals. Instead of listening to a tour guide, lend a hand in restoring ancient landmarks. Don’t forget to research and tailor your experience based on the interests of the family members. And even if you don’t find an organisation like you wish to, you can always grab a bin and start collecting trash around beaches or parks; just remember to dispose of the trash properly.

Family friendly volunteering - volunteer with family — Photo from Canva.com

So, this summer, skip the typical tourist traps and embark on a volunteer adventure that will create memories and make a real difference. And after you return from this trip, you and your family can keep volunteering in your local area. You can go for example, tree planting regularly, even if it’s just a few times a year. Why not spend family time doing something impactful while creating everlasting memories?

Travellers Volunteering Guide

Do you crave adventure and cultural immersion? Volunteering while you travel allows you to combine your wanderlust with meaningful work. The project possibilities are vast, ranging from animal care and teaching English to construction projects in developing countries or environmental cleanups. Volunteering lets you delve into a new culture, learn new skills, explore a different way of life, and make a positive impact all at once.

Volunteering while travelling — Photo from Canva.com

Individual Volunteering Tips

Maybe you’re not planning a trip but still want to volunteer. The beauty of individual volunteering is the ability to focus on a cause you’re truly passionate about. Do you love animals? Volunteer at your local shelter. Are you concerned about homelessness? Soup kitchens and homeless shelters need your help. Do you like scrolling through social media? Help non-governmental organisations (NGOs) with content and social media management. The options are endless, from environmental cleanups and mentoring programs to working at a community garden or even on your laptop. Individual volunteering allows you to make a difference in your own community, gain valuable experience, learn new skills, and connect with like-minded people.

Individual volunteer at animal shelter — Photo from Canva.com

No matter your age, background, or travel plans, there’s a volunteer opportunity waiting for you. Do your research, choose a project that aligns with your interests, and get ready to make a difference!

More Tips Up Our Sleeves

Leveraging Social Media

The power of social media can be harnessed to promote these volunteer opportunities and inspire others. Young people can create engaging content showcasing their experiences and encouraging peers to get involved.

Managing Expectations

Volunteering can be challenging and not always glamorous. Be prepared for hard work and a different pace of life. Consider local volunteering before embarking on a larger project abroad. This helps you gauge your interest and preparedness.

Local volunteer at food shelter — Photo from Canva.com

Remember that volunteering often doesn’t bring any short-term visible effects, but maybe that can be simply another way of engaging with the locals and your community. Stay in touch with them and check in on the project to see the long-term result that you were part of.

Time Commitment

Be realistic about the time you can dedicate. Don’t sign up for a month-long program if your trip is only two weeks long. Nonetheless, even short trips can include volunteering! Research local opportunities like beach clean-ups or helping at a soup kitchen.

Budgeting

Some volunteering programs, especially long-term ones, may involve program fees, travel costs, and living expenses. Factor these into your trip planning. You can look for volunteer programs that offer work exchange opportunities, allowing you to volunteer in exchange for accommodation and meals. You can also consider volunteering with a local organisation to minimise travel costs and program fees; however, volunteering while travelling is also an amazing way of giving back to the locals and making your trip more sustainable.

Want to volunteer abroad but struggle financially? Consider these:

Set up an online fundraising page or organise events to raise money for your trip.
Several institutions offer scholarships and grants specifically for volunteer programs. Research and apply for ones that align with your project. These are a few of our tips, but you can find many more financial aid opportunities:
- 200 Travel Scholarships and Grants that can help you finance your volunteering experience.
- The European Solidarity Corps portal offers a place for those young people and organisations (often including grants) to connect.
- GVI’s International Volunteer Abroad Scholarship Program awards various scholarships to eligible applicants who want to pursue an international education experience.
- Volunteer Forever has been offering travel scholarships to help participants defray the cost of volunteering, studying, interning, teaching, or working abroad.
- A list of more scholarships, bursaries, and grants by Projects Abroad.

Popular Websites To Start Your Volunteering Journey

The internet offers a vast world of volunteer opportunities, but navigating it all can be overwhelming. We compiled a list of popular websites that can connect you with the perfect volunteer program that aligns with your interests and goals. Let’s explore some of the top resources to kickstart your volunteering journey!

The European Solidarity Corps offers a wealth of volunteering opportunities in many different fields, from digital technologies to health and the environment.
Volunteer Match is a highly popular and user-friendly volunteering platform.
A global hub called the Idealist has a variety of nonprofit organisations that need your help.
Points of Light Engage pulls volunteer opportunities from sites around the web to provide the most comprehensive database of volunteer opportunities.
Catchafire caters to volunteers with specific skills and expertise.
United Nations Volunteers (UNV) offers opportunities for individuals to work on international development projects.
For travellers, Go Overseas offers a directory of volunteer opportunities abroad.
Volunteer World offers an extensive range of volunteer projects, from environmental conservation to social work.
Make a sustainable impact while boosting your personal and professional growth with GVI. This platform also contains online opportunities.

Article by Bibiana Eva Bartschova. I am an impact-driven researcher from Czech Republic. My passion for volunteering led me to Green Cloud Nine, as a writer and editor I am able to share with you knowledge contributing to a better world. Join me on this exciting journey and explore the world through the lens of kindness and compassion.

June 24, 2024 0 comment

Environment Green & Social Entrepreneurship Social Projects

Do we need Sustainable Development Goals?

by Jahnvi Vyas June 6, 2024

written by Jahnvi Vyas

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a global call to action. They give hope and inspire equal growth. The United Nations established them in an effort to improve the state of the globe. But how effective have they been? And do we even need them?

End extreme poverty, combat injustice and inequity, address climate change—there are so many! The Sustainable Development Goals are significant, potentially game-changing targets that will require collaboration between businesses, national and international authorities, as well as world leaders.

Even though we are far from achieving them, we still need them on our side for an equal and prosperous world. Hence, in this blog post, we will discuss why the SDGs are crucial for building a brighter future for everyone.

What Are the Sustainable Development Goals?

We need them to meet the demands of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainable development refers to the growth of towns, businesses, land, and cities—the kind of growth that is long-lasting and does not further deplete or degrade resources.

Coupled with climate change in action and impacting more and more people, the SDGs have become necessary. Why? In essence, these interdependent goals serve as a blueprint for a collaborative effort between developed and developing countries, aiming for economic prosperity, environmental protection, and global well-being. SDGs aspire to raise everyone’s standard of living while reducing the amount of natural resources used. They fight to preserve the earth’s resilience for the benefit of coming generations.

History is filled with cautionary tales of societies that prioritized short-term gain over long-term sustainability. We’ve seen environmental degradation and social inequalities widen, jeopardizing the well-being of entire populations. As a result, the SDG targets set by the United Nations are a beacon of hope and a course of correction, guiding us towards a more sustainable world by 2030.

“The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the Global Goals, were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity.”
UNDP

In 2015, 193 countries signed the policy framework for the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, which is overseen by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

More specifically, the IMF overlooks the finances of the SDGs. Consequently, five pillars must be acted on: people, prosperity, planet, peace, and partnership. We’ll discuss them in detail in the upcoming sections.

Why is Sustainable Development Important?

Economic, environmental, and social differences pose a greater threat to humanity than we can ever imagine. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim to change this and transform our world. They are a call to action to end the injustice that exists in the world despite the growing industrialization and developments.

Just like India and China, we can expect other countries and the remaining untouched groups of people to achieve proper shelter, health and food to rise out of poverty. To give you an instance, India has successfully taken millions out of extreme poverty, the poverty rate of India has reduced from 24.85% in 1993 to 14.96% in 2021. India has also been among the first nations to sign such treaties and policies. However, it still ranks 111th out of 125 countries in the Global Hunger Index 2023, which is shocking and saddening at the same time.

We can only hope that with these goals in effect, by 2030, everyone can live a life with abundant food, a proper roof over their heads, good health and happiness.

The Harsh Reality

According to the United Nations, in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic made 100 million people extremely poor. This sudden crisis put certain communities years back towards basic development, such as food and basic sanitation, particularly in developing countries. This proved to be a major setback towards the achievement of Sustainable and Millennium Development Goals.

The SDGs address many global issues, such as poverty, inequality, environmental degradation, climate change, peace, and justice. They give people, companies, and governments a framework for working together to create a more sustainable and just society.

Gender equality is more than a goal in itself. It is a precondition for meeting the challenge of reducing poverty, promoting sustainable development and building good governance.
Kofi Annan

The Execution of the SDGs Pillars

In light of this, people stand for fostering inclusion by reducing gender and income inequality. The first five SDGs are completely people-oriented and try to solve basic needs like food, shelter and poverty. Specifically, the first Sustainable Development Goal under the people pillar is No Poverty, followed by Zero Hunger, Good Health and Well Being, Quality Education and the fifth SDG Gender Equality.

Prosperity looks at the technological and economic aspects by which developing countries can grow. The second pillar, prosperity, imbibes five SDGs from 7 to 11. The seventh goal is Affordable and Clean Energy, followed by Decent Work and Economic Growth, Industry Innovation and Infrastructure, Reduced Inequalities, and lastly, Sustainable Cities and Communities.

The third pillar, the planet, tackles global climate change and all its issues. The sixth goal, Clean Water and Sanitation, works towards the betterment of the planet, along with SDGs 12 to 15. These are Responsible Consumption and Production, Climate Action, Life Below Water, as well as On Land.

Furthermore, proper governance and policy changes help reduce loose ends and corruption at institutional levels, fostering peace around the globe. The 16th goal, Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, aims to do the same through strict regulations.

Obviously, no goals can be achieved on an individual basis. So, by financing the objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals on a global level, considering taxes and other aspects, partnerships, the fifth pillar, overlooks its success. The final goal, SDG 17, Partnerships for the Goals, aims to achieve the same by 2030.

Innovative Solutions for Achieving Sustainable Development Goals: A Roadmap for Progress

We have for you a roadmap that will easily help you contribute to achieving the SDGs. Below are the 17 SDGs, along with a very simple, individualistic, and sustainable task associated with each.

If you follow these, you could be able to help engage in all the SDGs together and showcase them to your eco-friendly community. Moreover, the facts associated with it will motivate you further. Excited?

You can Make SDGs a Reality

The idea that the typical person can have an impact seems unattainable. Must you just give up? Not at all! You are the first who can make a change.

Really? Every person on the planet, even the most apathetic and slothful, contributes to the answer because thousands of people who make small changes will have a great impact. Thankfully, we can all make a few very simple changes to our daily routines that will help us do so. Here are just a handful of the numerous things you can do to have an effect:

1. People Are at the Forefront

SDG	Reality To Motivate	One Little Change You Can Make
SDG 1: No Poverty	The extreme poverty line is less than $2.15 per day. 700 million people live on the extreme poverty line.	Give away items you don’t use. Local nonprofits will repurpose your gently used furniture, books, and clothing.
SDG 2: Zero Hunger	122 million more people have gone hungry since 2019 as a result of various crises.	Don’t throw away food. If you are unable to consume it, freeze it or compost it.
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being	70% of social workers and health professionals worldwide are women. Almost 80% of all maternal deaths, stillbirths, and neonatal deaths that happen today could be prevented by increasing funding for midwives.	Eat well (fresh, local, home-cooked food; reduce processed food). Move your body daily. Take care of your mental wellbeing. You can also donate your blood.
SDG 4: Quality Education	Worldwide, 103 million young people lack basic literacy skills, with more than 60% of them being women.	Donate your used books, promote and take free online courses or mentor young people.
SDG 5: Gender Equality	One out of five girls are married before their 18th birthday.	Be aware of gender stereotypes, stand up against harassment when you encounter it or simply share the workload at home.

SDG PEOPLE PILLAR

2. A Prosperous Life is What Everyone Deserves

SDG	Reality To Motivate	One Little Change You Can Make
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy	675 million people still live in the dark. Out of five, four live in Sub-Saharan Africa.	Avoid using multiple devices, such as laptops and smartphones, at the same time, and switch off your appliances when not in use.
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth	The disproportion in the labour market affects more women than men. Women are paid up to 10-30% less.	Buy local. It will support national economic growth as well as local businesses and farmers.
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure	Ninety per cent of the world’s population, or more than 4 billion people, lack an Internet connection.	Use social media and ask policymakers to prioritize sustainable infrastructure.
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities	In 2016, the richest 1% of people in the world took home 22% of all income, while the bottom 50% received 10%.	Support companies that are inclusive of different marginalized groups and races via their employment and products.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities	Only half of the global urban population has easy access to public transportation.	Commute sustainably. Use public transport, walk or bike.

SDG PROSPERITY PILLAR

3. Our Planet is Our Home

SDG	Reality To Motivate	One Little Change You Can Make
SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation	More than 2 billion people still do not have access to basic hygiene facilities.	Do not waste or overuse water. Take quick showers and close the tap when not in use.
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production	If everyone used energy-efficient lighting, we would save 120 USD per year.	Use energy-efficient lighting systems such as LEDs.
SDG 13: Climate Action	The sea levels are projected to rise up to 30 to 122 cm by the year 2100.	You can plant native trees to reduce carbon footprint.
SDG 14: Life Below Water	40% of the ocean is affected by pollution and other human activities.	Reduce waste. The waste created on land ends up eventually in the oceans.
SDG 15: Life on Land	Agriculture is a direct source of living for more than 2.6 billion people.	Do not use harsh chemicals such as pesticides while growing plants or crops to maintain soil quality.

SDG PLANET PILLAR

4. A Goal for Peaceful Lives

SDG	The Hard Reality	One Little Change You Can Make
SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions	A billion people lack the ability to establish their identity, making them legally ‘invisible.’ Approximately 625 million children under the age of 14, whose births were never recorded, are included in this.	Support the unrecognised groups of people by gifting them real products that they actually need.

SDG PEACE PILLAR

5. Partnerships are the Backbone of SDGs

SDG	The Hard Reality	One Little Change You Can Make
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals	After the epidemic, progress in closing the digital divide has halted.	Work with NGOs that support the Global Goals. Buy products with Fair Trade Labels.

SDG PARTNERSHIPS PILLAR

The objectives of the SDGs focus on significant concerns like eradicating poverty, safeguarding the environment, and guaranteeing equality for all. Their aim is to make the world more equitable and sustainable for all. Only once societies and communities are balanced on multiple levels will we be able to achieve true prosperity, growth, and justice for all.

Learn More about SDGs and Sustainability

10 Simple Sustainable Lifestyle Changes To Your Household

Green Entrepreneurs For A More Sustainable Future

20 Sustainability Facts That May Surprise You

The SDGs in Action

Hi, I am Jahnvi Vyas. I have a Master’s in environmental science and my love for nature inspires me to be a more sustainable person. I am also an editor with a passion for graphics and video editing trying to learn new things.

June 6, 2024 0 comment

Environment Green & Social Entrepreneurship Social Projects Uncategorized

8 Amazingly Sustainable Structures

by Lola December 1, 2021

written by Lola

Sustainable structures are the future, there are no two ways about it, we already have a blueprint, so how can we learn from these for future projects?

So, architecture has been around since people have needed shelter, in one shape or form, some of it dynamic, and some are subjectively out of fashion. Whatever your thoughts, architecture and buildings are vital, and more and more structures are being looked at through green-tinted glass. This really should be celebrated.

So, as you can probably guess green architecture, is about building sustainable structures. But that’s easy to say but let’s get an exact definition to see how green these buildings are really meant to be.

But what exactly is sustainable architecture?

“philosophy of architecture that advocates sustainable energy sources, the conservation of energy, the reuse and safety of building materials”
Britannica.com

So, let’s take a look at some architecture that moves the needle in innovation.

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1. Shanghai tower- China. Asia’s awesome answer to sustainability.

So not only is it one of the world’s tallest buildings, but it’s also one of the most sustainable. But why? I hear you say. With wind turbines located at the top of the building to power the lighting on the structure and on the ground, intelligent controls keep an eye on energy usage throughout the building.

This is an awe-inspiring feat of engineering. It is predicted that these measures save almost 35,000 tons of carbon each year. So, what do you think, does this qualify as a sustainable structure? Or could they do better?

2. The Pixel building- Melbourne Australia- Small but a game-changer.

Next up we are, going down under with a building that got it right before sustainability was as admired as it is now. Opened in 2010, the Pixel building generates its own power and water supply within the structure.

The shape of the building is designed to maximise rainwater collection, and aid wind production for the buildings vertically mounted wind turbines. This is a pretty impressive feat. Do you think more governments should mandate building practices like these?

3. Oasia hotel- Singapore– Urban gardeners delight.

Let’s jump over to Singapore. Singapore more and more seems to be a hub for green technology, renewables and innovative green practices. With this hotel, it’s pretty easy to see how it’s renewable with over 33 species of plants all over the building and just over 20 species of creeper plants.

To keep all these plants watered, an intelligent irrigation system that reduces water usage as much as possible is in use. The building has been designed to keep shade on occupied areas, and in doing so, minimise ventilation usage.

The building ventilation system constantly monitors usage and uses chilled water to cool the main places of the building interior. Interesting system in use, but does it need to be self-sufficient with its power usage?

4. The Apple Headquarters- United States. Beautiful and green.

Apple being the company that revolutionised phone technology, as you can imagine, their building probably won’t look like a standard rectangular block—based in Cupertino in the United States. The building is powered by 100 per cent renewable energy from a multitude of sources. Including solar panels all over the structure and Biogas. All of the energy is stored using batteries. Best of all, during low periods, they can even sell electricity back to the grid.

Also, Apple further shows its green credentials by incorporating solar and other sustainable sources to power Apple buildings in Singapore, Japan, and China. Interestingly, since 2018 Apple’s store’s, offices and data centres have all run on renewable energy.

Apple seems to see Solar power as the future of electricity production. Do you agree? Do you see Apple as a key player in sustainability in every area? Is Apple the leader in sustainable structures as well as sustainable products?

5. Asia Square- Singapore: Singapore really is leading the way.

We are back in Singapore for the next one. Asia Square is an interestingly designed piece of architecture, the building includes office buildings and the Westin hotel.

Ok, that’s great, but let talk sustainability. Well, firstly, the building uses the kinetic energy from the lifts to help power the building, which seems like it should be used in every construction. Again, its design is to reduce direct sunlight and reduce the warming up of the structure.

Next up, it has 270,000 watts kilowatt-hours of solar on the roof to power the building. Solar is used to power energy heavy ventilation systems. Condensation within the building will be reused for internal water vegetation. To aid hygiene, the building uses UV emitters to sanitise and reduce airborne microorganisms.

Overall, a considerable achievement in sustainability, and the building shows what can be achieved using low tech and high technology.

The sustainable structure will change over the next decade quicker than ever before thanks to climate change and the potential energy savings that come with it. What would you add to the list?

Enjoying reading about these amazingly innovative buildings, but would you like to learn more about sustainability within your own household click here? If you are more of a DIYer check out our how-to guide on kombucha.

https://noctulachannel.com/svart-o-hotel-eco-friendly-que-vai-nascer-sobre-um-glaciar/hotel-svart_1/

6. SVART hotel-Norway – Developers really need to take inspiration from this.

Scandinavians are famous for being big supporters of green architecture, so it was only right we mentioned their efforts, what will be the first-ever energy-positive hotel. The hotel will be based in Norway, which could be the start of what a sustainable future looks like.

Overall, the hotel, when compared with a conventual new hotel, uses 85 per cent less energy. So how is it powered, well surprisingly, solar panels and, less surprisingly, architects expect hydropower will be used.

The design is based on glaciers, Norwegian styled fishing apparatus and Scandinavian house design. So, what do you think, is this the future of architecture and green buildings?

7. Transbay Tower- San Francisco-USA

The Co2 absorbing building:

India has a vast population and vast amounts of resources, but how are they working towards 100 per cent sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint. Well, a small taste of India’s progress could come in the form of the future sustainable city of Amaravati. The city is being proposed by a design company and would include 60 per cent of land area being green vegetation.

All transport from public transport to personal vehicles will be electric, and the city will even provide water taxis. The city will use roof solar to power induvial buildings. An irrigation system will be used to aid the use of recycled water. The project, which is projected to cost around six and a half-billion dollars, will even include shaded streets to encourage walking.

The goal is to house 3.5 million residents from various income levels over the next 35 years. This sounds like an exciting project; when will every city be like this?

So what is the most on of the most sustainable buildings on the list?

8. The Edge in Amsterdam: The Worlds Greens building?

So, we have saved arguably the best for last. Claimed to be the greenest building on planet earth and not only that but also the smartest. So clever, you say, but how so? Well, the structure can identify your car and designate you with a parking space. Ok, tell me more? Also, the building will help you find a desk within the building using an App.

Amazingly, the structure has every type of work desk you can think of. Ok, that cool, is that it? Well, no, If you move to another part of the building will adjust the conditions around you, like light and even temperature, to replicate your last desk conditions. Wow, let’s talk green. Well, the building won an official energy award with a score of almost 98 per cent. Which is the highest sustainability grade given to any building.

How does it work?

The building uses Solar panels to produce more energy than the building actually needs. The building is constantly monitoring conditions and has 28,000 sensors.

Electric devices within the building all have the lowest energy requirement available. Being a workspace, it has an open plan interior which is seen as unconventional for such a large building, with around 1,000 desks.

Using intelligent technology, energy from when machines are being used or not in use are monitored, and sections of the building can even be shut down to save energy. One last thing, the building uses heat during the summer months to warm the building in winter, by harnessing the suns rays and pushing the heat underground, to be used when things get cold. So what do you think, are you impressed?

Enjoyed reading about an amazing architect that is not just all show, would you like to learn more about sustainability or entrepreneurship or maybe both? Why not check out our LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram for more information

December 1, 2021 0 comment

Environment Social Projects

What Happened At The United Nations Climate Change Conference?-COP26

by Lola November 24, 2021

written by Lola

So, what is it? COP stands for the Conference of Parties and the reason behind it is to bring together the countries representatives to discuss climate action. This year is the 26^th year it has been held and thus is called the COP26.

The event lasts for 12 days and doesn’t just include world leaders but also business owners and concerned citizens.

The event itself was carbon neutral, with any carbon Incurred offset through the purchase of UNFCCC offsets. Food served at the event also displayed the amount of carbon produced in the process of making the food.

There overall goals for COP26 Include:

Resolving old goals that have not been achieved from the Paris agreement, as many climate goals, were not achieved.

We are on track for a temperature increase of 3.1 decrease, but thanks to the commitments from numerous countries, it will be closer to to 2.7 degrees. This is still much higher than the 1.5d egrees that scientists say should be our goal.

More work needs to be done to help those affected by climate effects. All representations need to be aware that climate disasters will continue if this problem is not tackled.

Its hoped that 100 bn dollars will be provided annually to help combat the affects of climate change. It is hope that this money can help poorer countries with their carbon goals and countries that have been heavily effected by climate distasters.

The event allowed many voices to be heard from worldwide citizens who have experienced climate disasters and climate advocates like Boris Johnson and Prince Charles who gave speeches supporting the cause.

Ending deforestation practices and preserving current green places and restoring habitat’s that have been lost.

Increasing pressure on worldwide agriculture to clean up their act looking particularly at life stock farming, so implementing sustainable farming practices limiting livestock numbers.

Scientists have asked that 30 per cent of worlds land and marine areas be preserved by 2030.

Last but not least, legislation, obviously putting rules that cover the entire world is not easy. So COP26 was important for solving any issues that may have come up since COP21 and making future goals.

Over 500 fossil fuel lobbyists were in attendance, which was more than any individual country. Interestingly a recent UN report has found that fossil fuel companies are looking to increase Oil production levels from now on.

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Has there been progress since COP21?

Let’s take a look back on COP21 and what happened during the last event. Many think that the last event was full of big promises but a lot less action. 196 countries in total agreed to set targets, report co2 levels and through combined commitment aim to ensure worldwide temperatures don’t rise by more than 1.5 degrees.

So similar to this year’s event but with one key difference, a noticeable increase in climate disasters and the combined costs being very significant.

Coal plants

The good news is over 40 countries have pledged to quit coal usage for energy production. Some heavy hitters have signed the agreement including Poland, Canada, South Korea and Vietnam to name but a few. All of which were big users of coal plants for their energy production. They have pledged to end the usage of coal-burning plants by 2030 and 2040 depending on how financially well off the country is.

Some of the biggest emitting countries did not sign the agreement, which is a somewhat worrying sign, South Africa, the Philippines and Indonesia, also did not sign the agreement. Instead, they opted for modified agreements to the pledge.

The results of COP26

Over 100 countries have verified dates for net zero targets, this is 2/3 of the world of the worlds global economy.

China pledged to be net zero by 2060 and improved their previous climate targets.

India set 2070 as there target for net zero, by 2030 half of all of India’s energy will be from green energy.

45 countries pledged to safeguard nature. The pledge also includes 4 billion to help innovation that will help crops better withstand increased climate issues.

Over 90 countries have pledged to cut methane emission by 30 per cent by 2030 from current levels.

More than 120 countries have pledged to end deforestation by 2030, including China and Brazil. Brazil plans to end deforestation by 2028.

Canada has pledged over 1 billion USD to nature based climate solutions over the next 5 years for developing countries.

The not so good news

Australia hasn’t pledged to strengthen their pledge from its original Paris agreement
The 100 bn USD pledge to developing countries could not be agreed upon.
China, Australia and the US have not pledge to end coal burning, just yet.
India and China changed their pledge from phase out coal to phase down coal.

This may have been one of the most significant climate change conferences ever, with some progress made. Overall only time will tell, as with the last conference, actions will say more than pledges.

Why the Climate pledge wording is so important

The pledge wording was a surprisingly important part of the event. A number of countries used less direct words which has some environmentalists worried. Indirect wording can be subjective and thus, add the possibility of confusion on what needs to be achieved.

At green cloud nine we take sustainability very seriously, we ensure all our products are rigorously tested to ensure they are sustainable and also offer the option to offset some carbon by planting a tree when purchasing from our store. Also, you can find us on Linkedin, Facebook and Instagram for all things green

A number of countries have been hit hard by climate change disasters. It’s predicted that a number of key areas will be severely affected in the future, these include the Maldives, the great barrier reef, Mumbai in India and Florida to name but a few.

Some of which are key worldwide cities, so it shows how important change is to hit that 1.5-degree increase.

Why the1.5 degree increase is so important?

For a start, it’s not as simple as a worldwide 1.5-degree increase, spikes and heatwaves will be further increased with this temperature increase. Scientists predict that if worldwide temperatures increase by up to 1.5 degrees some areas will become dangerously hot.

One of the most sobering stats provided during COP26 is that the world would need to cut emissions by 55 per cent to hit a temperature increase of only 1.5 degrees.

Again it’s not just a slight difference in temperature. The world climate is fragile and the increase in carbon will see stronger storms as it progresses.

So what we can expect, if COP26 is unsuccessfull

Sea levels increase by almost 4 inches.
Coral reefs decline continues and are almost wiped out completely.
Fish levels decrease significantly
Hundreds of millions of people are subjected to climate related issues.

What technology can aid COP26 pledge goals?

Electric vehicles although their production does damage the environment. Over the cars lifespan they are significantly better for the planet.
Solar glass is expected to play a big part in the future of buildings. This will mean that buildings can indpendently power themselves.
Consistent improvements in battery technology is seeing battery lifespans increase and the amount of power they can store increase too.
Carbon capture, recently Iceland has opened the worlds largest carbon capture facility, and as technology improves, carbon capture efficiency should increase too.

Are you a fan of technology and sustainability why not check out our article on green technology.

November 24, 2021 0 comment

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Green & Social Entrepreneurship Social Projects Sustainable Products

Amazing Green Technology That May Change The World

by Lola October 13, 2021

written by Lola

Environmental technology is not important, it’s vital. It only takes one good idea that is properly utilized. This could in turn change the face of our problem with climate change and our environment and even habitat loss. Right now, governments and individuals are starting to see the light and investing in clever technology.

The bottom-line is conditions will continue to decline if we don’t reinvent our old ways. Change needs to be implemented and money and experience need to be put behind climate change and green initiatives.

So, what is Environmental technology?

So according to gdrc.org: Environmental Technology usually refers to specific technologies that are used only for the purpose of solving environmental problems:

Seems pretty straightforward, right, but there are so many aspects of Environmental technology and so many problems to solve. It looks like we have a big challenge ahead.

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1. Plastics made from plants

You don’t have to be told twice that we have a worldwide plastic problem. Have you heard of the huge plastic garbage patch floating around the Pacific Ocean? Various pictures of aquatic life caught in plastic, and reports of plastic on the lowest levels of the ocean.

Here on land, we have a slow uptake on the use of biodegradable plastic, some countries are better than others.

So, what about some plant-based plastics, really plant plastics? Agricultural food scraps can be reused to make plastics, that can be composted, or be manufactured to be fully biodegradable.

Biodegradable plastics are more complex than you think

This all sounds great, but what are the drawbacks. Well, it can be up to 50 per cent more expensive than conventional plastics to manufacture, and they need specific technology to be broken down. But as we have seen from solar energy, the more that are manufactured the more the cost comes down. This seems like a very useful option for our plastic problem.

2. The future of battery technology

Ok so everyone knows that Electric vehicles are pretty green, but they have their issues also. With battery’s needing exotic materials to be manufactured. Internally factories having lots of waste and using lots of energy in the manufacturing process.

We also have the issue of where the energy comes from to put a charge in your amazing new electric car? Many worldwide countries still produce lots of their energy from fossil fuels.

Batteries are vital for storing energy from sustainable energy-producing sources to Electric vehicles batteries, and everything in between, so technology advancement here is vital. Let’s see what the future holds.

3. Battery Technology will double in capability

Battery technology is constantly improving, but it’s not where it needs to be, right? A big problem with EVs is the range and the price tag, although costs have come down considerably, EVs are more expensive than their combustion engine counterparts. Battery technology is arguably one of the most important environmental technology industries. If the capability of a battery was to double it would put to bed many concerns over buyers range anxiety in EVs.

Battery technology will continue to change

Currently, a number of companies are working on solutions to this, one of which is, in the form of Lithium metal batteries the batteries are twice as dense as standard EV batteries and will hopefully be used to power Electric vehicles and even planes by the end of the decade.

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4. Airships, yes really airships

A big problem with emissions and transport is that unfortunately, we don’t have many alternatives to power planes. They need massive amounts of fuel and they produce large amounts of CO2, but up until now what options did we have? But what about airships, you know them big air balloons in kids’ cartoons.

Well, they are looking more and more attractive as an option for short-haul flights. They use up to 90 less fuel than conventional short-haul flights and don’t have as much of the dreaded turbulence.

Are Airships not a bit impractical?

The best part is that they don’t need a runway. A company in the US is already using this technology to transport minerals from mines and to other remote areas, and it can also be used for passenger flights too. How about Barcelona to Mallorca, a 4 and half hour flight by airship. This is very comparable with a standard aeroplane flight, but in more luxury and much quieter.

So, what are the pitfalls? well, the technology and costs are an obvious one, if this is to become commonplace. Would travel on an airship be a good option?

5. The glass that saves the planet

Ok so what material is all-over high-rise buildings and many other buildings and is underutilized, yes you guessed it glass. So, what’s the big deal? well what about solar glass, it can be used to capture and save energy, that is otherwise wasted.

This technology is already available to buy, but with increased advancements in Solar technology, and if this was to become more mainstream this could be a big step forward for producing our own solar power building to building.

But that’s not all, this technology has a high UV protection rating and can improve sound insulation over standard windows too.

6. Coffee clothes

Clothes made from Coffee, coffee is very popular worldwide, for the caffeine kick and that sweet or bitter taste, depending on what you order, but what about fabric made from Coffee grounds? Sounds pretty unusual, but why? well, it can be produced with very little energy and is very durable and is a quick-drying material when in use. Does this count as environmental technology that is a change maker, we would say most definitely, Yes.

This material can be used in clothing and fabrics for odour and even UV protection. Best of all it uses up what is leftover from coffee production.

7. Power your neighbour’s house

So, you have solar panels on your building or house, but you don’t use all the energy. Your neighbour is not so lucky. Why don’t you share the energy?

Tesla power walls can now use your excess energy to help partially power your neighbour or neighbours’ homes. Best of all the owners can make money from the energy, they give away and provide support for some less reliable power grids.

8. Sewage to clean drinking water

Having clean water is not a luxury that everyone has, unfortunately, water pollution or drying up is a genuine problem. So, what about filtering the sewage water to make freshwater? maybe this will make people scowl, upon first thought. But recently in Singapore, they started doing just that.

Are you brave enough?

Today this filtered water provides 40 per cent of all the fresh water in Singapore. Singapore plans on increasing this too. Would you drink filtered sewage water?

Are you a fan of sustainably produced drinks, well why not check out our blog post on Kombucha, it really is an amazing drink.

9. Solar-powered electric vehicles

Ok so we have solar panels and we have battery-powered cars, it was only inevitable that they would be combined. But what about solar electric vans. A German startup is looking to bring to the market a lightweight van that has solar on its roof. But solar cant power a vehicle, right?

You’ve heard of electric cars, but electric solar vans.

Well, their site claims that the solar panels can generate up to 200km of usable energy a day and has a fully charged range of 600km. Which is more than enough for the average person.

Best of all this has many body styles so can be used for many different uses. If this is a sign of things to come, vehicles will be very interesting in the future.

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10. Sustainable cities of the future

So, in movies, a sustainable city has green areas everywhere, flying cars and fast-paced technology. But is that really a reality for our future?

The national geographic had a look at what a sustainable city of the future may look like, and it has some very interesting features. Examples include the cleansing of rainwater for numerous functions, including the revival of lost animal habitats.

Urban farms and gardens become part of the urban landscape. Which sounds like a very positive way forward. Landfills have become a part of history, and anything that would usually go to landfills is reused. Most food will be produced locally in urban farms. Buildings will be powered by solar glass, walls and even hydropower.

Cities will become more and more self sustaining

High-rise buildings will be restricted to allow light for solar functions. The city will be powered by energy produced in the local area, and local buildings will share excess energy.

So, what about the economy, the economy will be built around policies that promote sustainability. The functionality will be improved as the city will have many reusable resources available. Livability will also improve as the air quality will be improved.

What about the commute to work? Drones will be used to transport people to their place of work. For longer distances, high-speed trains will be available that can travel at speeds of up to 600 miles an hour.

Whether you think this is viable or not, it’s a very interesting look at the future life of people in sustainable cities.

Are you a big believer in environmental technology? Time to go visit our Instagram Facebook and LinkedIn Accounts to stay informed on all things sustainable. More interested in personal sustainability, why not check out our post on being sustainable in the household.

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October 13, 2021 0 comment

A plant growing from golden coins and hands around it watering it and caring for it

Green & Social Entrepreneurship Social Projects Sustainable Businesses Sustainable Products

HOW TO BUILD A SUSTAINABLE START-UP

by Lola January 26, 2021

written by Lola

As I started working on building my business from the ground up, I found myself thinking about a thousand things: my business idea, the financial risk I am taking on by striking out on my own and founding a company, the effort involved in committing to such a brand new adventure, and the stress and anxiety involved in branching out into the unknown…

Believe in what you do & do what you believe

All of these thoughts are bouncing around in my head constantly. But I also find myself drawn to the passions that motivated me personally to found a sustainable start-up in the first place; my drive to make the world a better place, to focus on achieving more impactful sustainability and to inspire others to cling to environmentally friendly principles. It was clear to me from the beginning that whatever I start and wherever my company ends up, it would need to be somehow involved with promoting climate protection and sustainability.

Often we tend to think of sustainable companies as those who are designed, built, and marketed to manufacture and sell green goods and services that are environmentally friendly at some level.

However, in my opinion that’s only one part of the equation.

A sustainable business is not defined by the nature of the materials being produced or sold, but also on the manner in which they are produced and distributed. That means that any company could be sustainable (or at least more sustainable) regardless of the types of products or services it sells.

Being a sustainable business is more than making green products

Making your company eco-friendly should not be rocket science, nowadays there is enough information and plenty of experts out there that can guide you. Having said that, it is also true that it can be overwhelming and confusing if not careful.

First we need to have the willingness to become a sustainable business, and to define what does that actually mean for us. Don’t expect to solve all problems at the same time and to do it perfectly because most likely you will not succeed. Instead, start by defining your intentions and your goals, from there, apply some careful thought and planning and only when you are clear on those you can start implementing.

That is the process I am trying to follow as I develop my green start-up, and below are the five factors that I am keeping in mind.

Five factors to consider for a green start-up

A Code of Conduct (CoC)

Building an ethical code of conduct into your company’s business model is one of the best ways to signal that you and your team are committed to being environmentally friendly and socially responsible at all levels.

Your code of conduct should govern all areas and aspects of your business and hand down clear expectations about how your company will conduct itself and its products in line with environmentally sustainable practices and models.

Your code of conduct can also highlight your commitment to investing in environmentally friendly or green foundations or initiatives within your community, creating a strong foundation of environmental caution that stays with your company throughout its professional life.

Moreover, you can (or should) set the same level of expectations in your CoC for your suppliers and partners, making sure everyone is aligned on values and practices.

UN Sustainability Goals

If you’re not sure how to build or migrate your company over to sustainable principles or policies, consider taking a look at the UN Sustainability Goals.

Designed and released by the United Nations, these are seventeen Sustainability Goals designed to encourage more companies to move towards green practices at local and international levels. Some of the larger or more abstract goals like ending poverty, ending hunger, promoting gender equality, providing clean water access, and peace and justice might feel hard to enact on a start-up scale, but remember, you’re not being asked to solve each of these issues, you’re just committing to pursuing them in whatever way feels most practical or right for you.

Business Standards and Behaviors

Photo: Business Standards – 2 business men in the background and notepad

The Code of Conduct represents your values & beliefs framework. After that, setting out an environmentally-focused code for how your business or start-up will operate on a daily basis is the next step to ensure environmental honesty and sustainability throughout your company. There are plenty of regular replacements or green-savvy business behaviors you can implement in your company on a regular basis.

Consider for example how to reduce electricity consumption, swapping out business travel or office meetings for virtual meetings, or keeping your regular office gathering carbon-neutral. Other options are going paperless as much as possible, trying to only use recycled materials in your office, and of course maintaining your own robust recycling program.

A Green Culture

By implementing mandated business standards and behaviours that emulate important sustainable ideas, you can begin to lay the foundation for a green culture in your own start-up. A green culture goes beyond just setting out a list of rules or procedures that you expect your company or your employees to follow.

A green culture is how each stakeholder lives day by day, almost subconsciously the company values around the climate and the environment, a culture where employees bring in food in reusable containers and where suppliers have been vetted for ethical workplace management and sustainable product manufacturing before you begin using them.

With a green culture, every member and every part of your company can be entirely sustainable, and you can trust that everyone will be working to carry out your green mission because they feel a part of it.

Social Responsibility

Green cultures are also socially responsible cultures. Concern for the environment is almost inherently tied in with issues of social justice. You can’t claim to be a green company because you recycle if you are selling clothing made in South Asian sweatshops, just as you can’t claim to be an equal-opportunity employer because you employ both men and women if you avoid employing people of multiple ethnicities.

Issues of social justice such as ethical and fair wages, access to shelter, food, and clean water, and equal opportunities to pursue education and vocation are all as essential to building your sustainable business, because each of those issues is also interconnected to issues of the environment.

It is hard work but it is worthwhile!

In summary, designing a green startup requires deep thought and concentration as well as strategic planning and business operations. You need to address both climate justice and social justice, sustainable practices and sustainable supply chains. With careful and committed work, you can develop a thoroughly green and sustainable start-up model that transitions into an eco-conscious business smoothly and efficiently.

In my case, I know that I need to work hard and be persistent, I know that in teaming business and sustainability not all will be 100% perfect, and like it happens with old couples there will be friction and the need to compromise. Yet any small steps toward sustainability in business, as in private life, will already be an improvement and can make a huge difference, so let’s go for it!

What is your own experience with green companies? Would love to hear more about it!

January 26, 2021 0 comment