Environmentalism has long been considered a controversial topic in politics and business. In reality, this supposed controversy is really a matter of profits over planet. Money makes the world go round, but I would argue that it shouldn’t.
Governments, businesses, and individuals alike have a moral obligation to conserve the environment. The main factor in preventing any person or group from taking part in the conservation of our planet is the exorbitant costs of sustainable solutions. From clean energy to plastic-free products, lack of affordability:
- demotivates companies from investing in sustainable business practices
- prevents consumers from investing in sustainable products and services
- and negatively guides governments, whose pockets are adorned with the jewels of an unsustainable, industrial age
To address this multifaceted issue, we must tackle the environmental movement head-on by pushing government officials to enforce sustainable action, bolstering the financial impact of the green movement, incentivize companies to go green.
Push Government Officials to Enforce Sustainable Action
It’s not news that we live during a powerful time for the average person. Social media has enabled movements and agendas to spread like wildfire. Before social media reigned every facet of the internet, it was harder for large groups to gather and fight for the same cause. Now, however, influencers, celebrities, and experts in their fields have a voice to speak up and take a stand in ways that were not possible until the last decade.
Though social media isn’t entirely new, what is new is the availability and accessibility to these platforms by users from all socioeconomic statuses. For example, smartphones can now be used to encourage all walks of life to participate in movements that affect national and state elections. With relevant information readily available en masse, the power truly lies in the people.
As more and more internet users recognize the power of combined forces and learn just how influential unity can be towards eliciting change, the push for governmental powers to change for the better become eminent.
Bolster the Financial Impact of the Green Movement
Currently, going green is a financial investment that is available primarily for the wealthy and middleclass. This is likely to change, as companies continue to invent sustainable and affordable solutions to cheap plastic and toxic ingredients. The push for a sustainable, modern lifestyle will eventually catch on for all socioeconomic statuses.
However, many environmentalists and scientists wonder if the switch to greener products and solutions can be done fast enough to prevent irreversible catastrophe. Indeed, many people and small businesses currently cannot afford to make the switch to greener living. In this way, the green movement is exclusive yet urgent.
To encourage all people to make sustainable choices, these choices need to be feasible. On the bright side, there are a few ways to make the green movement less costly. Some of these initiatives include:
- boycotting unsustainable businesses,
- investing in affordable, sustainable alternatives to currently expensive green solutions,
- and pushing large companies to make better choices.
Incentivize Companies to Go Green
Speaking of large companies, corporate giants must be held responsible for their impact on the environment. According to a study conducted by the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), just 224 energy companies are responsible for 72% of the global industrial emissions for 2015 alone. Pushing corporations to be at the forefront of the green movement is absolutely critical to the future state of the planet.
One way that society has encouraged sustainable business methods is through ESG investing. ESG, which stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance, is a business model used by investors that takes into account the choices companies are making in relation to sustainability. This includes:
- Environmental impact– is the business polluting, releasing harmful emissions, or implementing other environmentally-harmful strategies?
- Societal impact– are employees being treated and paid fairly, are customers satisfied and respected?
- Business standards– is the business lobbying, bribing, deceptive, or corrupt in some way?
The Way the World Goes Round
The technological age has brought with it the power of everyday people to swing the pendulum back to greener and cleaner practices. By urging those responsible for the majority of ecological damage to do their part in shaping the world for the better, there is hope. Not all is lost.
We can offset the harmful practices that are at the forefront of mankind. Now more than ever, we have the unity and power to protest unconscientious actions and choose sustainable solutions.