We’ve been thinking a lot recently about what things will be like in a hundred years.
It’s a strange but thought-provoking item to consider.
And while thinking about the next 100 years has started conversations and given us a sense of optimism about the opportunities in front of current and future generations, we cannot help but simultaneously wonder: What about the next 10 years? Five years?
Topics: Innovation, Clean Energy, Climate Change, Content Marketing, Branding and Brand Value, Sustainability Marketing, Climate and Social Justice
A few months back, we talked about how awesome plastic is.
Yes, it is actually terrible. But its terribleness is what makes it so awesome (still with us?) in that it pushes brands up against a wall, forcing immediate change and innovative ideas.
This week, we thought it would be interesting to dive into some of the most recent ways in which brands across the globe are fast-tracking innovation to address the plastic crisis.
Image Credit: Carlsberg
Carlsberg introduces paper beer bottle. In our initial plastics EnergyWire we highlighted the Danish beer brand’s efforts to reduce their own plastic waste with the introduction of the Snap Back, which eliminated the plastic wrapping used to hold six-packs together. The move resulted in a 76 percent reduction in plastic usage compared to previous multipacks.
Now the brand has gone a step further, introducing the first-ever paper beer bottle, made with sustainable and recyclable wood fibers. The unveiling is part of Carlsberg’s Together Toward Zero initiative and, as opposed to a one-and-done effort, showcases their long-term commitment to reducing plastic waste and cutting carbon emissions.
The takeaway: A multi-pronged sustainability strategy that is evident in both the operations of the company and the product itself shows customers that a brand is genuinely committed to solving the problem, versus hopping on the bandwagon of an “of-the-moment” trend.
Los Angeles looks to pave its road with recycled plastic. The people of Los Angeles are no strangers to the problem of pollution and carbon emissions, with residents of Los Angeles County being exposed to 60 percent more vehicle pollution than the average state.
A sobering statistic, especially when one considers that the city faces a plastic waste crisis of its own (on top of the larger, global plastic problem). These obstacles make the announcement of a pilot to pave the city’s roads with recycled plastic that much more significant. The city of Los Angeles has been working with a company called TechniSoil to test out a new method for paving roads using repurposed plastic as a binder. The first pilot site of the project is on track to be constructed in downtown LA later in 2019.
The plastic asphalt will not only reduce production emissions and the cost of materials; it will also be quicker to install, and tests have shown that the plastic paving is six to seven times stronger than regular asphalt. That increased durability means less time being spent re-paving the roads in the future.
The takeaway: Tackling a global crisis in a way that helps solve everyday frustrations for residents and business owners is a win-win for everyone. Yes, consumers care about the plastic crisis. But they are also deeply and frustratingly affected by day-to-day urban infrastructure issues that have a significant effect on their quality of life. Using recycled plastic to solve day-to-day issues like poor road conditions brings the focus back home, while simultaneously showing the city’s larger commitment to the big picture.
What are some other recent initiatives brands have unveiled as a way to address the plastic crisis? We’d love to hear which ones have caught your eye.
Topics: Innovation, Climate Change, Sustainability Marketing, Climate and Social Justice
September always seems like a magical month. There’s the back-to-school, anything-is-possible feeling of unbridled optimism that never fades, even though we have left school behind and entered into the reality of adulthood, routines, and careers. There are chilly mornings that give way to perfectly sunny and warm afternoons, leaving us uncertain about what to wear for the day, but always grateful for the sunshine as the days shorten little by little. There are the leaves that, at least here in the Northeast, transition to their colorful fall palette, a reminder that Mother Nature knows exactly what she’s doing in spite of the many climate change-related factors working so hard against her.
Topics: Innovation, Clean Energy, Climate Change, Inspiration, Sustainability Marketing, In the News
Today KSV will strike for our planet alongside other local businesses. Monday, we stand for it with the entire world at the UN Climate Action Summit in NYC.
Topics: Innovation, Clean Energy, Climate Change, Inspiration, Sustainability Marketing, In the News
Drowning would suck. Freezing to death would also suck. But burning alive as the entire planet watches? Now that's hands-down the suckiest way to die.
Topics: Innovation, Clean Energy, Climate Change, Inspiration, Sustainability Marketing, Climate and Social Justice
You get to use it once and throw it away.
Topics: Customer-Centric Marketing, Innovation, Clean Energy, Climate Change, Inspiration, Sustainability Marketing, Climate and Social Justice
Earlier this week, a few KSV staffers were fortunate enough to attend BLD New England, a day-long conference that brought together B Corps from all over the New England region to connect, collaborate and inspire one another to expand the practice of using business as a force for good. In the lead up to this year’s event, we were honored to be able to put together BLD New England’s promotional video.
Topics: Customer-Centric Marketing, B Corporation, Clean Energy, Climate Change, Inspiration, Branding and Brand Value, Sustainability Marketing, Company Culture, In the News, Climate and Social Justice
It’s been two years since President Trump announced plans for the United States to withdraw from the Paris Agreement. And while Congress continues to battle it out on how to proceed, utilities across the nation continue to step up and strengthen their commitment to a clean energy future, announcing ambitious goals for carbon reduction. Just last year, Xcel Energy became the first to announce plans to go carbon free by 2050. And the climate commitments keep coming.
Topics: Customer-Centric Marketing, Utility Communications, Climate Change, Inspiration, Branding and Brand Value
Gillette standing alongside the transgender community. Disney standing up to the State of Georgia for its position on abortion. National Grid standing behind our planet, stating clearly, as a utility, its position on global warming.
Topics: Customer-Centric Marketing, Utility Communications, Climate Change, Inspiration, Branding and Brand Value
Ah yes, the Thursday before a long weekend. Project deadlines are still looming, but for even the most diligent of workers, the lure of a long weekend and the unofficial start to summer may be enough to allow the mind to wander, even if it is just for a little while.
Topics: Customer-Centric Marketing, Utility Communications, Clean Energy, Climate Change, Inspiration, Sustainability Marketing, In the News, Audience Segmentation, Climate and Social Justice
