Words by Amy Packham
It’s no secret that more of us are being conscious where we shop – we’re aware of the climate crisis, we’re aware of the hardships many people experience, and we want companies to be aware of this, too.
And many of them are – because more seem to be committing to green climate pledges, supporting charities through their profits, and aligning with the goals that aim to make our world a happier and healthier place to live.
So each week, we highlight the ones doing their bit.
1. Ikea training staff as housing advocates
Many of us are aware of the housing emergency situation we're faced with in the UK – with almost 2.5 million renters in England either behind or struggling to pay their rent.
IKEA is teaming up with the national charity Shelter to call for the government to build 90,000 social housing units a year by 2030. But more than that, Shelter is also training staff to become 'Life at Home Experts' who can help people understand their housing rights and prevent them from losing their homes through early intervention.
Find out more about their partnership.
2. Reebok founder wants to #RaiseAMillion
#RaisingAMillion is being launched by Reebok Founder, Joe Foster, to help state schools in Birmingham, and nationwide, meet basic needs – from school meals, pencils and books to sports equipment and hand sanitiser – after budgets have dropped to 2010 levels.
The campaign is calling on donations from individuals, communities and businesses to help state schools meet their resourcing needs this year. Joe is giving his time, contacts and business skills to lead the campaign to help 1 million schoolchildren across the UK.
3. DPD is delivering joy to nature
Parcel delivery firm DPD has donated to leading independent conservation organisation WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature) to support the charity’s seagrass restoration project – Seagrass Ocean Rescue, a collaboration with Swansea University and Project Seagrass.
The Project aims to help restore 15% of seagrass meadows across the UK by 2030, to capture and store hundreds of tonnes of carbon each year and help play a role in the UK reaching its net zero targets. DPD has donated £40,000 from the firm’s innovative Eco Fund to help support phase two of the programme in The Solent. Find out more.
This article aligns with the UN SDG Climate Action and No Poverty.
