Our mission at Grizzly is to guide brands onward, and as our planet currently faces the greatest climate crisis we’ve ever seen, there’s no better time than now. As an industry, fighting global warming will take all of us but it’s more achievable than you probably think.
Global greenhouse gas emissions experienced a record decline in 2020. And while this caused a significant dent in air pollution, in the grand scheme of things, it wasn’t enough to reverse hundreds of years of environmental impact. But it’s never too late.
Consumers are starting to pay more attention to the ways in which they’re affecting the world around us, and it’s high time that brands did the same. Let’s discuss.
Why it matters
These days, consumers are probably more aware than they’ve ever been of climate change. In fact, 42% have changed their consumption habits as a result. Not only that, but 23% will switch to buying products from brands that share their values on environmental issues, and 21% have encouraged others to do the same.
There’s a growing appetite for corporate social responsibility. The most successful brands know how and when to move with culture, so now’s our opportunity to strike while the iron is hot (and with the steady rise in carbon emissions, getting hotter by the day).
How to respond
You might be saying, “Okay, great. So, the headwinds are changing. The air is thicker. The sea is rising. Consumers are reacting to all this environmental uncertainty. Now what?” To which we’d say, excellent question. An understandably discouraging one, but an excellent question nonetheless.
Here are a few steps that you as a brand can start taking today to help bring this climate crisis to a screeching halt:
Turn sustainability into a core value of your brand. So many brands say they’re invested in advancing culture, but at the end of the day, most of it is just lip service. You can break that cycle. Make a conscious effort to bring greener, cleaner habits to the forefront—whether that means ensuring your supply chain is more sustainable or closely monitoring your carbon footprint.
Partner with like-minded organizations in the community. Ensure that the partners you collaborate and work with are equally as committed to an environmentally friendly approach and a clear vision for the future. At the very least, raise the question and start the conversation. Brands can only do so much by themselves, but together, the possibilities are endless.
Take a stand for impactful legislation. Being part of the change means calling on and even lobbying your congressional representatives to use their power for good by endorsing sustainable policies. True progress starts with mindful legislation. Put your platform to work and challenge the status quo. Be fearless in your pursuit and uncompromising in your conviction.
Looking ahead
The climate crisis is a heavy topic of conversation but one that’s absolutely worth talking about, especially if our brands are as committed to changing the world as we say they are. Brands can and do make a difference. It isn’t easy but it is doable.
Throughout the next few months, we’ll continue to explore what brands across the globe (including our own) are doing to look inward, make a positive change within themselves and their communities, and ultimately help put this mess behind us once and for all.
