This year record numbers took part in Veganuary, switching to a plant-based diet for the month. The war on plastic waste continues with nearly all major supermarkets signing the UK Plastic Pact. And 16-year-old activist Greta Thunberg inspired over 1 million students to march for a better future in climate crisis protests across the world.
As a certified B Corp, we’re committed to doing our part to help here at Mindful Chef. Earlier this month we joined over 600 others at the B Corp #BInspired day at the Bridge Theatre, London, to explore the role of business in society.
We heard from business leaders, entrepreneurs, academics and activists, all with a shared purpose to find solutions to the problems people and the planet face. Here are our three highlights from the day that everyone can embrace.
1. Lead with integrity
People look at you every day and the actions you stand for. We need to lead by example through our actions.”
Patrick Pichette, former Google CFO
This goes for each and every one of us, both businesses and individuals alike. Every decision gives us the opportunity to practice what we stand for, whether that’s switching to a green energy provider, like Bulb, or pledging to cut your food waste to zero, with the help of a Mindful Chef recipe box.
2. Don’t delay, just start
Kajal Odedra, Executive Director of B Corp Change.org, shared her story supporting Ella and Caitlin, aged 10 and 8, who started an anti-plastic petition against fast-food giant McDonalds. Their petition to eliminate the use of plastic toys in children’s happy meals was adopted by rival Burger King in the UK last month, estimated to save 320 tonnes of waste annually. This goes to show that no matter what cause you believe in, you can make a difference simply by acting.
3. Create with a conscience
If you are a designer or a creator for a brand which is exploiting the planet, you are not a creator, you are a destructor”
Kresse Wesling, Co-founder of Elvis and Kresse
Kresse founded Elvis & Kresse in 2005, rescuing raw materials and transforming them into luxury lifestyle accessories. Their story began with saving the London Fire Brigade’s damaged decommissioned hoses, previously destined for landfill. Kresse encouraged everyone to take a step back and think about what they’re working towards and to incorporate circularity at every stage. That’s why we urge customers to return their packaging, so we can reuse as much as possible and failing that upcycle it into something new.
To read more about the day head to the B Corps Blog.