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Be The Change: Empowering Youth With Cutting-Edge Skills

by Bibiana
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.

Be a changemaker
Photo from Canva.com

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.

Bibiana

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.

This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of these third-party sites, we may earn a small commission at NO ADDITIONAL cost to you. These commissions are a necessary source of income to cover our costs, allowing us to continue bringing relevant information to all our users. Learn more here.

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Digital Decarbonisation: Business Edition
Green & Social EntrepreneurshipSustainable Businesses

Introduction To Digital Decarbonisation: Business Edition

by Bibiana
written by Bibiana

Posting on social media, receiving an email, creating a document or downloading a pdf. Our world thrives on digital data, especially due to the hit of COVID-19, adoption of digital technologies has rapidly increased. Both individuals and companies are harnessing the advantages of digitalization, which, to some extent, is beneficial to the environment. How? Well, technologies allow us to create efficient systems, lower energy consumption, improve monitoring, reduce commuting due to hybrid and online working options and even reduce paper consumption. With all these advantages and the push of the global pandemic, companies are grasping this opportunity, often relating it to their transformation towards more sustainable operations. 

70% of companies either have a digital transformation strategy in place or are working on one and 21% of companies think they’ve already completed digital transformation. 

By Blake Morgan, Forbes

Nonetheless, all this data has to be stored somewhere. And so it is that we are battling a silent enemy, a type of waste that is related to our use of technology not only physically but also digitally. Let us introduce you to digital decarbonisation, offering actionable steps for companies, offices, and individuals to minimize our impact on the digital sphere.

Getting Started With Digital Decarbonisation

Firstly, digital decarbonisation focuses on the utilisation of data and technology responsibly within organizations to minimize the environmental impact of digital activities. After all, by adopting sustainable digital practices, organizations can achieve digital decarbonization, which reduces the carbon footprint associated with data storage, processing, and use.

Optimization through digital decarbonisation
Photo from Canva.com

Let’s have a look at the key concepts of digital sustainability! 

Key Digital Sustainability Concepts

ConceptDescriptionEnvironmental ImpactSocial ImpactEconomic Impact 
Cloud wasteUnnecessary data stored in cloud storage (emails, documents, etc.) that are rarely or never used. The concept focuses on data storage and management within cloud computing environments. High energy consumption by data centers to store and maintain unused data.
Cloud computing requires data centres and servers that consume significant energy.		Reduced data volume lowers the risk of data breaches.Increased cloud storage bills for companies and individuals.
Reduction of cloud waste can improve efficiency. Faster access and easier organization of important data saves time and effort.
Digital wasteThe lifecycle of electronic data across storage locations. The broad term encompasses all forms of unnecessary electronic data, including cloud waste, old files on devices, and spam emails.High energy consumption for data storage and processing. It can also contribute to e-waste if data resides on unused devices.Fewer unnecessary files reduce vulnerability to data breaches.Costly storage fees and need for infrastructure optimisation.
Potential loss of productivity due to difficulty finding important information.
E-wasteElectronic waste refers to physically discarded electrical or electronic devices.Pollution from improper disposal of hazardous materials in e-waste. It can also contribute to resource depletion if not recycled properly.Health risks from toxic materials in landfills.Job creation in the e-waste recycling sector. Potential loss of valuable resources if not recycled.
Digital decarbonizationAddresses the overall environmental footprint of digital technologies and the efforts to reduce the environmental impact of digital tech by minimizing digital waste and e-waste and promoting energy-efficient practices.Reduces greenhouse gas emissions from data centres and electronic devices.It creates awareness and promotes responsible digital habits.Potential cost savings from reduced energy consumption and cloud storage needs.
Table of Digital Sustainability Key Concepts

Digital Sustainability Concepts Empowering Consumers

Each concept focuses on a specific aspect of digital sustainability. Cloud waste and digital waste focus on data, while e-waste focuses on physical devices. Digital decarbonisation considers the broader environmental impact, while planned obsolescence and right-to-repair influence e-waste generation from a design and consumer rights perspective.

ConceptDescriptionEnvironmental ImpactSocial ImpactEconomic Impact 
Planned obsolescenceThe practice of designing devices with a shorter lifespan encourages frequent upgrades.Increases e-waste as devices are discarded prematurely.Limits consumer choice and satisfaction. Increased profits for manufacturers due to more frequent device sales.
Right to repairThe movement advocates for consumer rights to repair electronic devices, potentially extending their lifespan and reducing e-waste.Reduces e-waste by allowing consumers to fix devices instead of replacing them.Empowers consumers and promotes product sustainability.Potential loss of profits for manufacturers if consumers repair devices instead of buying new ones.
Table of Other Digital Sustainability Concepts

The World of Data

The world’s focus on achieving net zero emissions, often seen in national strategies and new environmental policies, has specifically emphasized reducing physical emissions from businesses. Evidently, this serves as an additional push factor for companies to acquire digital alternatives.

The world of data
Photo from Canva.com

However, data generation and storage from individuals and devices, coupled with the rise of the blockchain, metaverse and artificial intelligence (AI), is creating a significant environmental burden. Not to mention that, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), “electricity consumption from data centres, AI and the cryptocurrency sector could double by 2026”. Despite this, government policies largely ignore these costs. Data centres, for example, are major energy consumers, and the data they store often goes unused. 

“Data centres are significant drivers of growth in electricity demand in many regions. After globally consuming an estimated 460 terawatt-hours (TWh) in 2022, data centres’ total electricity consumption could reach more than 1,000 TWh in 2026. This demand is roughly equivalent to the electricity consumption of Japan.” 

International Energy Agency (IEA)

Data Adding To Global Emissions

All of this “digital waste” contributes substantially to global emissions. While headlines focus on traditional industries like transportation, the data industry’s future emissions could eclipse them all. The way organizations view digital data needs a revolution. Therefore, we must recognize that using, processing, and storing data comes with an environmental price tag. In order to tackle this, collaboration is crucial. By bringing together academics, data scientists, policymakers, and businesses, we can surely foster responsible data practices. Sharing knowledge on energy-efficient methods, establishing clear best practices, and promoting transparency in data’s carbon footprint will allow us to unlock the power of data while minimizing its environmental impact.

Digital Footprint

Our insatiable appetite for data storage comes with a hidden cost, but we can still do something about it.

Digital Footprint
Photo from Canva.com

In detail, storing massive amounts of data requires enormous storage devices, which run 24/7. Without a doubt, this relentless operation demands significant power to keep everything running smoothly. Furthermore, beyond the data centres themselves, additional hardware and support systems are needed to prevent overheating, like cooling fans and fire suppression. The more data we generate, the more storage devices and support systems we require. This also translates to a surge in electricity consumption, leading to increased carbon emissions. These emissions further contribute to global warming and climate change and, ultimately, threaten the health of our planet.

Digital data is generated by humans, every second, in every corner of the world.

The rapid growth of cloud adoption is a double-edged sword. Hence, as companies opt for the cloud with their workloads, the potential for cloud waste expands alongside it. In particular, businesses eager to embrace these advancements often add services without fully considering their long-term use. For organizations, this can be especially costly, as the money used for cloud storage can be used to run other projects beneficial for the organization, making the organization not only more efficient but also more sustainable.

Tips for Digital Decarbonisation

Cloud and digital waste

Minimise Impact, Maximise Efficiency:

Unleash Digital Decarbonisation

Photo by Bibiana E. Bartschova from Canva.com

Organisational Digital Decarbonisation

  • Use renewable energy sources
  • Assess digital landscape 
  • Development of efficient software as well as hardware
  • Implement data governance & lifecycle management
  • Optimize cloud storage
  • Invest in green IT practices 
  • Employee training and awareness
  • Practice responsible e-waste disposal

Office Community Digital Decarbonisation

  • File management
  • Email practices
  • Go paperless 
  • Optimize device use 
  • Network optimization
  • Unplug devices 
  • Optimize power settings
  • Implement efficient digital project management

Individual Digital Decarbonisation

Do you want to help your company become more digitally green? If your company hasn’t heard about digital decarbonisation, please share the word. Until then… here are some actions that you can take by yourself: 

  • Raise awareness 
  • Cleanup your desktop
  • Manage your inbox 
  • Embrace cloud storage
  • Declutter your digital space 
  • Be mindful of email habits
  • Choose energy-efficient devices 
  • Think before you share

A Behavioral Approach to Decarbonization

Digital decarbonization isn’t just about technology; it’s about understanding how people make choices. Traditional economic models often assume people are rational, but behavioural economics recognizes that people are not always perfectly logical. There’s a clear difference between intention and action – people may want to be environmentally friendly, but they often stick to the default option or avoid changes due to cost or aversion to losses.

Photo by Magic Media AI from Canva.com

After all, looking at behaviour helps us understand cognitive biases and difficulties in decision-making. By using small incentives, stimuli, or “nudges,” we can subtly influence individuals to make further environmentally friendly decisions without restricting freedom.

By implementing these strategies, your company can become a leader in cloud sustainability. Remember, every byte you save makes a difference!

Let’s work together to build a cleaner and more efficient digital environment

Would you like to know more about solution-driven actions for businesses and individuals? Stay tuned and follow our social media for more tips or guides. Get the full step-by-step DIGITAL DECARBONISATION GUIDE here.

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Bibiana

Article by Bibiana Eva Bartschova. I am an impact-driven researcher from the Czech Republic. My passion for the circular economy led me on a journey of discovery, equipping me with research skills and a desire to contribute to a sustainable future through innovative solutions.

This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of these third-party sites, we may earn a small commission at NO ADDITIONAL cost to you. These commissions are a necessary source of income to cover our costs, allowing us to continue bringing relevant information to all our users. Learn more here.

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EnvironmentGreen & Social EntrepreneurshipSustainable BusinessesSustainable Products

Amazon: From Environmental Villain to Green Giant?

by Lola
written by Lola

In a world where convenience often trumps conscience, the big Marketplace Amazon stands as a towering monolith of consumerism. For years, many environmentally and socially conscious individuals, myself included, have steered clear of its digital aisles, because of the overwhelming concerns over its dubious environmental and labour practices. However, recent developments suggest that the retail beast might be turning over a new leaf, prompting a reevaluation of its impact and our relationship with it. So, maybe it’s time to take another look at Amazon and see if they’re becoming a friend to the environment and people.

The Not-So-Great Past

Let’s address the elephant in the virtual room: Amazon’s track record hasn’t exactly been stellar when it comes to environmental and social responsibility. From reports of excessive packaging to allegations of poor working conditions in its fulfilment centres, the company has often found itself in the crosshairs of criticism.

person in black leather boots sitting on brown cardboard boxes
Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels.com

Remember the days when ordering 3 items would result in an avalanche of cardboard boxes arriving at your doorstep? It was as if Amazon had a personal vendetta against trees. And don’t get me started on the carbon footprint of those lightning-fast Prime deliveries with free returns.

There is no doubt that all is aimed at offering the best shopping experience, but when I see certain consuming behaviours, my skin crawls. You just need to see the queues at the post office with people returning dozens of packages of items. Or my personal favourite, people ordering items only to take a selfie for their Instagram fans.

It makes me wonder if this “great customer service” and “extreme ease and convenience” in online shopping is not creating unhealthy habits for us, and our planet.

Then there were the distressing tales of warehouse employees subjected to gruelling working conditions, with reports of inadequate breaks, ridiculous salaries and unrealistic productivity quotas. Amazon’s quest for efficiency seemed to be achieved at the expense of its workforce’s well-being.

it was because of these reasons, that I stopped regularly buying from them years ago, only purchasing sporadically when I could not find the goods I needed anywhere else. One of my last purchases was a replacement battery for my phone which I proudly exchanged myself 💪.

The Winds of Change at Amazon

But as I am trying to be less judgmental and more understanding when it comes to my attitude to sustainable living, I decided to hold my judgment. In recent times, I couldn’t help but notice several initiatives strongly advertised by Amazon, aimed at mitigating its impact on the planet and its people. So I decided to have a second look at it, dear reader, for there’s a glimmer of hope on the horizon.

Amazon Renewed Program

First, let’s talk about the Amazon Renewed program. In our Green Cloud Nine shop we already promote refurbishing brands like SMAAART because renewal initiatives give refurbished electronics a new lease on life, diverting them from landfills and offering budget-conscious consumers a more sustainable option. It’s like giving gadgets a second chance at happiness, and who doesn’t love a heartwarming redemption story? So, I was really curious about how this Amazon program works:

According to Amazon:

“Products sold on Amazon Renewed are professionally inspected and tested to work by an Amazon-qualified manufacturer and performance-managed supplier. If we source products from a third-party seller, the third-party seller tests and inspects the product.”

So, it seems Amazon is very strict about the criteria these suppliers need to meet, which is always a good thing for us customers. The products will be fully functional and depending on their cosmetic and functional condition they get classified in different categories: Premium, Excellent, Good or Acceptable Condition.

They back the whole thing with a 90-day supplier warranty if the product is faulty, defective or doesn’t work as expected. Warranty can be even longer for Premium Renewed items and Amazon’s standard return policy still applies. All these steps work to give customers security in case the items are not properly reconditioned.

Also an Amazon’s Second-Chance Market

Then there’s Amazon’s foray into the world of second-hand goods.

a person repairing the board on the microscope
Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels.com

About 90% of my shopping is already second-hand, mostly done at the local thrifting NGO store. I support them because with the shop they create female employment. What I cannot find locally, I search for in online second-hand shops like Momox Fashion or Vinted. And of course, I also sell or donate goods that I can no longer use.

Maybe Amazon’s motivation to provide a platform for sellers to hawk their pre-loved wares, was economic. I can imagine them wanting to tap into the blossoming and profitable market for sustainable shopping. But may as it be, it’s a win-win situation. Shoppers get to snag a bargain while reducing their environmental footprint, sellers cash a few bucks and Amazon gets to bask in the glow of eco-friendly entrepreneurship.

I found it interesting that Amazon’s Second Chance program is not just limited to shopping pre-owned items. They have also included several comprehensive sections:

Repairs

Whether these are done by third-party service providers or by yourself you can explore their options

Recycle and trade

This is mainly for electronics but in some countries they offer the opportunity to recycle even beverage containers.

And let’s not forget about Amazon’s packaging programs

These aim to minimize waste and maximize efficiency. From frustration-free packaging to initiatives like “Ship in Own Container,” the company is finally acknowledging that less is indeed more when it comes to packaging materials. It’s a small step, perhaps, but a step in the right direction nonetheless.

Giving Credit Where Credit is Due but…

But perhaps the pièce de résistance of Amazon’s newfound environmental consciousness is its Climate Pledge. By committing to become net-zero carbon by 2040 and investing in renewable energy initiatives, the company is signalling its intention to take climate change seriously. It’s like watching a corporate giant embark on a green odyssey, complete with solar-powered sails and carbon-neutral crewmates. These changes present an exciting proposition that I intend to follow closely.

rainforest surrounded by fog
Photo by David Riaño Cortés on Pexels.com

Now, before you rush to add that shiny new gadget to your cart, let’s pause for a moment of reflection. Yes, Amazon seems to be making strides towards sustainability, but let’s not get carried away just yet. Greenwashing—the practice of misleading consumers into believing that a company’s products or policies are more environmentally friendly than they are—remains a very real concern.

So, while we should commend Amazon for its efforts to reduce its environmental footprint and improve its social practices, let’s also remember to keep a critical eye on its actions. Actions speak louder than words, and only time will tell if Amazon is truly committed to its newfound green ethos or if it’s just a case of clever marketing.

Let’s Keep an Open Mind and a Critical Eye

In the ever-evolving saga of Amazon’s impact on the planet, it seems we’ve reached a turning point. While we will not easily forget the company’s past transgressions, its recent initiatives towards sustainability and social responsibility offer a glimmer of hope.

As consumers, we have the power to shape the future of commerce by supporting companies that prioritize people and the planet. So, the next time you find yourself browsing through Amazon’s virtual shelves, remember to keep an open mind, a critical eye, and perhaps a sprinkle of optimism. That is what my team and I will be doing too, tracking Amazon’s journey into sustainability. After all, even the mightiest rivers can change course with a little help from the currents of progress.

We will stay true to our values and continue promoting products from small, innovative and sustainable companies to support a balanced prosperity. Having said that, we may also recommend some products that we believe support our mission to make sustainable living easy, even if their suppliers have chosen Amazon as their distribution platform because we understand how complex and difficult it is for small companies to own their distribution channels. We hope you understand our position.

Lola is the founder of Green Cloud Nine. Nature lover and environmental activist since she was a teenager, Lola has always been a great fan of homesteading and she is continuously experimenting and finding her way to be more self-sufficient and sustainable.

This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of these third-party sites, we may earn a small commission at NO ADDITIONAL cost to you. These commissions are a necessary source of income to cover our costs, allowing us to continue bringing relevant information to all our users. Learn more here.

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A list of sustainability icons in green circles
Green & Social EntrepreneurshipSustainable Businesses

Green Entrepreneurs For A More Sustainable Future

by Lola
written by Lola

For many different reasons, Green Entrepreneurship is a necessity nowadays. I am sure that you agree? As everybody knows each day the exploitation of natural resources is unsustainable. This is why more and more people each day understand that Sustainability is the answer to a better future.

However, individuals are not the only ones that have arrived at this conclusion. Companies becoming more and more aware of the current situation. Moreover, there are green entrepreneurs who are looking to make a better world with their business ideas.

Companies are changing their mindsets, and they are no longer looking to achieve traditional economic imperatives. They are also considering more environmental dimensions and trying to achieve objectives like minimizing energy consumption and reducing their carbon footprint. 

Nevertheless, there are some startups and companies that are not only helping by achieving these green goals Tese companies are basing their business principles around Sustainability. A good example is my adventure as a Green Entrepreneur with Green Cloud Nine, a digital marketplace to bring sustainable alternatives to everyone. I started this adventure because I wanted to help the transition to a fairer and more eco-friendly economy and society.

Green Cloud Nine logo. My company, green digital marketplace for Sustainable products

 

Many climate-warriors believe that green entrepreneurship is the answer. Would you like to hear about other green startups and companies?

1. The Ocean Advocate-Daniela V. Fernandez

The Sustainable Ocean Alliance is a global community formed by young people, green entrepreneurs, and experts. The goal is to discuss and collaborate to solve the problems with our ocean.

This organization began in 2014 and was founded by college students at the University of Georgetown. In 5 years, they brought more than 6,000 people together from 165 countries. The initiative brought people together who are interested in finding solutions and creating a community to help the ocean.

All this success has been achieved thanks to many hardworking and green minded people. However, The main driving force behind the project has been the founder of this association, Daniela . She started just six years ago and has built SOA into an international organization that brings environmentalists together from all around the world to create innovative solutions. 

All this success has been achieved thanks to many people, but especially to Daniela, the founder of this association. She started this adventure, and six years later she has built SOA into an international organization that brings environmentalists together from all around the world to create innovative solutions. 

For SQA, diversity in the team is very important. They believe it is important to bring young leaders, green entrepreneurs, advocates, and partners together who have the same goal to restore our ocean.

Their current projects consist of: ocean leadership microgrants, to support youth-lead green ideas all over the planet; a campaign against Deep-Seabed Mining, as they believe that it’s an unjustified threat to the health of our ocean; and finally, Ocean Learning Labs Series, that consist of webinars that focuses on ocean health and leadership, giving the opinions of experts on different topics, such as Plastics and the Ocean, or Latin American Regional Ocean Issues. 

2. Sun run- Lynn Jurich

Lynn Jurich is the co-founder of Sun-run. “the nation’s leading home solar, battery storage, and energy services company”. Lynn helped to create the business model of “solar-as-a-service”. Her goal is give easy access to clean and affordable energy on residential rooftops. 

Lynn Jurich is the co-founder of Sun-run, “the nation’s leading home solar, battery storage, and energy services company”. Lynn helped to create the business model idea of “solar-as-a-service”, which makes easier access to clean, more affordable energy from residential rooftops.

They have installed solar systems all across the United States. They have revolutionised the industry and the way that consumers generate and store electricity using home solar systems and batteries. Jurich believes that creating a sustainable planet is “both our greatest societal challenge and our greatest durable economic opportunity”. 

As well as having a large potential to mitigate climate change, Renewable Energy can provide wider benefits

Sun-run

3. Fuergy- Branislav Safarik, Radoslav Stompf, Rastislav Kuba, and Vladimir Miskovsky

Fuergy’s mission is to change the way that people use and share electric energy. The company is a renewable energy startup that focuses on providing alternative energy sources. Their motto is: “Consume less, share smarter”.

Fuergy lOGO. FUERGY is a renewable energy startup that focuses on providing alternative energy sources. Their motto is: “Consume less, share smarte

Fuergy was founded by Branislav Safarik, Radoslav Stompf, Rastislav Kuba, and Vladimir Miskovsky in 2018. Fuergy was working on a project focused on energy optimization for big companies and realized the vast potential and advantages this energy efficiency solution could deliver. They founded Fuergy intending to offer a solution to every single energy consumer around the world. 

Fuergy have developed their proprietary, high-scalable hardware device and Al-powered software. The software Aptly named“brAIn”, which helps to optimize the energy consumption and maximize the efficiency of renewable energy sources.

AI-powered brAIn makes decisions based on different factors, such as customer consumption, the user’s habits, weather forecast, grid status, electricity production. energy storage capacity, etc. 

4. AMP Robotics-  Matanya Horowitz

These green entrepreneurs are using intelligent robotics systems to assess the essential needs of today’s recycling operations.

 So, their mission is to unlock the constraints in the waste industry and use robotics and artificial intelligence to pursue it. AMP Robotics is formed by a growing team of environmentalists, engineers, and other professionals who share a passion for discovering new methods to modernize the way that we recycle.

Those robotics systems identify different types of plastics by material composition, sorted further by color, clarity, and opacity, along with different form factors. Moreover, AMP Cortex requirements for recovery include electronic scrap (for example, e-scrap), and identifying and picking the smallest pieces of materials to maximize the value recovered from material streams.

AMP Robotics helps to increase productivity, lowering the costs of recycling, diverting materials from landfills, increasing overall rates of recycling and resource recovery. This company is a perfect example of how recycling advances can help in the process of obtaining a more circular economy by addressing the problem of waste.

5. Treeapp-Godefroy, Jules, and Leo

Treapp is an app that enables people to plant one tree for free every day. They also help organizations to spread out their sustainable products and services.

Treapp is an app that enables people to plant one tree for free every day with minimal effort, and by helping organizations to spread out their sustainable products and services.

Godefroy, Jules, and Leo started this journey when they realized that there weren’t enough opportunities for everyone to have a positive impact.

They decided that their main goal was going to be bringing the oppurtunity to plant a tree to everyone, contributing to the environment.

However, their main duty is to find green entrepreneurs looking for a solution to grow their brand. The goal is to connect two stakeholders together and help the enviroment. This way users can plant trees for free every day, sponsored by their business partners. 

Last year, they planted 400,000 trees, which is the size of Monaco. The Treeapp Sites are located in South America (Haiti, Peru, and Brazil), Africa (Guinea, Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Madagascar, and Mozambique), and Asia (Nepal and Indonesia).  

Moreover, they don’t only plant trees, they also carry out other innovative initiatives, such as supporting plastic-free nurseries and electric bicycles in Burundi or working with educational programs in Tanzania. 

What do you think about Green Entrepreneurs?

As you can see, there are plenty of entrepreneurs around the world who are passionate about climate change. They help to make a more sustainable world by offering their pioneering products and services. I hope that these startups and companies, have motivated you to start your own sustainable adventure, and join the entrepreneurship green movement! 

If you are interested in Green Entrepreneurship, check this article that I wrote about my experience with Green Cloud Nine. And don’t forget to visit our Instagram and Facebook channels to learn more interesting facts and sustainability news.

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Lola, the founder of My Shade of Green dreaming about her green business
Green & Social EntrepreneurshipSustainable Businesses

YOU CANNOT AVOID YOUR DESTINY, AND MINE IS GREEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP

by Lola
written by Lola

It is destiny calling…

Those who know me well joke saying that I was born to be a green business woman, and I think they might be right.

I used to spend hours crafting jewellery
I used to spend hours and hours crafting jewellery

The entrepreneurial bug bit me when I was very young, I was merely 6 or 7 when I started my first business, and of course at the time, i didn’t even recognise it as such, but now I have to admit it was a very fun and profitable enterprise.

At that age, I loved to craft jewellery using glass beads, (and I still do). I made necklaces, bracelets, anklets, I could spend hours and hours in the lazy summer afternoons creating new combinations.

I would keep a few and give away a good amount as presents to my family and friends, but I was a prolific crafter and I always had plenty of “stock” left over which was the seed for my lucrative side-hustle.

Looking back in time, I think that first business model was the closest thing to perfection that I have ever seen…

Don’t believe me? Let me explain…

A little girl in a pink dress eating an ice-cream.
Ice-cream can be a strong motivator for a little girl
  • The business consisted in selling the overproduction of jewellery that I had created in my free time. And I did it during our holiday at the beach.
  • My customers were tourists enjoying the day by the sea. They were relaxed, happy and willing to spend their holiday money so they found this little girl selling jewellery on a bench, very cute and amusing.
  • I got all the materials that I needed or the money to buy them from my parents as rewards for the good school results, or as birthday presents, so unknowingly they became my first angel investors.
  • I then took care of the whole creative, production, marketing and sales processes, without even realising what I was doing.
  • For me, it was all profit…on one hand my hobby, turned seasonal business, allowed me to spend time in one of my favourite activities, and on the other, not having costs on my part, I could pocket the whole revenue!!
  • And it was a win-win situation also for my venture capitalists, who received their return on investment in the form of a few hours of quiet time whenever i was busy creating my unique pieces.

In case you are wondering what I did with the money, well…I was just a little girl and I did not understand much about finances so I just used the cash to satisfy my obsession at the time: ice-cream!!

A few years went by…

And I started developing a passion for nature and the environment. I was a teenager by now and my interest was so deep that I became obsessed with building and running a recycling plant when I grew up.

Imagine a 15 year old wanting a recycling plant!

A glass recycling plant
Glass recycling is very important to save valuable resources

I remember getting many weird looks and comments about how unusual I was but honestly I couldn’t care less. I have always been unusual and anyway I was too busy converting everyone around to the doctrine of the 3R’s: reduce, reuse and recycle. And my next biggest worry was convincing my parents to let me join Greenpeace and spend my vacations protecting the oceans in their emblem ship the “Rainbow Warrior”.

One could say that I drove my family and friends a bit crazy!

As I became an adult, life took over and drove me in other directions. I never got to build that recycling plant, nor did I sail in the Rainbow Warrior (which was for the best because as I discovered years later, I suffer from a serious case of sea sickness). But I did in fact join Greenpeace as soon as I turned 18 and I have been an active environmentalist ever since, trying to live the best I could according to my beliefs.

Do you believe in destiny?

I am not sure if it was destiny, or the universe, or my own dreams waking up and knocking on my door, but the fact is that after a 30 year long detour, the chance came up to have another go at my young dreams.

So, about a year ago I decided to leave my comfortable career in the corporate world to do something more meaningful with my life.

And yes, this time around, I am a more seasoned, educated and pragmatic adult, who is convinced that we can make a difference if we put our mind to it.

But the big question still remained in how to get more meaning out of my life?

And after months of reflection, soul searching and a few panic attacks for thinking that I had taken the wrong decision and ruining my future, I had some kind of epiphany.

I wanted to do more, I wanted to achieve more impact than I was currently doing with just my individual contributions, and I wanted to help solve problems. So what better than entrepreneurship to achieve all that? Oh yes, of course, green entrepreneurship. But lets not get ahead of ourselves…

There is another way

A person drawing a diagram of sustainability being at the crossed-area of environment, society and economy
We will only achieve sustainability when environment, society and economy live in harmony

In my eyes, one of the biggest problems has always been that the environment ends up losing every battle against the economy.

For decades we were made believe that there is only one way: the myth of eternal economical growth, and we were told that to achieve that goal we had to sacrifice nature and use up all our resources.

Thankfully now we know better, many of us don’t believe those lies any longer and we are aware that the economy does not have to be the enemy. On the contrary, our best chances for a real sustainable future will come when the environment, society and economy work together, permitting us to prosper and live in harmony with nature.

Am I idealistic? Big and loud YES!!! but life without ideals would be very boring and empty and besides I truly believe we have the power to shape our reality. 

That is when I decided that the way to bring meaning to my life while helping solve a big problem was through green entrepreneurship.

And here i am now, envisioning my future business, working day in and out to make sure it is eco-friendly and social but also economically sustainable.

Of course I want to make money and achieve financial independence with it, but there is so much more to my dream. 

What I really want…

Is to see how my work leaves a positive mark, and has a much bigger impact than what I do today with buying second hand, reusing glass jars or upcycling jeans. And don’t get me wrong, every little thing counts and I will of course continue doing them.

How does that sound for a plan? Crazy, utopian, hard work? Probably all of them but if you decide to stay with me, you will get to hear all about it!

For starters, here you can learn more about what I am considering to make my startup sustainable. Let me know what you think about it.

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A plant growing from golden coins and hands around it watering it and caring for it
Green & Social EntrepreneurshipSocial ProjectsSustainable BusinessesSustainable Products

HOW TO BUILD A SUSTAINABLE START-UP

by Lola
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

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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!

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