Highlights from the Yorkshire Sustainability Festival 2024

 

 

 

As a Yorkshire Sustainability Festival first timer I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect from the event (which is sponsored by the University of Leeds), but when I saw Mary Portas, the renowned ‘Queen of Shops’ and curator of the ‘Kindness Economy’,was the keynote speaker I signed up at once, certain that I would be in for an inspiring and thought-provoking day!

 

Here are some of my highlights from Mary Portas’s keynote speech and the rest of the first day at the festival…

 

 

Mary Portas got the day off to an inspiring start as she introduced the concept of the Kindness Economy (first coined in her 2019 TED Talk and her book, Rebuild); a transformative approach that rewrites the 3Ps of business as: people, planet and profit (in that order!). She emphasised that while achieving a 100% Kindness Economy is challenging, we shouldn’t be put off trying and in fact the journey towards it can be transformational for businesses. According to Portas, more businesses are listening and shifting towards this model, driven by a genuine desire to do the right thing.

As an entrepreneur Portas shared that she was all in favour of wealth creation, but that is should be done in a ‘kinder way’ that doesn’t result in the CEO earning 400 times that of the lowest paid worker in the business or where a singular focus on shareholders risks real harm to its people (as we saw with the Post Office) and, crucially, where decisions don’t cripple our planet.

 

 “We have gone from the industrial revolution to the technological revolution and we are now in the green revolution.” Mary Portas.

 

Portas championed the Better Business Act and the principles of B Corp Certification, which advocate for businesses to prioritise the wellbeing of the planet and their employees alongside shareholder profits. She argued that businesses adhering to these principles are not only more ethical but also more profitable, as they attract better talent and foster a more supportive corporate culture.

 

Drawing inspiration from pioneers like Anita Roddick, founder of The Body Shop, Portas spoke about the importance of maintaining a business ethos centred on social responsibility. She also praised companies like Patagonia for their commitment to sustainability and ethical practices, citing their campaigns encouraging customers to recycle and rewear, rather than buy new products.

Portas concluded her talk with a powerful call to action, urging businesses and individuals alike to put trust and kindness at the heart of their endeavours. Following the opening address from Mary Portas, a series of workshops and panels explored what a circular economy could look like in Yorkshire and beyond 

 

Reuse and Reduce Panel

 

The Reuse and Reduce panel discussion centred on the necessity of reducing waste and rethinking how we use resources. Highlights included:

 

• Innovation Through Improvement: emphasising that innovation doesn't always require new inventions; instead, it can be about enhancing and improving current practices. The panellists stressed the importance of continuous improvement to existing waste management processes.

 

• Tech for Education: utilising technology to educate young people about waste management, thereby fostering a more environmentally conscious next generation.

 

• Circular Economy: highlighting that the circular economy is regenerative by design and must be embedded into business models from the outset. This includes mapping out sustainable practices in early business plans and considering the recyclability of products from the outset of new product design (rather than as an afterthought.
• Incentives and Costs: the panel proposed measures to encourage repairs (rather than replacement with new), such as reducing VAT on repairs, to encourage more sustainable consumer habits.

 

• Consumer Acceptance: the panel also highlighted there would be a need for consumers to adapt to changes, such as accepting opaque plastic instead of clear, clear plastic milk tops rather than coloured, or matt plastic bags rather than a high shine finish.

 

Environmental Consultancy Beyondly on Better Business Strategy

 

Beyondly's session delved into how businesses can align with sustainability goals and integrate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategies. Advising businesses to look beyond short-term profits and focus on long-term growth aligned with sustainability. This includes conducting materiality assessments with stakeholders and setting clear, achievable goals towards sustainability. And encouraging businesses to work towards securing B Corp Certification, which balances profit with the well-being of society and the planet.

 

BIFFA's Role in Recycling and Waste Management

 

BIFFA gave insights into their recycling-centric business model and the broader waste management landscape. They shared that although 90% of UK citizens are engaged in recycling, significant shifts are still needed to meet the required future recycling goals. They also noted that there will be a need for competitors to collaborate to deliver effective solutions in the future.