Finding the right way to start any project in life is often the hardest part and the rest flows from there - that's been my experience. Whether it's getting the most difficult or uneasy task out of the way first thing, I learn and build from there. Sustainability is everywhere in many forms. Whether people know what they're talking about, or simply referring to acronyms and jargon building their woke status - it's something many people struggle to understand how they can contribute and help make a difference. It starts with one ….. you!
In the face of regulatory changes, geo-political risks, and capital market shifts. Sustainable investing has evolved considerably beyond the days of Ethical considerations and Socially Responsible Investment. The rising prominence of ESG considerations reflects a wider 'sustainable transition’. As part of this transition, the ESG themes at the forefront of investment conversations are no longer limited to climate change, knowledge and action is further evolving to include the road to net zero. The social elements of ESG are now taking hold. Challenging our norms in health, diversity, inclusion, human rights, and our equitable right to, ensuring resilient and prosperous communities. The later propelled by the continuing dystopian events of the past 18 months and COVID-19.
“As a society we can look on these with a sense of foreboding, often tying ourselves in knots trying to understand the ‘what’ and the ‘why’. This gives the added challenge of – how do we start?” - Jon Kinnell
I came across a really interesting article by Solitaire Townsend [1], a Forbes contributor and Co-Founder of the change agency Futerra [2], back in 2018. The article was interesting in the sense it highlights the link between consumerism and the influence of brand and cause related marketing [3]. But also referenced the Good Life Goals [4].
What are the Good Life Goals I hear you ask?
People around the world are becoming increasingly familiar with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), but how many of us really know what we can do to reach them? The Good Life Goals represent an effort to answer this question and help a global audience to recognize the vital role of individual action in achieving the SDGs. The Good Life Goals layout 85 ways WE as individuals can take this first step and contribute towards the huge, planet-changing objectives that sit at the heart of the SDG agenda. What can YOU do as an individual?
SDG 1: No Poverty Headline Goal: HELP END POVERTY
Learn the causes of poverty at home and abroad
Share and donate what you can
Buy from companies that pay people fairly
Save, borrow and invest responsibly
Demand decent wages and opportunities for all
SDG 2: Zero Hunger Headline Goal: EAT BETTER
Learn how we farm, fish and make our food
Enjoy more fruits & vegetables
Buy local, seasonal and fairly traded food
Help children, elderly people and pregnant women to eat well
Demand an end to global hunger
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being Headline Goal: STAY WELL
Learn about, and share, ways to stay healthy
Wash your hands and exercise regularly
Stay safe on or near roads
Value mental health and well-being
Demand medical care and vaccinations for all
SDG 4: Quality Education Headline Goal: LEARN AND TEACH
SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation Headline Goal: SAVE WATER
Learn why clean water matters
Don’t flush any trash or toxic chemicals
Report and fix leaks – big or small
Save water when brushing your teeth, washing and cleaning
Defend people’s right to clean water and a toilet
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy Headline Goal: USE CLEAN ENERGY
Find out where your energy comes from
Save energy wherever you can
Use renewable energy for heat, light and power
Buy from companies powered by renewable energy
Demand clean, affordable energy for everyone
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth Headline Goal: DO GOOD WORK
Learn family finance skills
Demand safe working conditions
Check no-one was exploited to make what you buy
Support local businesses at home and abroad
Stand up for everyone’s rights at work
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure Headline Goal: MAKE SMART CHOICES
Learn about plans for progress in your country
Stay smart and kind online
Support construction that benefits people and protects the planet
Welcome innovations that make the world a better place
Demand the benefits from progress are shared
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities Headline Goal: BE FAIR
Stay open-minded, listen and learn from others
Support leaders who reduce inequality
Protect and welcome the vulnerable
Buy from companies that pay tax and treat people fairly
Stand up for your rights, and the rights of others
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities Headline Goal: LOVE WHERE YOU LIVE
Learn about, and take part in, local decisions
Prepare for emergencies
Get to know your neighbours and welcome new people
Protect local trees, wildlife and natural areas
Demand safe and good quality public transport
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production Headline Goal: LIVE BETTER
Learn about sustainable development
Reuse, repair, recycle, share and borrow
Waste less food and use leftovers
Collect friends and experiences, not just things
Demand that businesses respect people and planet
SDG 13: Climate Action Headline Goal: ACT ON CLIMATE
Learn about climate solutions
Call for more renewable energy in your country
Eat more plants and cut down on meat
Walk and cycle rather than drive
Demand leaders take bold climate action today
SDG 14: Life Under Water Headline Goal: CLEAN OUR SEAS
Learn about life in our seas and oceans
Remember that litter ends up in the water
Say no to unnecessary plastic
Buy sustainable fish and seafood
Demand leaders end ocean pollution
SDG 15: Life on Land Headline Goal: LOVE NATURE
Discover the wonders of the natural world
Protect native plants and animals
Never buy products made from endangered wildlife
Support companies that protect and restore nature
Speak up for threatened forests and natural places
SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions Headline Goal: MAKE PEACE
Learn about and use your rights
Be kind and tolerant
Resist corruption and abuse of power
Support the institutions that support people
Stand up for fairness and peace
SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals Headline Goal: COME TOGETHER
Discover and share the Sustainable Development Goals
Support those who bring us together
Celebrate the progress we’ve already made
Get involved and volunteer in your community
Help make tomorrow better than today
Who’s behind the Good Life Goals?
The Goals have been shaped through a number of stakeholders, primarily though, a collaboration between Futerra itself and the 10YFP Sustainable Lifestyles and Education program[5].An initiative led by the governments of Sweden and Japan represented by the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) and the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES). As well as the UN Environment Agency, UNESCO, and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development.
Increasingly cause-related-marketing, sustainability or CSR activities of brands promote what the company is doing, portrayed as the change-maker as opposed to helping the consumer to make an informed decision. Relegating the public to mere ‘spectators’ and therefore not involved or inactive. Could this be part of the problem in taking action!
The 85 actions in the Good Life Goals remind us that people power matters as much as powerful people. And brands have a huge potential to unleash that positive impact. Brands can influence our behaviours, aspirations, our insecurities and even our definition of success and happiness. That creative power is potent. Yet we, the consumer should be responsible for our actions – and take action leveraging our consumer power and entrepreneurial activity for the Good Life Goals. We should call out poor corporate behaviour and demand the products and services that help consumers live a sustainable lifestyle.
At every opportunity remember, your consumerism has the right to change the world for the better – how are you going to help her?
To dig deeper into how personal actions can support the 17 SDGs, find the information and resources here. Also, refer to our impact article on SDGs to get an overview of 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
Support our mission Alpha for Impact
Gastautor
Heading
This is some text inside of a div block.
Der Beitrag des Gastautors spiegelt nicht zwangsläufig die Meinung der Redaktion wieder.
A passionate sustainability and social impact strategist, Jon has enjoyed the privilege of supporting some of the most inspiring impact investors, social entrepreneurs, venture philanthropists and their advisors across the social finance spectrum. Accelerating ambitious start-ups, SMEs, and highly impactful social organisations, including NGO’s, designing impact strategies aligned to a more responsible capitalism at an individual and organisational level.Jon has over 15 years’ experience operating at the interface of wealth management and sustainability. Leveraging a mix of VC, philanthropy, grants, ESG funds, along with social and impact investment, generating in excess of £140m in social capital for sustainable initiatives around the world.
The guest author's contribution does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial team.
