Can commerce, sustainability and social causes work together cohesively? 🤝🏽
These were among the questions posed at the Blue Earth Summit 11-13 October in Bristol.
My snapshot of the summit 📸:
🌍 While using recycled plastics for fabric benefits the short term, it continues to release microplastics into our oceans during wash cycles, eventually returning to landfills as plastic. Is there a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative?
🌍 Adam Gardiner, Rapha's Sustainability Manager, proposed cultivating emotional value in clothing to encourage us to prolong its use.
🌍 Eva Kruse, PANGAIA's Chief Global Engagement Officer, questioned when CEOs feel they've made enough money considering their businesses' environmental impacts.
🌍 Tom Reding, BrewDog's Chief Digital Officer, emphasized that people prioritise product quality over sustainability, viewing sustainability as a bonus or a standard practice.
🌍 Tamara Hill-Norton, Sweaty Betty's founder, recommended constant customer communication and adaptability. You know I agree!
🌍 According to Dan Macaulay, founder of Brandwave, “A brand's purpose is now standard.”
🌍 Businesses are reverting to traditional marketing to counter digital marketing overload, while up to 90% is still allocated to performance marketing. Quick wins may not ensure long-term success.
Patagonia had the coolest booth of course with a clothing and gear repair station on site.
There need to be more people of colour in this space! It was disheartening to be one of a few in a sea of many.
Some folks handed out paper leaflets, magazines, etc. More than what I was expecting…
I question some individuals’ commitment to driving positive environmental and social change versus pursuing financial gains in this buzzy industry.
Standing near Deborah Meaden was a definite highlight!
Overall, I am grateful for the enriching connections and uplifting perspectives at the summit, despite the industry's complexities and challenges.
I hope this has provided you with valuable insights to support your efforts toward fostering positive environmental and social change.
As an added bonus, I calculated my carbon footprint for the event as inspired by e-commerce expert Chloë Thomas. Whilst at Blue Earth Summit in Bristol for three days, I used up 0.03 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2e).
I travelled to Bristol from London via coach for 234 total miles.
I stayed in shared accommodation at the YHA youth hostel on the harbour. Which I recommend if it’s not humid AF.
I walked from the hostel to the summit site and back every day. I had the luxury of walking everywhere whilst in Bristol.
I only ate meat for dinner to keep my iron level up.
According to the EPA, 0.03 tonnes of CO2e is equivalent to 76.9 miles driven by an average gasoline-powered passenger vehicle.
Let’s see if I can improve this number for the next time.
- The realist creative you know