As a for-purpose communications consultant and copywriter, I’m working towards the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through my services. If you’re not sure what the SDGs are, here’s a quick recap:

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (also called the SDGs) provide a call to action for all countries around the world – however poor or rich they might be – to address various social and environmental issues while promoting economic growth. They aim to improve issues including global healthcare and education, reduce inequality, increase economic growth, end poverty and tackle climate change and habitat destruction. Today, as countries attempt to recover post-pandemic, these goals are more important than ever.

How I’m working towards the SDGs

I aim to contribute to many of the sustainable development goals through my business and services. As the SDGs address a range of different issues, there are certain goals which are more relevant to me. Below, I’ve listed how I’m working to meet some of the SDGs.  

Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy

Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.

• My website is powered with renewable energy (wind powered) and has an energy efficient data centre, provided by Green Hosting
• I’m continuing to make my website and digital activities more energy efficient
• We use a renewable energy company for our electricity

Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production

Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.

• I have made several commitments to ethics that guide my business, which are outlined in my impact statement
• I switch off all lights and electrical equipment when not in use
• I adjust heating with energy consumption in mind – I get cold easily so blankets are my friends!
• My website hosting is 100% powered by UK wind farms (www.green-hosting.co.uk) and an energy-efficient London-based data centre
• I try to minimise how many products I purchase. However, when I do need to purchase new items, I take energy consumption and efficiency into account
• I try to minimise my business travel and organise telephone or video meetings rather than travelling for face-to-face meetings. When I do need to travel, I try to choose public transport over driving and fly as little as possible.
• Wherever possible, I refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose and recycle
• I seek out suppliers with positive environmental and ethical credentials

Goal 13: Climate action

Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

• I plant trees through Treeapp to achieve carbon neutrality
• I support climate projects and reforestation through Ecologi and am a member of the company's Climate Committee and, as such, am helping to guide the company's climate impact strategy.
• I also plant tress by using Ecosia as my preferred search engine
• We use a renewable energy company for our electricity
• Wherever possible, I refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose and recycle
• Through my work, I support communications campaigns that encourage action to achieve SDG 13 and fight climate change

Goal 14: Life below water

Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.

• I promote, support and provide information about marine conservation and initiatives working towards a healthy ocean
• By adopting a marine animal on behalf of each new client in the form of a charitable donation, I support marine life charities
• I donate 5+ days each year in the form of pro-bono or voluntary services for marine conservation causes
• I offer support and sign petitions advocating for better marine conservation (e.g. enforcing MPAs etc.)
• Through my work, I support campaigns that promote marine conservation efforts and encourage action to achieve SDG 14

Goal 15: Life on land

Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.

• I plant trees through Treeapp to achieve carbon neutrality
• My preferred search engine is Ecosia, which enables me to plant more trees through my digital activity
• I try to minimise how many products I purchase. However, when I do need to purchase new items, I take environmental impact into account and favour more environmentally friendly and efficient products wherever possible
• Wherever possible, I refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose and recycle
• I minimise the use of paper in the office and try to buy recycled and recyclable paper products. I also and recycle all paper where possible

Goal 17: Partnership for the goals

Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalise the global partnership for sustainable development.

• I supply PR consultancy and copywriting services to mission-driven clients and those working to achieve the SDGs
• If a client does not align with my ethos, I reserve the right not to work with them
• I network and collaborate with like-minded organisations and freelancers who aim to make a positive difference in the world
• I encourage clients, suppliers and partners to adopt sustainable and responsible practices

I’m always trying to learn more about how I can have a positive impact through my business and more steps I can take to meet the SDGs. If you have ideas, or you’d like to share what you’re doing to achieve the SDGs, do get in touch.