Net Zero Plastic Challenge - Offset Your Consumption by Earth Overshoot Day
Andrew Clark 02/07/23
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Today we're excited to issue a challenge to all clients currently on the Net Zero Optics programme: to achieve Net Zero Plastic certification by Earth Overshoot Day 2023.
But what even is Earth Overshoot Day? Based on science from the Global Footprint Network, Earth Overshoot Day marks the date when humanity’s demand for ecological resources and services in a given year exceeds what Earth can regenerate in that year. This stems mostly from our exploitation of natural resources, coupled with the accumulation of waste - including plastic, and atmospheric carbon dioxide.
This year, Earth Overshoot Day falls on August 2nd.
That means, beyond 2nd August, humanity's accruiting an environmental deficit that is the very definition of "unsustainable".
Back in 1971, Earth Overshoot Day fell on December 25th (how's that for a Christmas present!), and has crept earlier and earlier in the calendar since then.
We simply can't continue to over-consume the planet's finite resources like this forever, and it's imperative that we all undertake actions to #MoveTheDate for the better.
Half of Earth's biocapacity is used to feed us. By reducing food waste, preferring plant-based foods, and implementing regenerative agricultural practices worldwide, we could move the date of Earth Overshoot Day by 32 days.
Go Net Zero Plastic by Earth Overshoot Day
There's only so much any one of us - individuals or businesses - can do to #MoveTheDate and tackle the root causes of this catastrophe; and calculating and offsetting your plastic footprint is a big step in the right direction.
By offsetting your business's plastic footprint, you're helping to reduce environmental pollution and atone for the substantial environmental footprint of virgin plastic products.
What's more, the process of calculating your plastic footprint really shines a spotlight on how much plastic you get through, and is the most efficient way to identify areas where you could make tangible reductions in your plastic footprint.
You Can Start Right Now
Net Zero Eyecare recently published guidance for businesses on calculating your plastic footprint (download it here), and we at Practice Building are proud to offer support and certification of Net Zero Plastic via the Net Zero Optics programme.
Email andrew@practicebuilding.co.uk if you'd like to find out more about how to take your optical business to Net Zero Plastic in as little as a week.
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