According to temperature analysis led by scientists at NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS), the average global temperature on Earth has increased by at least 1.1° Celsius (1.9° Fahrenheit) since 1880. The majority of the warming has occurred since 1975, at a rate of roughly 0.15 to 0.20°C per decade. In 2022, the global temperature anomalies tied for the fifth warmest year on record. The past nine years have been the warmest years since modern recordkeeping began in 1880.

In this critical moment, startups have a significant role in addressing climate change. By adopting sustainable practices and integrating eco-friendly values into their business models, they can contribute to a more sustainable future.

Taking inspiration from our initiatives in giving back to nature and being constantly mindful of climate change, we now share what we believe to be a moral and ethical responsibility of institutions:

Embrace Sustainability as a Core Value

Embracing sustainability as a core value means recognising that the environment is not just a backdrop but a fundamental part of the startup ecosystem. It's about embedding eco-consciousness into every aspect of your organisation. For example, consider going paperless as much as possible in the workplace. Encourage employees to use digital documents and tools for internal communications and external interactions, reducing the need for paper and saving valuable resources.

Reduce Carbon Footprints

In 2022, global energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions increased by 0.9%, totalling a staggering 36.8 billion tonnes, as reported by The International Energy Agency (IEA). This marked a significant 60% increase since 1990, highlighting the urgency of addressing carbon emissions.

To combat climate change effectively, startups should prioritise the reduction of carbon emissions. This goal can be achieved through a multi-faceted approach:

1. Clean Energy: Embrace solar or wind power for lower carbon footprints and cost savings.

2. Optimised Supply Chains: Minimise emissions by responsibly sourcing and efficient transportation.

3. Energy Efficiency: Adopt LED lighting, smart thermostats, and promote energy-efficient practices within the organisation.

Implement Sustainable Supply Chains

Responsible sourcing is vital to implementing sustainable supply chains. Choose suppliers who prioritise eco-friendly materials and ethical labour practices. For instance, opt for suppliers that offer products made from recycled or sustainable materials, reducing the environmental impact of your supply chain. Additionally, establish waste reduction programs to minimise excess packaging and materials.

Advocate for Policy Change

Startups have a unique platform to advocate for policy changes that support climate action. It means engaging with policymakers and industry associations to shape regulations that promote environmentally responsible practices. Join industry associations that champion sustainability and use your voice to advocate for policies that incentivise green initiatives. Support renewable energy incentives, carbon pricing, and emissions reduction targets in your advocacy efforts.

Foster Innovation

Innovation plays a pivotal role in addressing climate change. Encourage your employees to think creatively about sustainability by:

1. Brainstorming for Sustainability: Hold regular brainstorming sessions to generate ideas for eco-friendly products and services.

2. Recycled and Biodegradable Materials: Consider developing products that utilise recycled or biodegradable materials, reducing the environmental impact of your offerings.

3. Eco-Friendly Swag: When it comes to promotional items and giveaways, opt for eco-friendly swag. Examples include reusable tote bags made from recycled materials or branded merchandise that promotes sustainability practices among your customers and partners.

Enhanced waste reduction and recycling efforts, as reported by the European Environment Agency (EEA), have not only reduced methane emissions from landfills but also curbed the energy required to produce new materials.

Partner with Environmental Organisations

Collaborating with environmental organisations amplifies your impact. Partner with conservation groups and participate in tree-planting events, beach cleanups, or habitat restoration projects. Donate a percentage of your profits to support environmental causes or offer volunteer opportunities to your employees to get involved directly in conservation efforts.

PRNEWS.IO's Commitment to the Environment

As we understand the significance of environmental stewardship, our commitment to the environment is evident through various initiatives. Here we list some of them, and we hope to inspire you with ideas on how to go green and make a positive impact within your startup:

- Donations for Reforestation: PRNEWS.IO donates a portion of its profits to planting trees, contributing to reforestation efforts that combat deforestation and help restore natural ecosystems.

- Green-Minded Clientele: We proudly serve green-minded clients like Eos.com, a company involved in satellite imagery and earth data processing for agro, forestry, and mineral sectors, as well as Releaf Paper, which produces paper from dried fallen leaves, promoting sustainable paper production.

- Eco-Friendly Partnerships: We value sustainability both financially and ecologically, striving to stay at the forefront of eco-friendly practices. We are a partner with "One Tree Planted", an organisation planting trees for every purchase of a PRO account, contributing to global reforestation efforts.

- Computer Refurbishment: PRNEWS.IO also collaborates with an Estonian project, GreenDice, that refurbishes computers and laptops, promoting the circular economy by recycling old devices and renting them to startups. We are already adding some of this equipment to our own office to further reduce electronic waste.

- Eco-Friendly Gift Cards: PRNEWS.IO offers a practical gift option for marketers, PR specialists, and brands – the PRNEWS.IO Gift Card, available as an environmentally-friendly digital card. Cardholders can utilise the gift card to secure discounts when acquiring media placements from our extensive catalogue, or even cover the entire purchase if the gift card value matches the total amount. These eco-friendly gift cards empower PR professionals and align with our commitment to sustainability.

A Call to Action: Uniting for Environmental Responsibility

In the face of our planet's environmental challenges, startups hold a piece of the puzzle for a sustainable future. It's not just about being trendy; it's about doing what's right. Throughout this article, we've explored a range of initiatives that startups can adopt to take a stand against climate change and champion eco-conscious practices.

By weaving sustainability into the very fabric of your startup, you can actively contribute to a more eco-friendly world. The responsibility for a greener tomorrow is one we all share, and it's a journey worth embarking on. Here we've shared insights to inspire and guide you on your path toward a more sustainable and harmonious world. So, let's take action together, make a difference, and create a brighter, greener future for us all.