Green needs a facelift
We need a new word in our climate change, net zero, sustainability glossary.
One that shouts positivity, possibility and success.
I propose: #greenspiring
Don’t we need more of that? Especially in the race for net zero. In a cataclysmic endeavour littered with complex facts, confused terminology, contradictory advice and behaviour shaming.
The super-bright are out there innovating green technologies, sustainable solutions and clean, green alternatives but word’s not getting out quick enough, clearly enough.
Ever since I attended the “Big South Summit” last year, I’ve thought “we need a word that inspires us to share the good stuff, better.”
We’ve got greenwashing (sadly): communication/activities that make people believe a company is doing more to protect the environment than they really are.
On the flip side there’s greenhushing: when companies deliberately under-report or choose to keep their sustainability efforts under wraps, for fear of scrutiny, criticism, publicity.
But, both memorable terms are slathered in negativity.
So, I’m making a stand for a positive term. One that implies possibilities, success, impact.
A term that galvanises the nation into action, not denial or fear.
And my B Corp B leaders/sustainability guru’s loved it when I shared it at dinner the other night.
Surely a “can do” approach, proof of success and “that’s a great idea” can incite a level of hope, engagement and change.
If we’re to make the rapid, complex changes to put the breaks on climate change and the catastrophic impacts of global warming, we’ve got to be clearer in how we write this stuff down AND how we tell each other about it.
Let’s inspire one another to copy the great work. That’s what Impact Reporting is all about. Being transparent about the work, the success, the failures, the impact.
Sitting in on the Big South Summit I heard business, council and education panellists share how they’re leading the way in their Net Zero transition, offering companies practical advice and guidance on their own Net Zero strategies.
Anthony MacLaran (VC of St Mary’s University) talked of “expanding our reach through partnership” and “striving for impact beyond our walls.”
Dr Joe Marshall, Chief Executive Officer for The National Centre for Universities and Business (NCUB) admitted “these are complicated, contested times" and called for “the capacity to convene key partners around a shared purpose.”
But what came up time and again, was the importance of “simplifying language” Luan Baptista (London Borough of Sutton).
It’s critical we talk people’s language. And inspire one another to join in.
“If we don’t engage with community, they’ll decide for themselves we’re going to fail.” Forbes Low, Chief Executive at Kingston Chamber of Commerce.
Henceforth, any great work I see clients forging ahead with; either in sustainable agriculture technology (Farm21), sustainable packaging solutions (Flexi-Hex), effective and ethical commercial cleaning (HiveCleaning) or environmentally committed, delicious health food production Love-Struck shall be tagged with…
#greenspiring
I am, by no means, suggesting that a single word is going to reverse climate change, but come on peeps, we need to bang the drum louder for the great, green work that’s already out there, sharing the good news, the outcomes, the possibilities, inspiring others to pick up the baton and lead on the green charge.
#greenspiring. Pass it on….