Easy steps toward sustainability

Sustainability is gaining momentum in the consciousness of the young, national leaders, businesspeople, and others. Thinking along the lines of Greta Thunberg, sustainability is about finding ways to operate that does not harm the environment.

 

It’s also about being mindful of how our actions affect the environment and communities, and ensuring resources aren’t destroyed. Charities can’t afford to miss out. Indeed, charities should be leading the way. And we are here to provide a helping hand.

 

In this article, we go over easy ideas to promote environmental sustainability.

 

 

Tell people

 

One of the best ways charities can be sustainable is to report on actions.

 

Using social media, websites, and emails to communicate new initiatives keeps audiences engaged. Keep yourself honest by letting the public know what you’re up to. Audiences might even chip in for funding or volunteer efforts.

 

 

Measure your impact

 

To get your house in order, measure how you run your charity.

 

The UK Government’s digital resource is a great place to start. They offer guidance on how to interpret your electricity, gas usage, fuel, and waste disposal metrics and what that looks like in terms of CO2 emissions. All that’s needed to do a quick computation are utility bills. Once you have an estimate of usage, start reducing the impact.

 

In addition, for charity organisations, employees, and volunteers, understanding carbon footprints can spur change. The WWF offers a free carbon footprint calculator. Ask employees to take the questionnaire. Use the results in a workplace challenge to reduce CO2 impact.

 

 

Commit to tackling climate change

 

To really add firepower behind sustainable commitments, sign onto the Funder Commitment on Climate Change. The digital pledge is a list of six actions which helps UK charities step up actions on climate change.

 

So far, the list of distinguished signatories includes The Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust, Comic Relief, and Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.

 

 

Recycle digital devices

 

Make sure that charity operations include a recycling programme for digital devices.

 

Rather than issuing new devices for new joiners, repurpose laptops, mobile phones, and printers. After recycling hardware internally, check if there are local charities that take donations.

 

Make a donation to The Air Ambulance or the Turing Trust to ensure older computers are used for the better. Both charities wipe devices and use them for fundraising charity operations and education.

 

For charities without unwanted devices, make sure you have a recycling programme. Charities with retail outlets do have need for second-hand clothing, houseware, and knickknacks.