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The official message for Earth Day 2024 has been for a reduction in plastic pollution, with the target of decreasing production by 60% in the next 15 years. We know that plastic pollution poses a severe threat to our oceans and wildlife, so I welcome the opportunity around Earth Day to raise awareness.

However, as a sustainability recruiter, I also recognise that education on this topic is vital, particularly given the green skills gap we’re seeing today. In this blog, I’ll be exploring this topic in more detail, and suggesting solutions that your organisation can easily implement.

WHY DO WE NEED TO TACKLE PLASTIC POLLUTION?

Plastic pollution is wreaking havoc on marine ecosystems, resulting in the tragic loss of approximately 100,000 mammals every year due to ingestion or entanglement. Our throwaway culture and excessive plastic consumption are unsustainable. Annually, we churn out a staggering 430 million tons of plastic, a figure which is projected to triple by 2060.

A holistic approach to tackling this pollution is required, whereby we amend our habits to reduce our dependence on non-essential plastic products. By conducting a comprehensive life cycle assessment (that factors in product design, production, consumption, and waste management), we have the opportunity to curb plastic pollution by 80% by 2040 and create up to 700,000 additional jobs in the process.

HOW CAN YOUR ORGANISATION TAKE ACTION ON PLASTIC POLLUTION?

It’s clear there are multiple benefits to us cleaning up our act. The numbers listed above may seem overwhelming, but they are a target we have to reach for. Here’s how to make a difference:

Influence individual behaviour regarding plastic pollution

On a personal level, we can make a difference by reducing plastic waste in our day-to-day life. Ensuring that your organisation’s people follow suit is a great place to start.

Furthermore, research shows that most workers, particular those of younger generations, are willing to act. In fact, Deloitte have found that half of Gen Z are pushing their employers to drive positive change regarding sustainability. Meanwhile, a 2023 study found that 93% of respondents felt happier when working in an environmentally friendly workplace. Think of reducing plastic pollution as part of your employee value proposition, boosting satisfaction while doing the right thing.

With this in mind, reducing plastic consumption and waste is an easy win. For example, avoid unnecessary food packaging – this includes water bottles or disposable coffee cups – and provide opportunities to recycle when possible. If these items are currently available in the workplace, it’s time to consider alternatives that will still appeal to your workforce.

Educate and inform through green skills and career development

Driving real change on environmental challenges such as plastic pollution means educating the workforce. we must bridge the green skills gap. In their 2023 Global Green Skills Report, LinkedIn found that just one in eight workers possesses any form of green skills.

The same report highlighted the growing demand for sustainability professionals. In a LinkedIn live event for Earth Day, my colleagues Kirsty Green-Mann and Travis O’Rourke made the point that the responsibility doesn’t lie with what we traditionally consider green workers.

The solution for this requires collaboration across the organisation, from designers and marketeers to supply chain specialists and policy makers. Each of these roles would benefit from green skills, which in turn benefits the business. This starts with investing in education, training, and development programs. In doing so, we can equip the next generation with the skills and knowledge needed to drive environmental change.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Failing to act on plastic pollution through the measures outlined above risks damaging your organisation in a number of ways. Sustainable practices are good for your brand and make it more attractive to investors, employees and customers.

That’s why it’s imperative that we reflect on the urgency of tackling plastic pollution and other environmental issues. By reducing our reliance on plastic through individual actions and influencing others, we can make a difference. Similarly, closing the green skills gap is vital for driving progress. The key message to take away is that we must work together to promote change on a global and meaningful basis.

AUTHOR

TIM SMITH
Business Director, Hays Hong Kong SAR

Timothy has thirteen years of APAC recruitment experience and over this time has managed diverse teams specialising in Sales & Marketing, Retail, Professional services, FMCG, B2B, Travel / Tourism, Ecommerce, Fin-tech, Construction, Property, Engineering and Manufacturing recruitment. Tim now leads the Hays Sustainably practice, which recruit mid to senior level roles within the Sustainability and ESG space across Asia.

His success has come from executive search assignments where he has successfully placed some of the region’s most influential sustainability leaders. As organisations map out ambitious sustainability targets, Timothy and his team are well geared up to identify great talent to assist companies accelerate towards these goals, through strategic talent acquisition.

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