What does earth day mean to us? Is it just a day when we try to rid ourselves of the guilt of exploiting and violating nature by sharing a post promoting “Go Green” or at most planting a sapling and going back to forgetting its existence the next day? Not for some very rare people like Sadhguru, a world-renowned spiritual leader and founder of the Isha Foundation. For him, Earth Day is not just 22 April which we have been set aside to remind us of the importance of our planet and the need to protect it. Every day can be an earth day by incorporating sustainable practices into our lives just as Sadhguru has done with his Save Soil campaign. This is one of the major green initiatives that has gained traction in recent years. Save Soil campaign is committed to raising awareness about the importance of soil conservation. Sadhguru believes that soil health is critical to the health of the earth. He claims that the soil is the source of all life; without it, humans, animals, and plants cannot survive. The Save Soil campaign seeks to increase public awareness of the need for soil protection and restoration. It emphasises the influence of human activities such as deforestation, industrialization, and urbanisation on the soil, as well as the need for immediate action to conserve and repair the soil. Protecting the soil can help to make the planet more habitable and sustainable.
One might wonder why companies should take an interest in the green movement. The role of companies in creating a sustainable and greener world cannot be overstated. In fact, they have more power to create change than we do individually. Companies that prioritise sustainability contribute to the betterment of the environment and their bottom line in the long-run.
We can expect companies and start-ups to play a critical role in establishing a sustainable and green future. Companies should be aware of the planet's rapid health decline and strive to become more eco-friendly and sustainable. This is a moral commitment as well as a business imperative. Environmental consciousness is growing among consumers, and companies that ignore this trend risk losing market share.
What makes a company sustainable? A sustainable company considers the impact of its actions on the environment, society, and economy, and takes steps to minimise negative and promote positive consequences. It operates in a way that understands and complies with the demands of the current generation without jeopardising future generations' ability to satisfy their own needs. It is a company with a conscience if you will.
There are multiple ways for a company to become sustainable. First, they can employ sustainable practices such as minimising waste, energy and water use, and greenhouse gas emissions. Second, they can invest in renewable energy and sustainable products and services. Third, they can promote sustainable practices in their supply chain and engage with their stakeholders to achieve a more sustainable future. However, it's essential to distinguish between truly sustainable companies and those that are being performative for their image. A sustainable organisation should make a true commitment to sustainability rather than just pay lip service to it. They must be open and honest about their sustainability aims and practises and hold themselves accountable for their actions.
Patagonia is an excellent example of a sustainable company that has paved the way in the fashion industry by putting the environment first. The brand has taken a stand against fast fashion, instead aiming for environmentally friendly and ethical production practices. Similarly, Pela, a Canadian company, makes eco-friendly phone cases out of plant-based materials. A Good Company, founded in Sweden, manufactures sustainable and ethical everyday items such as notebooks and water bottles, whereas Seventh Generation, based in the United States, manufactures eco-friendly and environmentally safe household cleaning solutions.
India is not far behind when it comes to implementing sustainable practices. Several companies in India are leading the way in terms of sustainability. Tata Steel aims to be carbon-neutral by 2050, whereas Infosys intends to be carbon-neutral by 2022. Mahindra & Mahindra is committed to sustainability, whereas Godrej Industries plans to be carbon-neutral by 2030. These companies set have set ambitious sustainability goals to promote a more sustainable future.
Indian start-ups are making major strides in promoting sustainability and restoring the health of the planet in innovative ways that are positively impacting the environment and society. Carbon Clean Solutions has created a system to capture and utilise carbon emissions from industrial processes. Ecolife Recycling provides garbage management and recycling services door-to-door. Better India connects people with environmentally friendly and sustainable products. From reusable bags to solar-powered lights and bicycles, they offer everything on their platform that promotes sustainable living. Phool is dedicated to reducing the environmental impact of the traditional Hindu practice of cremation. By upcycling floral waste, Phool limits the staggering volume of waste sent to landfills while simultaneously providing employment opportunities for marginalised communities. FAE Bikes has resolved to promote a healthy lifestyle while reducing pollution and transportation congestion in urban areas. FAE Bikes manufactures their bicycles with high-quality, eco-friendly materials, and their electric motors have a low carbon footprint.
As more companies embrace sustainability, we expect to see the positive impact they will have on creating a healthy planet. Companies can play a critical role in setting the trend for a more sustainable future by adopting eco-friendly practices and making responsible choices. It is up to all of us, as individuals and groups, to accept responsibility for our actions and work towards a better future for ourselves and future generations. Let us work together to make the Earth habitable again.