04/20/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/20/2021 01:07
One year ago, DS Smith passed on plastic when we sold our Plastics business to focus on sustainable packaging solutions for our customers.
In September 2020, we launched our Now and Next Sustainability Strategy, where we pledged to educate 5 million people on the circular economy, protect natural resources, drive carbon reduction by 30%, take 1 billion pieces of problem plastics off supermarket shelves and continue to close the loop through better design.
This year's Earth Day theme not only focuses on the need to reduce our impact on the planet but also on how we can play a vital role in repairing the damage we have done. That's why, to mark Earth Day 2021, we are calling on our people, our customers and society to make one change today that will protect our tomorrow, by committing to one environmentally conscious pledge that will help restore or protect our planet.
So what is the one thing you promise to do today that will make a difference in the coming year?
Need some pledge inspiration?
If you are struggling with an idea for a pledge, we have a few below for you to choose from:
1. Protect natural resources -We need to use as few natural resources as possible, continue to care for forests and increase biodiversity. Here are a few pledges you can make if you want to protect natural resources:
2. Pass on plastics - In total over 65 million tonnes of plastic is produced in Europe each year. Despite the public's increasing concerns about plastic consumption, a huge amount is still being sent to landfill, or worse, ends up in our oceans. When you are doing your weekly shop, avoid plastic containers and trays. Plastic cannot be recycled easily while cardboard can be recycled up to 25 times! Here are a few pledges you can make if you want to pass on plastics:
3. Champion the circular economy - Our world is changing rapidly, and moving towards a more circular economy will have a range of benefits for our economy, our environment and for our people. Circular economies, catalysed by a new generation of more conscious consumers are challenging the status quo. Here are a few pledges you can make if you want to champion the circular economy:
5. Reduce carbon footprint - Carbon reduction is extremely important if we want to make a positive impact on our planet. Here are a few pledges you can make if you want to reduce your carbon footprint:
We have asked a few of our team to share their pledges to inspire us all to pledge to make a difference.
DS Smith Leadership Pledges: