Why you should NOT start a sustainability project.

As a business that is passionate about sustainability and supporting others, it might seem strange to see us advocating AGAINST starting a sustainability project.

But hear us out - there are a few key reasons why starting a sustainability project might not be the best use of your time, energy, and resources. Here's why:

1. Sustainability is a team effort.

Sustainability is not an individual effort but a collective one. Starting a sustainability project on your own may seem possible, but it's unlikely to have a significant impact.

For example, if you start a project to reduce plastic waste in your office, it may lead to a reduction in plastic waste in your immediate environment. (This is usually what we see as the first positive step in being a more sustainable organisation). However, if you build a small team of 'keen' sustainability advocates, senior level supporters and involve more people, you could potentially have a much greater impact, across not only your business but within your supply chain.

Unfortunately 'loan rangers' AND sustainability have a bad reputation for being 'preachy' and might even turn others off even getting started at all!

2. Sustainability projects can be resource intensive.

Starting a sustainability project can require a significant investment of time, money, and other resources. This is especially true if you're trying to tackle a large-scale environmental issue and make significant changes and progress quickly. It always helps if you have a clear understanding of WHAT you're trying to achieve, as well as the resources needed to make it happen.

If you're thinking of starting a sustainability project, it's essential to assess whether you have the necessary resources to see it through to completion.

First thing you might need to do is allocate time from your day job to focus on sustainability. You then may need to invest in equipment and hire staff or consultants for the project. If you don't have the resources available, you may end up burning out or abandoning the project, which is a waste of everyone's time and resources.

This leaves a bad taste in everyone’s mouth – especially if it has started and failed before.

3. Sustainability projects can be difficult to sustain.

Sustainability is about long-term thinking and action, and sustainability projects can be difficult to sustain over time.

Without ongoing commitment and support, at a senior level, even the most well-intentioned sustainability project can fall by the wayside. Once you start a project, it's crucial to have a plan in place for how you will maintain momentum and ensure the project continues to have an impact over time.

Linking your sustainability actions to a business objective, whether it is securing your future relationships with your key customers or winning the 'fight for talent', is the most effective way of ensuring these projects 'have legs'.

4. Evironmental projects can distract from other important issues.

While the environment is an important issue, it's not the only one. There are many other pressing social and economic issues that require attention and resources, and it's important not to become too narrowly focused on the environmental aspects of sustainability, to the exclusion of everything else.

For example, if you're passionate about carbon reduction but neglecting issues like social justice, poverty, or human rights, you're missing an opportunity to make a more significant impact. In the long run, a more holistic approach that takes into account the interconnectedness of various issues is likely to be more effective than a narrow focus on one issue.

5. Sustainability is a complex and multifaceted issue.

Sustainability is not a simple or straightforward issue, and there are many different factors that contribute to environmental degradation and climate change. Addressing these issues requires a deep understanding of complex systems, as well as a commitment to ongoing learning and education.

If you're thinking of starting a sustainability project, it's essential to have a clear understanding of the business issues you're trying to address. Without this knowledge, your project may be ineffective or even counterproductive.

We often see industry groups creating sustainability initiatives or working with experts in the field to develop a more comprehensive and effective approach. This could be an option for you to consider.

6. Sustainability projects can be divisive.

While sustainability is an important issue, not everyone shares the same views or priorities when it comes to environmental issues. Starting a sustainability project can sometimes be perceived as "preaching to the choir" or as an attempt to impose your views on others.

To avoid this, it's essential to approach sustainability in a collaborative and inclusive way. By involving a diverse range of stakeholders in your project, you can ensure that your efforts are more effective and better aligned with the needs and interests of your business and all of its communities.

?7. Sustainability projects can be overwhelming.

The scope and scale of sustainability challenges can sometimes be overwhelming, and it's easy to feel like you're not doing enough or making a meaningful impact. Starting a sustainability project can sometimes compound these feelings of overwhelm and frustration, especially if progress is slow or incremental.

To avoid burnout and overwhelm, it's important to approach sustainability in a balanced and sustainable way. Instead of trying to do everything at once, focus on small, achievable actions that build momentum and make progress over time. Celebrate your successes along the way, and don't be too hard on yourself if progress is slow or uneven.

So, to start or not to start?

While it's important to be mindful of sustainability and take steps to reduce your negative environmental, social and economic impact, starting a sustainability project may not always be the best use of your time, energy, and resources.

Instead, consider getting involved in existing initiatives and working with others to make a collective impact. Sustainability is very difficult to improve in isolation!