Chances are, if you have ever watched the news or been on social media, you have heard the term “Climate crisis”. But what actually is it? How does it affect us?
The climate crisis refers to the Earth’s current period of rapid increase in global temperatures and conditions. Our planet is heating up and burning through natural resources at a rate that is almost irreparable. This has the potential to impact the way we live, with water shortages making it more difficult to produce food. Rising sea levels, unpredictable extreme weather events (heatwaves and storms for example) are all part of the downfall that threatens our livelihood.
How Large Corporation’s Propel The Climate Crisis
The pollution and waste of large corporations has a huge impact on the climate crisis. Compared to the early 2000s, our world has seen immense advances in technology and the temptations of affordable mass consumerism. Companies like Amazon are offering every product you could ever want, at unbeatable prices, with the added convenience of ordering online from our homes.
So Why Would We Want To Change This?
The real price we pay in return for such convenience is clear from the statistics below. In 2020 alone, Fortune reported Amazon’s 60.64 million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions were the equivalent of burning through 140 million barrels of oil. Amazon’s rapid delivery policy meant their emissions increased by an enormous 69%.
Unfortunately, the trend of e-commerce is growing exponentially each year. This means if consumer demand is not redirected, giant corporations will continue to contribute staggering pollution levels, exacerbating our existing climate crisis.
HoMie
HoMie is an Australian fashion brand that was founded in Melbourne in 2015. Their mission is to break down the stigma attached with homelessness and they donate 100% of their clothing profits to supporting individuals affected by homelessness; equipping them with the skills and experience to provide them with a chance to create a better future. Furthermore, HoMie has a sub-initiative “REBORN BY HOMIE”, which up-cycles pre-loved pieces to give them a second life; a fantastic way to shop sustainability and minimise waste.
Haus of Dizzy
Proud Wiradjuri woman Kristy Dickinson creates bold, playful, statement-making jewellery that celebrates and honours Indigenous culture—imbuing a sense of empowerment and joy within everybody who wears it. Kristy created an Indigenous pride collection “so mob could show their pride in a cool, fun way and allies could support and open a dialogue around Indigenous issues.” Her jewellery whilst being fun and aesthetic, celebrates Aboriginal culture and draws on social, political and environmental issues.
Two Good Co
Two Good Co started out as a few individuals cooking barbecues for the less fortunate in Kings Cross, what evolved, is a Soup Kitchen turned business that offers foods services whilst giving back to the community. For every meal purchased an identical meal is provided to survivors of domestic abuse. Beyond providing meals free of cost, Two Good Co also hires women from the shelters they serve, helping women get back on their feet with rebuilding their employment opportunities and providing an income.
The great news is there are some amazing local Australian business’s you can get behind that work tirelessly to combat climate change and give back to the community. If you need an assist in business or are looking to find out more, get in touch.