Welcome to this week’s Sustainability News for 18th November! While mainstream media often favours the negative, we’re here to shine a light on the positive actions shaping a sustainable future. From increased business investment in green initiatives to new corporate commitments in nature-positive disclosures, today’s stories highlight inspiring eco-changes. Dive into these exciting developments and see how they can inspire you to drive impactful change of your own!
Business Spending on Sustainability Bounces Back Post-Pandemic
A recent survey by Simply Sustainable reveals that 90% of companies are set to increase spending on environmental initiatives in the coming year. The study, titled “Sustainability: Whose Job is it Anyway?”, surveyed 150 senior sustainability leaders across the UK and the Netherlands. It found that businesses are shifting their focus from cost-cutting to sustainability investments, driven by energy efficiency, regulatory compliance, and customer demands for greener practices.
While sustainability was previously seen as a separate agenda, more businesses are integrating it into core operations, with some deriving 40% of revenue from sustainable products. Sytze Dijkstra, Simply Sustainable’s Netherlands manager, stated, “Integrating sustainability into daily work is vital; linking it with job performance and remuneration can make a real difference.”
This trend reflects a positive step towards long-term environmental resilience and demonstrates how companies are increasingly valuing sustainable progress. Read on to discover our next story of sustainability news for 18th of November!
Morrisons and Sainsbury’s Commit to TNFD-Aligned Reporting
More than 500 organisations, including Morrisons and Sainsbury’s, have pledged to align with the Taskforce on Nature-Related Financial Disclosures (TNFD). This framework, launched last year, provides businesses with guidelines to report nature-related impacts, risks, and dependencies, helping investors make more informed decisions. TNFD’s supporters now represent a collective $6.5 trillion in market capitalisation and $17.7 trillion in managed assets.
Sainsbury’s CEO, Simon Roberts, emphasised the framework’s benefits, saying, “TNFD provides a structure to embed nature-related considerations into our strategy and decision-making.” By adopting TNFD, companies like Morrisons and Sainsbury’s are setting a new standard for transparent and responsible environmental reporting, with aims to support biodiversity and conservation efforts.
The rapid growth in TNFD adopters, especially among financial institutions, marks a strong shift towards sustainability. This framework encourages businesses to consider biodiversity as part of their sustainability journey, potentially transforming industry standards. Continue reading to see our last story of sustainability news for 18th November.
UK Government to Ban Disposable Vapes by 2025
The UK government has confirmed plans to ban disposable vapes from June 2025, in a move to combat waste and reduce environmental impact. With five million single-use vapes discarded weekly, Minister for Circular Economy Mary Creagh highlighted their environmental cost, describing them as “a blight on our towns and cities.” The ban follows a UK-wide consultation and will apply to all non-rechargeable or non-refillable vapes.
Disposable vapes pose a significant waste challenge, as many components are difficult to recycle. Environmental group Material Focus noted that 90% of retailers fail to meet recycling obligations for vapes. Alongside the ban, the government plans to introduce stricter regulations for reusable vapes, requiring improved visibility for recycling options.
This landmark decision addresses the throwaway culture surrounding vapes and could set a precedent for similar actions globally. By tackling single-use vape waste, the UK is taking another step towards a more sustainable and circular economy.
Sustainability News for 18th November: Wrap-Up
These stories showcase a growing commitment to sustainability, from businesses increasing environmental budgets to frameworks for nature-positive reporting and policies curbing waste. As the Play It Green community continues its journey, remember that each eco-friendly step contributes to a greener future. Let’s keep pushing for change that supports both the environment and future generations.
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