Key Takeaways:
- Businesses, governments, and civil society are equally responsible for taking action against the climate crisis and lighting the spark to accelerate change towards a green, prosperous, and equitable future.
- Green supply chain management (GSCM) will be crucial to the UK’s net zero goals.
- Impact reporting is crucial to assist business and procurement leaders to communicate their impact and further incentivise green growth.
Invest in Our Planet: The Importance of Social Enterprise in the Green Revolution
On April 22nd, people across the globe celebrated Earth Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of protecting our planet. This year’s Earth Day theme is “Invest in Our Planet,” highlighting the urgent need for action to address the climate crisis. It’s no secret that businesses have a significant impact on the environment, but what can they do to support the green revolution? To provide unique insight, Jamie Palmer, CEO and co-founder of Social Supermarket, the UK’s largest marketplace for social enterprise products servicing corporate clients and retail consumers, is available for commentary.
The Importance of Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM)
Green supply chain management (GSCM) will be crucial to the UK’s net zero goals. GSCM involves integrating environmental considerations into every stage of the supply chain, from sourcing materials to delivering the final product. This approach can help businesses reduce their carbon footprint, minimize waste, and improve the efficiency of their operations. “We believe that green supply chain management is essential to creating a more sustainable future,” says Jamie Palmer. “That’s why we work with our suppliers to ensure that they are committed to ethical and sustainable practices, from sourcing materials to packaging and shipping.”
The Role of Impact Reporting
Impact reporting is crucial to assist business and procurement leaders to communicate their impact and further incentivise green growth. It allows businesses to measure and communicate the positive impact they are having on the environment and society. “At Social Supermarket, we offer impact reporting as a USP to our corporate clients via our Team Gifting Platform,” explains Jamie. “Our clients can see the real-world impact they are having on society and the environment, from the number of minutes of horticultural training given to female ex-offenders when purchasing desk plants to the amount of carbon saved by using our recycled paper products.”
The Tangible Effects of Ethical Sourcing
Conscious marketplaces like Social Supermarket create tangible effects through ethical sourcing. Every product on the marketplace comes from an independent UK brand with a social mission, making it easy for consumers and corporations to find and make purchases from social enterprise brands. “When you buy a product from Social Supermarket, you are supporting a brand that is committed to making a positive impact on society and the environment,” says Jamie. “From switching to our carbon-neutral toilet paper made from recycled paper to save trees to purchasing products that support female empowerment, every purchase has a positive impact.”
The Rise of Businesses That Want to Do Better
There has been a rise in businesses that want to do better. The fact that the second fastest-growing role in the UK was ‘Sustainability Manager’ is proof of this, as is the growth of the B Corp movement. The UK has one of the fastest-growing B Corp communities, with over 1200 certified businesses. “We are seeing a shift in the way businesses think about their impact on society and the environment,” says Jamie. “More and more companies are realizing that they have a responsibility to create positive change and are taking steps to do so.”
Conclusion
As we celebrate Earth Day and reflect on the urgent need to invest in our planet, it’s clear that businesses have an important role to play in the green revolution. By implementing green supply chain management practices, using impact reporting to communicate their positive impact, and supporting ethical sourcing, businesses can make a tangible difference. Moreover, the rise of businesses that want to do better and are committing to sustainable practices is a promising sign for the future.
“At Social Supermarket, we are committed to supporting social enterprise brands that are making a positive impact on society and the environment,” says Jamie. “We believe that by coming together in partnership for the planet, businesses, governments, and civil society can create a green, prosperous, and equitable future for all.”
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