Step Into Sustainability With Sarah Beth Aubrey
The newsletter for professionals cautiously approaching the discussion about climate, but pretty sure they should.
Issue Number : 10
In our last issue we talked about using the term sustainability to describe a company or organization’s climate-related work. Though not synonyms, there are aspects to sustainability that work to begin identifying and making sense of a company’s climate-related goals. We recently co-hosted an event aimed at agricultural retailers, rural landowners, farmers, and conservation professionals along with our partners, Truterra. Our intention was to provide education, networking, and conversation for these important leaders paving the way for our motto "Ag As The Solution". We also sought ways to provide a roadmap for companies and individuals to get started, which we coined "Stepping Into Sustainability". Check out the five tips below that we shared to get started.
Five Ways to Step into Sustainability
IT'S ABOUT YOUR VALUES
The work you do in the climate space isn’t in opposition to your values. It should quite simply support them. The climate conversation is wide open with a variety of viewpoints - some you likely agree with strongly. Some you may find ridiculous, and others you may not be sure how you feel. Your plans in sustainability should be like any other plan - one that supports your beliefs and core values.
IT'S ABOUT YOUR GOALS
Like him or dislike him, Blackrock CEO, Larry Fink, is famous for his positions on business and climate. One he’s commonly credited with
sharing is that being involved in climate is going to be good for business. While not endorsing his opinions, there is a nugget of truth here. Any work your company does to step into sustainability absolutely must align with your goals and cannot be in opposition to them. That’s why once you decide to step into sustainability, you realize that you can make this topic work for you rather than just attempting to "do sustainability" in a way that isn’t connected to your core.
IT'S ABOUT YOUR BANDWIDTH
One reason we hear that companies and even farm organizations don’t publish sustainability goals is because they don’t have time to "do them all" and that’s correct. Leaders feel societal pressures to be an expert in all areas of sustainability before putting out any statements, but the truth is that isn’t feasible. This area of business is emerging rapidly. Start by taking a look at your current company's goals and time horizons. Start manageably.
IT'S ABOUT YOUR LONG GAME STRATEGY
Climate challenges will always be part of life. I don’t align with philosophical believers that say we "solve" climate challenges forever. Solutions will continue to change an emerge as does life on earth. So, consider your climate work to be a long game. There may be short term changes you can implement immediately but for most organizations stepping into sustainability takes, well, steps.
IT'S ABOUT HOW TO INFLUENCE YOUR SPHERE OF INFLUENCE
It doesn’t matter who you share your sustainability goals with, there will be plenty of people that don’t like them. What matters in this space is the influence your efforts have with the stakeholders that need to hear from you. Consider who needs to be aware of your goals, who your goals and practices changes affect, and why that stakeholder cares. That’s influence where it counts.
What's Next?
THAT'S UP TO YOU TO TAKE THE FIRST STEP!
Many individuals hold different perspectives regarding the climate conversation. Some believe that the future is doomed, and the state of the planet's health is so unstable that it terrifies them to bring children into the world. Others believe that there is nothing wrong with the future, and climate concerns are merely hype. Some individuals see climate as a real discussion about weather patterns, shifts, and cycles, and view it as something to manage. Unfortunately, many avoid the climate conversation due to its political nature. However, some view sustainability and the climate conversation as an opportunity for the future. They understand that sustainable practices can bring financial benefits, a positive legacy, and create a more stable environment for future generations. It is crucial to engage in the climate conversation to ensure a sustainable future.