Shrinking individual carbon footprints can help the planet, but the most significant change in the fight against climate change happens when successful organizations get involved. The most recent data from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) estimates a near future of more severe weather patterns and temperature changes for North America and the global community. In response, companies are turning climate stress into action.
These are a few of the most prominent organizations using their significant financial resources to make widespread changes in the Earth’s best interest. If more people get involved in their efforts and learn from their strategies, the environment will benefit alongside everyone who lives on the planet.
1. Patagonia
People shopping at Patagonia likely already care about the environment. The brand manufactures essential products for outdoor adventures and uses its success to improve the environment. It didn’t even wait to start until it became the international brand known today. Its sustainable efforts started shortly after the company began.
In 1985, Patagonia began investing 1% of its sales in restoration and preservation efforts. The company continues investing in the planet today and makes much more of a difference, given that it now earns $209.1 million annually in revenue.
2. Ikea
Global communities suffering from the environmental effects of climate change need help to maintain their quality of life. Individuals can donate essential recovery supplies and volunteer in restoration projects, but companies like Ikea have more financial resources to fortify communities with disaster-resistant energy solutions.
Ikea recently bought a 49% stake in wind energy projects. It’s turning its home country of Sweden into a green energy haven, which protects it against future ecological disasters that would otherwise destroy traditional power lines and substations. Communities would have lasting energy that doesn’t contribute to global warming if more companies did the same.
3. Unilever
People might not notice the tiny U-shaped label on their favorite products, but many daily essentials come from brands owned by Unilever. The global corporate leader works with its house brands like Dove and Ben & Jerry’s to become carbon neutral by 2030 using numerous resources.
It invests in renewable energy in each country that houses its manufacturing facilities. That type of investment is a primary component of corporate social responsibility since large businesses add 6.3 billion tons of CO2 to the atmosphere annually. Other Unilever efforts, such as using sustainable materials and eco-friendly ingredients, fortify its efforts to turn climate stress into action.
4. Alphabet
When someone Googles something, they use the search engine Alphabet owns. The groundbreaking company reached carbon neutrality in 2007 and continued making strides to help the planet. It recently announced numerous grants to develop more sustainable power plants for small businesses in multiple countries. More organizations improve the environment by spreading their financial success to smaller companies.
5. Beyond Meat
Vegan foods are inherently climate-friendly. They don’t utilize animal products or by-products, which account for 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions due to harmful practices in the animal agriculture industry. Vegan companies are more sustainable than traditional ones by not funding that sector, no matter what they make or which services they offer.
However, Beyond Meat goes a step further than typical vegan products. The plant-based food company prioritizes sustainability through every step of the production process. Farms raising and processing animals require significant amounts of water, but Beyond Meat uses 99% less water to make each patty. Meat alternatives are kinder to limited natural resources, pointing toward a potential future of more sustainable food production.
6. Seed
Most products come in packaging that becomes landfill waste after consumers unbox their purchase. Even if the waste management companies burn the trash, it becomes gases that increase cancer diagnoses and congenital disabilities in surrounding communities.
Seed is a company that produces probiotics while setting new packaging standards. Consumers getting monthly shipments receive compostable mycelium trays in boxes made with algae paper. All shipping materials are compost friendly, so nothing from a purchase ends up in a landfill.
Respond to Climate Stress With Action
The effects of climate change can feel intimidating, but the planet benefits when companies turn climate stress into action. These businesses are leading the way by setting examples for sustainable solutions. Their significant reach and extensive resources give humanity a much-needed helping hand as communities adapt to global warming.
Jane Marsh works as the founder and editor-in-chief of Environment.co where she covers environmental news and sustainable living tips.
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