As people become more aware of the choices they make; businesses incorporate sustainable products and methods
The pandemic gave people a perspective on how they wanted to lead their lives, in a chaotic and unhealthy way or a mindful and healthy way. All over the world, people are now opting for cleaner, greener, and balanced lifestyles, primarily because of the warning signals that Mother Earth has been sending us and because of the way how pandemic has impacted people physically and mentally.
When you opt for a sustainable lifestyle, in contradiction to the rumors, you don’t have to make a massive shift with everything you buy or do. And you certainly don’t have to throw out stuff in good condition for more sustainable options. The most sustainable thing is something that you already own.
Sustainable living is about taking baby steps daily rather than one abrupt giant leap. So here are a few simple ways in which you can start your sustainable journey: –
- Reducing your Consumption: – Whenever you feel the urge to buy something, just stop and question yourself why you need it and will you ever use it again. Buy from brands that care about nature and the planet instead of ones that sell cheap goods that pile on the earth.
- Don’t indulge in buying fast fashion: – Switch to more ethical and classic brands that provide reusable products. Fast fashion clothing is 60% plastic and is made using toxic processes, so they don’t break down in landfills and cause carbon emissions and air pollution. Instead, indulge in buying classics that can be used repeatedly with different items.
- Buy less but better: – To be more sustainable, you need to keep your stuff out of the landfill and make it last as long as possible, so thinking carefully about the quality of everything you buy does make a difference as every product has a manufacturing carbon footprint and will end up as waste.
In recent years, sustainability has made its way up to corporate and global agendas as more world leaders and CEOs recognize the environmental challenges we face. It leaves hope behind that sustainability might become the driving force for corporate success in the future.
The Government of India has been excessively emphasizing sustainable development as highlighted in Union Budget 2022; it is expected that the focus of India Inc. towards sustainability will increase. According to a new study, around 57% of Indian businesses have implemented and communicated a sustainability strategy.
The primary motivation of sustainable strategy in Indian businesses is brand management concerns, such as the desire to use sustainability as a competitive differentiator or the desire to be seen as aware and socially responsible, hence reputable.
However, incorporating sustainability in business strategies in India is not a cakewalk, primarily due to a lack of organizational investments. A survey observed that 70% of India’s next-generation leaders in the last two have taken on three or more job responsibilities to improve environmental and social results, exceeding the global average of 40% and their APAC counterparts of 49%.
Vijuraj Eranazhath, Russell Reynolds Associates consultant, said in a statement, “Our research shows that while business leaders in India are firmly committed to sustainability action, many are running into myriad challenges on their sustainability journeys, from bureaucracy and a lack of organizational investments to short term pressures from investors.
It’s comforting to note that the next-gen leaders in India seem to be getting a lot of exposure to strategic sustainability initiatives vis-a-vis the global average, which sets up the Indian businesses well for the future.”
Sustainability is a long-term lifestyle, not a seasonal trend. The journey of being more sustainable is never-ending and super important. Even if everyone makes a few changes in their lifestyle, it will substantially positively impact the planet.
Published By – Vanshu Mehra
Edited By – Subbuthai Padma
