World Environment Day is coming up on 5 June 2023.
As a client of Alexander Peter, you can relax knowing that you're already doing your bit for the environment, because we're committed to being a carbon negative company.
Financial services businesses used to generate tonnes of paper
If you work with us, you'll know that we use as little paper as possible to conduct business. This is quite a feat in an industry traditionally known to generate literally tonnes of paper.
In fact, according to a report in FTAdviser, “financial services companies sent 5.2 billion paper documents to their customers in 2017”.
To put this in perspective, 5.2 billion pieces of paper is equivalent to 2.4 million trees. Yet, in 2016, only around 850,000 trees were planted in the UK – a massive shortfall on the paper being used by financial services companies.
Help reforest the world
Today, as well as choosing digital options wherever we can, we've also teamed up with Tree-Nation to help reforest the world and offset our carbon footprint.
In addition to running a net zero website, we also plant a tree every time we take on a new client.
To date, our work with Tree-Nation means we've planted 237 trees, compensating for a total 73.37tonnes of carbon. If you know anyone who may benefit from our support and advice, please share our details, and help reforest the world.
Should you wish to go further in helping the planet this World Environment Day, you could perhaps start making a conscious effort to reconsider your use of plastic.
Around the world, people produce 400 million tonnes of plastic waste every year
In the modern world, the global population produces 400 million tonnes of plastic waste every year. Our obsession with convenience means we all consume more single-use plastic products than the world can possibly cope with.
This is causing severe environmental, social, economic, and health consequences.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) states: “Around the world, one million plastic bottles are purchased every minute, while up to 5trillion plastic bags are used worldwide every year. In total, half of all plastic produced is designed for single-use purposes – used just once and then thrown away.”
It’s glaringly apparent that plastic pollution is a global problem that we must all do our bit to change. So, read on for a few ideas on how you can help to reduce plastic pollution.
1. Reduce single-use plastics
Water bottles may be the most obvious single-use plastic, but plastic bags and even drinking straws can contribute to the problem.
Reduce your use of these items by carrying a reusable water bottle, buying hardwearing, reusable tote bags when shopping, and using straws made from alternative materials. You can find some amazing shopping bags these days and there are all kinds of ingenious drinking straws on the market, including paper and compostable straws and even stainless steel straws.
2. Recycle responsibly
Be responsible about how you dispose of plastic waste and recycle whenever possible. Make sure you know what can and cannot be recycled in your area, so you stay within the rules. And be considerate by taking the time to clean and sort your plastics before dropping them in the recycling bin.
3. Support eco-friendly initiatives
Another great way to help the environment is to show support for businesses and organisations that are taking steps to help the environment.
In the same way that Alexander Peter are helping reforest the world, you can be selective by shopping at stores that use eco-friendly packaging or have implemented other environmentally friendly initiatives.
For example, The Body Shop have teamed up with three other iconic beauty brands, forming the fourth largest beauty group in the world. Together, with Natura, Avon, and Aesop (try their Resurrection Aromatique Hand Wash), they are committed to sustainable and ethical business practise. This includes taking action against the climate crisis, fighting animal testing, and committing to fairer, more sustainable sourcing.
4. Spread awareness
Educate others about the impact of plastic pollution and encourage them to take action. Share information on social media, participate in community events, and talk to your friends and family about simple steps they can take to help reduce plastic pollution.
If you do nothing else this World Environment Day, please share our details with anyone you know who may benefit from our support and advice, and rest easy knowing you’ve helped to reforest the world.
