Earth Day: Small businesses leading the way in sustainability
Next week Earth Day (22 April) takes place to celebrate the achievements of the environmental movement and raise awareness about the critical need to protect the environment. Businesses of all sizes will play a crucial role in protecting our planet. In a recent survey by management consultants Bain, 64% of people reported high levels of concern about sustainability and most said their worries have intensified over the past two years.
This consumer focus on the environment and sustainability is being met by entrepreneurs who are starting businesses offering innovative, sustainable products and services. Start Up Loans has supported a whole host of green businesses from each corner of the UK, from eco-friendly dog waste bags to sustainable garden buildings.
Here is what some of the Start Up Loan recipients had to say about sustainability and why it matters to their business:
Pip&Henry
Creates shoes for children that are both sustainably made and recyclable. They offer a shoe recycling scheme where parents can exchange an old pair of shoes for £10 off their next order and their
recyclable packaging doubles up as a game that aims to help children understand the role they can play in saving the planet.
Founder of Pip&Henry, Jeroo Doodhmal said: “Children outgrow shoes every 4-6 months in the early years of their lives. 80 million pairs of shoes are bought by British families for their children every year in the UK alone and 85% of them end up in landfill. I saw these issues first hand when I had my daughter, and that’s what got me down the path to building Pip & Henry.
“We’re on a mission to change those statistics – by designing for circularity, using the planet-friendly materials, incorporating multi-use in our packaging and more!”
Premium activewear for women with a focus on sustainability. The range, which is made from eco-friendly and recycled materials, is inspired by founder Sarah Jane’s passion for making a positive impact on the world. Launched with the help of a £10,000 Start Up Loan via Enterprise Northern Ireland.
Founder of Vocus Vit, Sarah Jane Murray said: “Our range is made from recycled materials such as plastic bottles without compromising on comfort, fit and style. We go to great lengths to be environmentally responsible and sustainable in everything we do, these are the values which I have built my brand upon.
“When I was starting out, one of my biggest challenges was cashflow and I needed a loan to help me get set up. I remember thinking there is no way I was going to secure funding, but I applied to the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme and I was successful. It really helped accelerate my business and I would recommend the Bank to anyone.”
Located in Wales, Tŷ Green founder, Spence Gadsby, hand builds eco-huts, to be used as alternative spaces from shepherd huts to garden offices. They are crafted from local sustainably sourced, natural materials including English cedar wood cladding and chemical-free Welsh sheep wool insulation.
Founder of Tŷ Green, Spence Gadsby said: “Aside from my experience and qualifications as an architect, I’ve always had an interest in carpentry and woodwork, pairing that with my passion to live an eco-friendly and sustainable lifestyle, my business really allows me to combine all of my skills and knowledge.
“The idea for Tŷ Green came to me in a lightbulb moment when I stayed on a caravan site with some friends, I was really surprised by the poor design and construction, with the majority of materials made from plastic. It got me thinking that a similar construction made from a timber frame would be much better quality, more sustainable, and at a fraction of the price. Everything clicked when I saw an advert for a shepherd hut a few days later and I realised this was a venture I could pursue.”
