Reflections on Project Drawdown: A Brighter Future

In 2016, a staggering 36 gigatons of CO2 were emitted. This is equivalent to the contents of an Olympic-size pool multiplied by 400,000! (source) Although the Paris Agreement was signed in 2016 with the admirable goal of reducing CO2 emissions, there is still much work to be done to achieve these critical climate goals. To combat global warming, we must not only reduce our carbon emissions but also promote processes that decrease CO2 already in the atmosphere. We must reach drawdown, the point at which greenhouse gases peak and then start to decrease steadily. (source) We at Probity Marketing recognize the urgent need to address global warming and reduce humanity's carbon footprint. By supporting our clients to implement sustainable strategies and newer technologies, we can address global warming, save money, create jobs, and prevent pollution. We can create a more sustainable future for all by seeking win-win solutions, read on to discover some actions your company or organization can take to help achieve drawdown. 

Carbon and Commuting 

Reducing carbon emissions is critical for companies that are looking to become more sustainable and environmentally responsible. One of the biggest contributors to carbon emissions is travel and commuting. Companies can reduce their impact by encouraging employees to use public transportation, carpool, bike, or walk to work. Incentives like discounted bus passes or purposefully choosing meeting locations close to public transit stops or on bike paths will help employees embrace more eco-friendly transportation. Additionally, virtual meetings and telecommuting policies can significantly reduce travel needs. Not only does this help the environment, but it also helps employees save time and money, which can improve their quality of life.

Remote Work: A Sustainable Solution 

Another effective way for companies to reduce their carbon footprint is to adopt a virtual office policy. By moving some or all of their operations to a virtual environment, companies can significantly reduce their energy usage, paper consumption, and waste. According to Global Workplace Analytics, if those who could work from home did so even half the time, it could lead to a reduction of 54 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually—the equivalent of taking almost 10 million cars off the road. (source) With the COVID-19 Pandemic, we have seen a shift toward remote work, and according to a study published in the Harvard Business Review, remote work caused global carbon emissions to decrease by 5.9% in 2020, which is the largest annual decline in emissions ever recorded. (source)

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
As a company, it is important to take action to reduce your carbon footprint, and one way to start is by performing a waste audit and diverting waste from landfills. By implementing a recycling program and reducing waste, you can significantly decrease your environmental impact. Measuring your carbon footprint and offsetting it is another important step in reducing your impact. By purchasing carbon offsets, you can fund renewable energy and other projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Another way to reduce your carbon footprint is by moving your website to a green server. These green servers are powered by renewable energy sources, such as wind or solar power, which significantly reduce the environmental footprint of your website and decrease electricity consumption. 

Your Voice Matters

Supporting activist and conservation organizations that align with your brand is also a great way to take action. By partnering with organizations that share your sustainability goals, you can contribute to conservation efforts and support important causes for your business. Endorsing organizations that are committed to environmental change not only lets your voice be heard but can help create the necessary policy changes that will help our planet achieve drawdown. 

Finally, you can also support renewable energy infrastructure in Canada by checking out Bullfrog Power. This company provides renewable energy solutions to businesses nationwide, including wind, solar, and low-impact hydroelectric power. By supporting renewable energy infrastructure, you can help reduce your carbon footprint and endorse a more sustainable future.

Embracing environmentally conscious policies and ideas is not only beneficial for the planet but beneficial to your company as well. A survey conducted by the global job site Indeed in 2020 found that 64% of job seekers consider a company's environmental commitment when looking for a job. The survey also found that 75% of job seekers said they would be more likely to accept a job if the employer had a good reputation for sustainability. (source) We at Probity Marketing work almost exclusively remotely to decrease carbon footprint and give our employees the needed flexibility in their schedules. 

While the challenge of reversing global warming may be daunting, it is by no means unachievable. By taking meaningful steps to reduce our carbon footprint and actively promoting sustainable practices, we can help steer the world towards drawdown. As individuals and businesses alike take action and commit to sustainability, we can create a brighter and healthier future for ourselves and the planet. At Probity Marketing, we believe that every effort counts, and we are committed to working with our clients to find innovative and effective ways to reduce their carbon footprint and make a positive impact on the environment.