As the climate debate rages on, one gift company has taken action. In the light of the climate crisis, Shared Earth– among the largest Fair Trade and eco distributors in the UK – is putting environmental issues at the top of its agenda.
Spurred on by the recent strike by schoolchildren, as well as by the declaration by Parliament of a Climate Emergency, the company has arguably become the first in the UK to announce a climate crisis levy on products, as opposed to services.
The 10% levy will be applied to all products imported by air, and to all products made of plastic, such as resin statues from Thailand and suncatchers from Bali. Shared Earth is also working with suppliers to develop alternative, more sustainable materials. In addition, a self-imposed 10% levy will be applied to all travel made by air by Shared Earth staff.
The proceeds from the levy will be used for planting trees, alternative energy and other projects which help to combat the negative effects of global warming.
Shared Earth’s founder and MD Jeremy Piercy believes that all businesses should be asking themselves how they can reduce their CO2 emissions, to help slow down the increasing reality of climate change. “We can’t just ignore this problem and continue as we are, using up limited fossil fuels and expecting others to solve this crisis,” he comments. “There are lots of things we can do, both large and small, as individuals and as businesses, all of which will contribute to positive change. Commercially, these can pay off too.”
He continues: “A younger generation of consumers is emerging with different values and aspirations, and will support businesses which actively address the problems of climate change, which could seriously affect their lives in 20 or 30 years’ time.”
Shared Earth, founded in 1986, buys from around 100 different producer groups in countries as diverse as Bangladesh, Madagascar and Peru. The company has increased its turnover by an average of 30% each year for the last six years. Sales in its two shops in York and Liverpool have increased by 15% over the same period.
Top: Plastic waste on a beach in Bali.
