by Missy Owens
In the past few years, we’ve seen companies embrace ambitious climate goals in line with Science Based Targets, and in response to increasing pressure from stakeholders, companies are looking closely at their supply chains, beyond their Scope 3 emissions, to see what changes can be made to reduce their environmental impact. As companies continue to look to the next steps in fighting climate change, here are three key ways they can help:
Drive innovation
Invest in innovation to find new solutions
Use technology to figure out how to work better and smarter
Share lessons learned and best practices throughout industry
Lead change
Help change consumer preferences by switching practices
Get ahead of federal and state legislation by advocating for sustainable practices
Lead by example – take an active role in sustainability action on all levels
Address environmental justice
Understand how communities are impacted differently
Assess the company’s operations and effects on the local community
Support our local communities and educate workforces
Amid all the work companies are doing, one part of this includes reducing waste, particularly unnecessary single-use plastic. Single-use plastics end up in landfills, oceans, and rivers, and continue our reliance on fossil fuels. Switching to more sustainable alternatives is one simple way companies can make an immediate impact. I’ve been energized over the last year to work with experts from across the country as part of the Pack Green Coalition, which works with companies to help push forward sustainable solutions, including adjusting their supply chains to replace plastic packaging with more sustainable solutions. Steps like this are essential to help move towards a circular economy, reduce waste, and fight climate change.
About Missy Owens Missy Owens is an Advisory Board Member for the Pack Green Coalition, and a leader at the intersection of business and government with a deep understanding of their interconnectedness. She has worked extensively with industry coalitions and third-party groups to create, organize, and then support policy goals.