Join our FREE career webinars
Between Monday 3rd and Thursday 6th March 2025 (during National Careers Week), WWF are hosting 5 free webinars exploring a number of different careers and their links to sustainability. Guests include TV presenter and architect Kevin McCloud, scientist and filmmaker Lizzie Daly, TV Pharmacist Thorrun Govind, John Lewis Partnership and a variety of WWF staff.
These webinars will last 45 minutes with time for students to ask our guests questions about their careers.
These webinars are aimed at 13-18 year olds and will be via a Zoom webinar format. Webinars will be recorded and available afterwards.
Following the webinars, we will again be launching our competition for students to win a place on our WWF youth insights day at the Living Planet Centre! Scroll down to see last years event and winners.
Health and Wellbeing - 10am, Monday 3rd March 2025
Health and Wellbeing - 10am, Monday 3rd March 2025
Join our guest speakers and industry experts to hear about their career journeys and how they got to where they are now. Learn more about their job roles, how sustainability plays a part and ask your burning career questions.
Guest speakers:
Thorrun Govind, TV Pharmacist, ITV
William Baldwin-Cantello, Director of Nature Based Solutions, WWF-UK
Conservation - 10am, Tuesday 4th March 2025
Conservation - 10am, Tuesday 4th March 2025
Join our guest speakers and industry experts to hear about their career journeys and how they got to where they are now. Learn more about their job roles, how sustainability plays a part and ask your burning career questions.
Guest speakers:
Naomi Arnold, Restoration Forth Project Manager, WWF Scotland
Charlie Cutt, UK Wholescape Senior Programme Manager, WWF-UK
Rebecca May, Senior Programme Advisor Asian Big Cats, WWF-UK
Business - 3pm, Tuesday 4th March 2025
Business - 3pm, Tuesday 4th March 2025
Join our guest speakers and industry experts to hear about their career journeys and how they got to where they are now. Learn more about their job roles, how sustainability plays a part and ask your burning career questions.
Guest speakers:
Camilla Lawson, Ethics and Sustainability Specialist - Environment and Food Waste, John Lewis Partnership
Ben Thomas, Senior Environment Manager, John Lewis Partnership
Education and Science Communication - 3pm, Wednesday 5th March 2025
Education and Science Communication - 3pm, Wednesday 5th March 2025
Join our guest speakers and industry experts to hear about their career journeys and how they got to where they are now. Learn more about their job roles, how sustainability plays a part and ask your burning career questions.
Guest speakers:
Lizzie Daly, Scientist, Filmmaker, Wildlife Host
Construction and Eco Architecture - 3pm, Thursday 6th March 2025
Construction and Eco Architecture - 3pm, Thursday 6th March 2025
Join our guest speakers and industry experts to hear about their career journeys and how they got to where they are now. Learn more about their job roles, how sustainability plays a part and ask your burning career questions.
Guest speakers:
Kevin McCloud, TV Presenter, Architect and Writer
Jenny Colville, Head of Sustainability, LandSec
Finn Harries, Designer and Researcher
Interested in sustainability but not sure where to start?
Watch one of our FIVE webinars below to hear from experts in sustainable fashion, finance and food, to professional footballers, actors and musicians.
In each webinar, you’ll hear from industry leaders on how we can work more sustainably and get advice to support your career path.
Sustainable Futures Showcase 2024: Webinar recordings
Sustainable Futures Showcase 2024: Webinar recordings
Below you can find the links to last years showcase webinar recordings:
Entertainment: Changing the Script: The role of the film & music industry in bringing our world back to life!
Sport: Changing the Game: The role of the sport industry in bringing our world back to life!
Business and Finance: Changing the Model: The role of the business and finance industry in bringing our world back to life!
Fashion: Changing Trends: The role of the fashion industry in bringing our world back to life!
Food and Farming: Changing the Chain: The role of the food and farming industry in bringing our world back to life!
WWF-UK Sustainable Futures Showcase: A Successful Youth Insight Day!
On July 25th, 2024, we welcomed the winners, runners-up, and members of the Sustainable Futures Youth Advisory Group to WWF-UK’s Living Planet Centre for a special Youth Insight Day as part of the Sustainable Futures Showcase competition prize.
On the day participants got a unique glimpse into sustainable careers, with participants engaging in a dynamic speed networking session. They had the opportunity to connect with staff from various departments, including Brand, Science, Conservation, Fundraising, and more.
One of the highlights was an interactive group challenge, where young people became campaign managers and presented their campaign ideas for the Sustainable Futures Showcase programme. Additionally, they were given a guided tour of the Living Planet Centre, learning about the building's sustainable and environmentally friendly features.
The three winners of the Sustainable Futures Showcase also had their first coaching session, and the entire group had the privilege of hearing from WWF-UK CEO, Tanya Steele.
In the future, we’re excited to continue hosting Sustainable Futures Showcase events where WWF can showcase what sustainable careers look like in action. Stay tuned for more details on upcoming events and opportunities!
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© Dreaming Fish Productions Limited / WWF-UK
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© Dreaming Fish Productions Limited / WWF-UK
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© Dreaming Fish Productions Limited / WWF-UK
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Sustainable Futures Showcase 2024 winners
Get ready to be inspired! After an intense selection process by both WWF staff and industry experts, we're thrilled to unveil the brilliant minds behind our Sustainable Futures showcase winners and their innovative ideas!
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© SatveerMore Satveer: Medicine fit for people and planet
In the present day world, environmental concerns increasingly featured in global thinking therefore also making medicine industry not an exception to consider greener practices. Although most people may think of a doctor as a person in white coat with stethoscope rather than someone advocating for environment, health facilities actually generate a large amount of waste and use countless resources. However, there are many things that doctors can do to be more eco-friendly and thus contribute towards a healthier planet today and tomorrow.
One of the single most important things that doctors can do to become green is through bringing eco-friendly practices in their clinics and hospitals. This could involve simple changes like moving to energy saving bulbs and appliances or much bigger steps such as installation of solar panels for generating renewable power. By minimizing energy usage and putting less dependence on fossil fuels, these medical facilities can greatly reduce their carbon footprint while mitigating against climate change effects.
Additionally, they can act as agents for promoting sustainable healthcare among their clientele. This can include advocating for preventative medicine and lifestyle interventions that not only improve health outcomes but also reduce the need for resource-intensive medical interventions. Encouraging patients to adopt healthy habits such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and stress management contributes to a more sustainable healthcare system by decreasing the burden of chronic disease.
Additionally, promoting sustainable practices within their own clinics, doctors can also advocate for broader systemic changes within the healthcare industry. This can involve supporting policies and initiatives aimed at reducing waste generation, promoting recycling and composting, and phasing out the use of harmful chemicals and materials. By leveraging their influence and expertise, doctors can be powerful advocates for environmental stewardship within their professional communities and beyond.
Another important aspect of greening the medical profession is reducing the use of single-use plastics and other disposable items. From syringes and IV bags to disposable gloves and surgical gowns, the healthcare industry is notorious for its reliance on disposable products. However, by investing in reusable alternatives and implementing strategies to minimise waste generation, doctors can significantly reduce their environmental impact while maintaining high standards of patient care.
Furthermore, embracing telemedicine and digital health technologies can also contribute to a greener healthcare system by reducing the need for unnecessary travel and the associated carbon emissions. Virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and electronic health records not only increase accessibility and convenience for patients but also reduce the environmental footprint of healthcare delivery by minimising the need for physical infrastructure and transportation.
In conclusion, being a doctor presents numerous opportunities to embrace sustainability and contribute to a greener, more environmentally friendly healthcare system. By implementing eco-friendly practices within their clinics, advocating for sustainable healthcare policies, promoting healthy lifestyles, and reducing waste generation, doctors can play a vital role in safeguarding both human health and the health of the planet. Through collective action and commitment to environmental stewardship, the medical profession can lead the way towards a more sustainable future for all.
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© LilyMore Lily: World Book Day fashion revamp
In today's world, the fashion industry's fast-paced trends contribute to a waste mindset, which stands on the belief that textiles and clothing are disposable goods. This is particularly evident in the realm of single-use costumes, with events such as World Book Day fuelling the fire of the 7 million discarded costumes each year. Fundamentally, my proposal seeks to disrupt this cycle by empowering children to create their own World Book Day costumes utilising old, even scrap textiles and clothing.
Primarily, such clothing would be donated from the child's own household or, granted to the children by the school, which would be obtained through events held by the school, collecting used, second hand clothing from the community.
Utilising these textiles, the project will involve a series of hands-on workshops, where students will learn valuable textile skills such as sewing, hemming and altering clothing, in the process of creating their World Book Day costume. Through these workshops, students will not only gain practical skills but also develop a deeper assimilation of the environmental repercussions of their decisions and actions. Further, integrating textile education into the school curriculum will provide a structured learning environment for students to explore sustainable fashion practices, ultimately establishing lifelong skills which would combat fashion waste beyond single use costumes. By instilling values of resourcefulness and sustainability at a young age, I aim to cultivate a generation of environmentally conscious citizens, as well as engaging children in exciting and stimulating activities, as they continue the tradition of dressing up as their desired book character.
Additionally, this project extends beyond a single day annually, as once World Book Day has concluded, showcase events or fashion shows where students can proudly display their handmade costumes will commence. These events will not only celebrate the creativity and ingenuity of the students but also serve as a platform to raise awareness about sustainable fashion within the school community, and beyond.
Conclusively, my project is not solely about reducing waste; it's about empowering children to become agents of change in their communities, and equip them with life long skill sets regarding textiles. Ultimately, by fostering a culture of creativity, resourcefulness, and sustainability, I believe such a scheme bears the potential to set the foothold for a lasting green change and mindset regarding clothing.
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© Shutterstock / Leung Cho Pan / WWFMore Jaskiran: Using tech to change the future of Finance
Sustainability within the finance/business industry is needed and as more issues arise it's important that corporations consider the effects that business decisions/aims can have on the climate, wildlife and the environment. To make changes to the values within the sector and focus on ways to make it greener I propose an idea to intertwine technology within the finance sector and to do this, a fintech app can be created allowing companies to track their environmental and social impacts helping understand their current performance and figure out ways to make work more green.
Firstly, businesses and firms can insert data based on an ESG criteria which can also be aligned with GRI (global reporting initiative) standards this will create a procedure which is standardised and equal for all organisations removing any bias. The results from the data can then be gathered and put into a scoring system with scores ranging from 1-100 however the criteria in the system can be everchanging based on new standards/requirements to operate sustainably for instance with climate change worsening the carbon footprint of the companies and their operations would be expected to be even lower in the next scoring which can be re done annually.
This would give companies the chance to review and compare their scores over the years to understand if they have incorporated more greener ways of working and understanding patterns. Scores can also be published on the digital platform on an annual basis allowing consumers and investors to understand how exactly the firms are working in eco friendly ways meaning they can make conscious decisions as to where/who they choose to support which would also push firms within the sector to make greener decisions since it would impact the company's revenues, reputation and investment opportunities.
The scores would also help companies make decisions that are more sustainable on their future projects and overall aims and objectives as it gives them insightful primary data on their environmentally friendly decisions now and highlight ways to improve it for higher scores in the future.
To motivate firms to become more green financial incentives can be introduced such as lower transaction fees or higher interest rates, offered to the companies and products with high sustainability scores. This encourages a race to the top, where firms are motivated to improve their environmental impacts. As our world becomes more digitalised, I believe it's important to utilise the technology to spread awareness and encourage more sustainable choices to be made and using an app is easy and convenient to help take those steps to change.
This digital system will provide a clear, unalterable record of sustainability practices, holding companies accountable while empowering investors with the information they need to make ethical choices. The finance sector can transform from a contributor to global challenges into a key player in the solution, ensuring a healthier planet and more greener attitudes towards our environment and world within society.
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Showcase 2024 Shortlist
Let's take a moment to appreciate the creative and visionary ideas that are coming from young people and how they are redefining the fashion, finance, film industries, and more. Discover the innovative competition entries that caught our attention that we believe deserve an honourable mention. Let's work together to showcase that any job or industry can be a green one.
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© David Bebber/ WWF-UKMore Food & Farming
Shortlisted entry
"In the agricultural industry we focus on the economy, finances and productivity. We strip the land of its natural resources. We forget that before the green revolution, we farmed successfully without the damaging industrial farming of today. Intensive farming causes struggles for farmers, wildlife and even people in cities. We need to change our attitudes towards farming, and undo the harm weve done before it's too late. The key is soil. Everything relies on the soil, not just crops but cattle, trees, birds and all wildlife. Ecosystems are a fine balance and if you tweak one thing it has major impact on everything. To help the soil you could go no tilling, stop machinery and soil trafficking.
This stops compaction, the damage to plants roots and delicate mycorrhizae systems that allow them to thrive. But, a no tilling approach is unrealistic for most farmers, as is using no nitrates/phosphates. Nitrates added to the soil to boost growth are very harmful to wildlife. It can run into rivers and cause harmful amounts of algae to grow, affecting the river's ecosystem, including animals that live on the banks like water voles and beavers. Nitrates/phosphates may lead to increased growth in the short term, but they poison waterways and can be released into the atmosphere as greenhouse gases in the long run. They are used simply because the farming industry is so competitive.
The costs of technology and fertilisers that we have become dependent on are sky high, so its necessary to produce the most amount of crops to make profit. We are still in the war mindset, grow as much as possible or starve, thinking we need to increase global production to survive. We create enough food for 10 billion people, but waste 15 million tonnes annually in Britain. We see pictures of the British countryside that would be unrecognisable to British farmers in the 17th century. We have developed the idea that farming needs to control nature, when nature is wild and messy. The reality is there isnt one thing that will make the industry sustainable, and if there were, farmers wouldnt be able to implement it without going bust. We need systematic change, subsidies made not to drive economic growth but reward farmland working with nature. We need to fight for a future that prioritises sustainability, nature and wildlife.
To do this we need to educate and publish accurate information in the media so people become more aware of problems the industry faces. With more awareness people can pressurise supermarkets that set prices for farmers products even if it costs more to manufacture. If supermarkets had to buy products at the farmers set prices, people would be able to produce food sustainably. Supermarkets need to be forced by the government to change what there is a market for by popularising sustainable products, thinking about the cost it has on public health and wildlife, not the market value, and charge ultra-processed foods their true costs."
- Runner up
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© ShutterstockMore Combatting Fast Fashion
Shortlisted entry
"Clothing is a necessity and is an inherently good thing as it can protect us from weather elements as well as its importance as an outward expression of our characters. With technological advancements, better and more creative clothing has been made available to most people at an affordable price, which is a positive development. However, the fashion industry of today is working against mother nature, and this can never be justified by the profits, greater accessibility or jobs created by it.
With the fashion industry being the second largest contributor to greenhouse emissions, changes must be made because this is unsustainable. Firstly, the reduction of the use of fossil fuels to make synthetic fibers must occur because their use is detrimental to the state of our climate. The microfibers shed from these garments are washed into the sea and could be extremely dangerous as they bioaccumulate through food chains, leading to us.
There are billions of tons of clothes in good condition that have been thrown away, and studies show that all these clothing could clothe the next six generations. Why then are companies still mass-producing clothes, knowing that they will end up in a landfill? At the very least it is not necessary to produce more clothes as it just wastes our resources. I strongly suggest that the fashion industry pauses production and focuses on recycling as well as upcycling. This is one of the only ways we can hope to reverse the consequences of fast fashion. We know our resources are finite so why are we wasting them? The fashion industry alone uses tens of millions of barrels of oil yearly which is completely unnecessary.
We need to make sustainable fashion trendy. Consumers must be made aware of the ramifications of their fashion choices, and we need more pro-earth fashion influencers, not people used as pawns to support unsustainable business models. Change lies with the people, and only if we get the public on board in reducing wasteful fashion consumption as well as actively fighting the harsh climate of the fashion industry can we hope for a more sustainable future.
A radical action for change would be for governments to ban any fashion retailers that benefit and deal in fast fashion. This would actively discourage it and work for the good of us and our planet. A key thing in all this is accountability and if pressure is applied to those accountable, change will happen."
- Runner up
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© Steve Johnson / UnsplashMore AI
Shortlisted entry
"Artificial Intelligence (AI) stands as a transformative force poised to revolutionize the world, but I believe its true power lies in its potential to drive environmental sustainability. In an era where the urgency to combat climate change and preserve our planet's ecosystems has never been more critical, AI offers a multifaceted approach to mitigate environmental impact. At the forefront of this movement is the imperative to enhance energy efficiency. AI algorithms, traditionally voracious consumers of computational power, are undergoing a revolution aimed at minimizing their carbon footprint.
Through innovative approaches such as algorithm optimization and specialized hardware design, AI systems can now achieve greater computational efficiency, thus reducing energy consumption in data centers and computing infrastructures. Furthermore, AI plays a pivotal role in optimizing energy usage in smart buildings and cities, leveraging real-time data to adjust heating, ventilation, and lighting systems for maximum efficiency while also orchestrating traffic flow to minimize congestion and emissions. However I think, the potential of AI extends far beyond mere energy optimization, it's a game-changer in renewable energy integration. By harnessing AI's predictive capabilities, renewable energy sources like solar and wind can be seamlessly integrated into the power grid, with algorithms forecasting energy production and optimizing resource allocation to match demand patterns.
Moreover, AI holds a lot of promise for environmental monitoring and conservation efforts. Through the analysis of vast troves of satellite imagery and sensor data, AI algorithms can detect changes in ecosystems, track wildlife populations, and identify environmental threats such as deforestation and illegal poaching. This enables policymakers and conservationists to prioritize interventions effectively, safeguarding biodiversity and preserving fragile ecosystems. Additionally, AI-driven supply chain optimization is transforming industries by reducing waste and minimizing environmental impact. Machine learning algorithms scrutinize supply chain data to identify inefficiencies, optimize transportation routes, and reduce excess inventory, thus curbing resource consumption.
In the realm of agriculture, AI is revolutionizing practices to enhance sustainability. By analyzing soil and weather data, AI algorithms optimize irrigation and fertilizer usage, reducing water waste and chemical runoff while maximizing crop yields. Furthermore, precision agriculture techniques such as drone-based monitoring and robotic farming leverage AI to enhance productivity while minimizing environmental impact, heralding a new era of sustainable food production. In my opinion, these initiatives underscore the transformative potential of AI in combating climate change and fostering environmental stewardship across industries. By harnessing AI's analytical prowess and predictive capabilities, we can navigate towards a greener, more sustainable future, one where technology serves as an ally for positive environmental change."
- Runner up
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© Fred MoonMore Entertainment
Shortlisted entry
"The world is advancing faster than we can even imagine and whilst advancements in technology in our world can provide benefit, it is quick to overlook how advancements towards the care of our environment is also a necessity. Out world shall continue to thrive, only under the care of this generation and of course future generations to come, however the big question we face today is : How can we gain the support and understanding needed from generations to come? The answer: something thay is rooted within humanity, known to bring different,unique individuals together as one community. This something is the vast world of film and music. Since the beginning of time, music has been integrated with humans, it is what makes creativity thrive and the most special blessing about music is its ability to allow even those who may not understand the words , to still feel that connection the same as all around.
The universal strength of music to simply convey messages for all to understand the passion behind a melody is whats perfect to promote the wellbeing and awareness of our planet. The marriage of music and spreading messages of environmental caring is a match made in heaven- imagine the endless possibilities of genres and variations of melodies and songs that will touch all humans , no matter their musical interests, and yet all will still understand the key message that embeds these tunes the safety of our world. The music industry has the ability to create love songs- love songs about our planet. Just as music can connect all around, the world is what unites us all as one. Along with the hearing of music, the industry of film also takes into account as of course the goal for the future is to also become create a more accessible environment for all, and therfore along with hearing, people can also see through the medium of film what goodness our world brings and urgency to support our earth and all its precious beings. From abstract to realism, film holds one special ability- interpretation.
There is a magic to how humans can watch the same film yet all interpret different messages from such and all draw a great interest into it. One challenge with spreading environmental awareness is that sometimes words can't totally capture the true essence of the message wanting to be portrayed- and the solution:film. Especially with new technologies of cameras and the rise of social media, film has become more and more important today, so why shy away from using such to help further promote to all the goodness our world brings and the role we all need to come as one to care for it. It is without a doubt that there is main one thing the world and film/music hold most in common :unity. So , let's unite the world from every corner and what a better way than through music and film."
- Runner up
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© Tom ChenMore How Law Shapes a Sustainable Tomorrow!
Shortlisted entry
"I am interested in a career in Law more specifically I would like to be a lawyer specialised in Environmental Law. It's not a popular field of Law many choose. In order to make being a Barrister greener, I will fight diligently to fight for our Earth and advocate for the fight against Climate change. Our Earth is on the brink of collapse and in order to enforce change, there has to be a voice for Mother Nature, especially having involvement in Law.
It is vital that the law can provide resources for the betterment of the environment and for future generations. It's important to fight to the best of my ability in court in environmental cases in order to deter others in future for acting against the betterment of humanity. I have learnt legal professionals hold the knowledge as well as power to exert their influence in legislative policies and changes. Lawyers can get involved in advocating for the green transition and lobbying in order to formulate environmental related ruling.
In addition to this, Lawyers should partner with other government organisations and projects in order to put forth regulations in regard to environmental mindfulness and climate change. Furthermore, it is vital as a lawyer that I choose my clients and partners accordingly. As a legal professional rather than working with individuals who actively are pollutants or are fossil fuel clients, I could work with people who commission decarbonisation and sustainability.
I have also learnt that if I am working with business who are fossil fuel businesses, I shouldn't reject them or disregard them, as a lawyer I have a duty to advice my client on the law, therefore, I can work alongside fossil fuel businesses to enter a green transition period. From this, the contribution to the UK's greenhouse gases from these businesses would hopefully have been reduced and sustainability would be promoted as many will see the impact of this effort to reduce the greenhouse gases. Through every contract a lawyer drafts, they can promote climate aligned contracting.
By putting forth climate clauses, lawyers promote eco friendly actions in contracts from which businesses take the lead on transitioning to net zero operations. Furthermore, people can utilise climate litigation which is essentially taking legal action through cases or complaints in order to highlight the importance of change and to hold governmental officials and companies responsible for damaging our environment.
The law is an important tool in pushing forth the drive for climate change because it determines protection for the environment, regulating the actions of people who harm the Earth, puts those individuals accountable, and Barristers become the earths voice that its suffering and the law must implement measures to fight against Climate change and the individuals and corporations who refuse to acknowledge the reality of our world while they live in a world of no knowledge of the threat to our existence as well as the life of the animals of this Earth. Lawyers have the power to protect."
- Runner up
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© clarence e hsuMore Sport
Shortlisted entry
"The sporting industry has managed to avoid most of the scrutiny many other industries endured regarding sustainability and carbon footprints, however the sport industry brings many of these other industries together like energy, fashion and construction. The energy used in many stadiums worldwide is becoming greener, with many using external renewable energy companies to supply them. But if stadiums were to generate their own energy by using solar panels (in sunnier climates) and wind turbines (in winder/ less sunny climates) then this would be even more sustainable, and any extra energy generated could then be sold making this system even more sustainable. However in some countries, mainly the ones that would use wind power, like the UK, it would be unlikely that the stadiums could function solely on the use of their own generated energy. This would mean that they would have to source this extra energy needed externally from a green energy company. With this could come sponsorships, but where in return for the stadium raising brand awareness for the green energy companies, they would receive effectively free renewable energy whilst encouraging a wider use and reliance on renewable energy sources. Furthermore, stadiums and clubs should consider their sponsors more carefully and look at their contributions to climate change, good and bad, as to promote only sustainable brands.
The fashion in sports tends to focus on the kit the players wear. In football one of the most prestigious advertising places is on the players’ shirts, however this means that when sponsors change, which is at least every season, these shirts are replaced by new ones, and this is the case for many sports. The clubs within these sports need to address this problem, as it takes huge amounts of water to manufacture clothing and it isn’t sustainable to wear shirts for just a few matches. So to make this more sustainable, clubs could either remove sponsors from shirts altogether or sign longer contracts with them to remove the need to change shirts as often. Clubs should also focus on recycling the old kit, perhaps by selling it, or even by donating these clothes to those less fortunate, for example charities in poorer countries where they don't have much money to afford new clothes.
On the construction side of sports, new stadiums are being built constantly, with lots of these being built on greenbelt land either within cities or in the suburbs. Not only does this reduce the habitats and ecosystems of wildlife, but also reduces the wellbeing of many residents in the cities as the open green space and wildlife can improve mental health and wellbeing. In addition, when these stadiums are built or refurbished, many now have automatic watering systems. These could be made more sustainable by using rainwater collected from the roofs and reusing water to irrigate the grassfields.
These are things that the stadium owners or clubs can do, but for the fans what we can do is hold them accountable when making choices, promoting sustainability."
- Runner up
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© James Morgan / WWF-USMore Solar Powered Pin
Shortlisted entry
"In today's educational landscape, technology plays an increasingly prominent role in the learning process, especially for university, college, and sixth form students. Laptops, phones, and tablets have become indispensable tools for studying, research, and communication. However, the growing reliance on electronic devices has also raised concerns about energy consumption and environmental impact, particularly when considering the electricity generated from fossil fuels.
To address this issue and promote sustainability within the education industry, a novel and practical solution has emerged: the introduction of a box-like pin accessory powered by solar energy. Designed specifically for students, this innovative accessory offers a convenient and eco-friendly way to charge electronic devices while on the go.
The concept behind the solar-powered pin accessory is simple yet impactful. The device is equipped with solar panels that efficiently capture sunlight and convert it into electrical energy. This energy is then stored within the accessory, ready to be utilized whenever needed. The compact size and versatile design allow the accessory to be attached to various items such as pockets, lanyards, or even the side of shoes, ensuring easy access and maximum exposure to sunlight.
One of the key features of this sustainable solution is its compatibility with a wide range of electronic devices commonly used by students. The accessory comes with a range of adapters that can be easily swapped to accommodate different devices, including laptops, phones, tablets, and more. This versatility ensures that students can charge their devices wherever they are, without relying on traditional electricity sources powered by fossil fuels.
Moreover, the solar-powered pin accessory boasts intelligent charging technology, optimizing energy usage and ensuring fast and efficient charging of electronic devices. Smart sensors monitor the charging process, adjusting power output as needed to maximize efficiency and protect connected devices from overcharging or voltage fluctuations.
By embracing the solar-powered pin accessory, students not only reduce their reliance on non-renewable energy sources but also contribute to a greener and more sustainable future. Each small change, when multiplied by the millions of students worldwide, has the potential to make a significant impact on energy consumption and environmental conservation. By harnessing the power of solar energy, students can play a proactive role in mitigating climate change and promoting environmental stewardship.
The introduction of a solar-powered pin accessory offers a practical and effective solution to the growing energy needs of students in the education industry. By utilizing renewable energy sources and minimizing reliance on fossil fuels, students can embrace sustainability in their daily lives while continuing to benefit from the convenience and efficiency of electronic devices. Together, these small yet meaningful changes pave the way for a greener and more sustainable future for generations to come."
- Runner up
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© Unsplash Gary ChanMore Waste management
Shortlisted entry
"I am really passionate about the waste management industry. This is because I believe that humans have a responsibility to manage the resources that we are given and thus manage the waste we create as we are responsible for the use of the resources bestowed upon us. Firstly, I believe that the waste management industry can be made more sustainable in 5 ways.
Number one: this industry can use renewable energy sources to power the machinery needed to process waste. This allows this industry to decrease the amount of C02 emissions in relation to their energy sources.
Number two: this industry can find alternate ways to landfill disposal. By doing this, not only are you decreasing the amount of methane that enters the atmosphere, you are also saving land use which could be used to build more housing and financial centres. This helps increase the 3 areas of sustainability: the environment, society and the economy.
Number three: the waste management industry should increase in the diversity of workers from a variety of cultures. This is sustainable socially in the long-term as the world has a heavy focus on multiculturalism and for this industry to last for generations, multiple people need to e attracted into this sector and multiple people from different ethnicities.
Number four: the waste management industry should help to grow the economy of nations and the global economy by contributing to the circular economy. The circular economy is about using resources that minimizes waste, minimise the use of the world's resources and reduces C02 emissions; this industry acts as the foundation for the circular economy to be achieved, so the waste management industry needs to focus on minimising waste, sustainable use of materials and reducing C02 emissions which helps grow an economy in the long-term. Reduction in greenhouse gases = economy grows due to socio-economic benefits of reducing CO2.
Finally, number five: this industry needs to use machinery made form sustainable materials to process waste, to decrease carbon footprints. To conclude, the waste management industry has the potential to become sustainable!"
- Runner up
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More Fashion that’s good for People and Planet
Shortlisted entry
"I have been passionate about the environmental and human rights impacts of the fast fashion industry ever since I discovered its harmful practices and how little they were publicised. Having been on such a journey with my consumption of fashion, especially when it comes to encountering greenwashing from brands, I have ultimately ended up in a place where the majority of my wardrobe is pre-loved clothing. I would love for this to be the reality for many others, especially people in my generation, however I also believe that the problem must be tackled from many angles in order to enact the most meaningful change.
Firstly, I believe some of the most impactful change will come from the consumers themselves; ultimately, brands are profit-driven, and as such cater to the desires of their demographic. If there was more of a market demand for sustainably and ethically produced clothing, brands would have an incentive to produce clothing in this way, altering the chain of production for the better. Raising awareness around these issues for the general public is so important, and I think developing initiatives to inspire and incentivise consumers to shop more sustainably will bring about huge amounts of positive change.
Moreover, I think that brands themselves must be held accountable for the impacts of their clothing production, from the harvesting of raw materials to manufacturing of the garments to the retail. Too often I feel like brands feel like they can 'get away' with polluting local water sources or poor health and safety conditions for workers because there is a lack of accountability, and even when they are exposed for these practices, demand can remain high because of a disconnect between consumers and the chain of production. I think investigative, informative journalism plays a really important part in this, such as the work of Brett Staniland from the webinar, and also tighter legislation and enforcement of policies would contribute towards the industry becoming more ethical and sustainable.
Finally, I believe that governments also have a vital role in ensuring the sustainability of the fashion industry moving forward. Being a student of politics and having started work on a research project about governments' actions within the fast fashion industry, I am so invested in the responsibility of governments to ensure ethical manufacturing practices both domestically and from the brands they import. I don't think fast fashion is an issue that is discussed in Parliament nearly enough and I sincerely believe that our government needs to introduce strict legislation pertaining to both the environmental and human rights impacts of the fast fashion industry whilst establishing a body to monitor its progress.
Overall, I do think that there is no 'one size fits all' approach or solution to moving the fashion industry towards more sustainable and ethical practices, but I do think that approaching it from the angle of all parties involved, including consumers, brands and governments would ensure the most long-lasting, maintainable progress towards a greener future."
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© Thomas Cristofoletti / WWF-USMore Tourism
Shortlisted entry
"The industry I am going to be proposing sustainable ideas for is the tourism industry. This is because I believe travelling and seeing new places is an amazing privilege and opportunity, but tourism contributes to around 8-11% of greenhouse gas emissions. Tourism is a major source of employment and a source of tax revenue for governments. Therefore, we need to find a way to make something that is so enjoyed by many and supports many people’s incomes sustainably, so we are not sacrificing the Earth.
Ideas:
National Carks should ban plastic water bottles to stop polluting ecosystems.
The idea of banning single use plastic bottles in national parks has been adopted in countries like Costa Rica. We need to make sure it becomes widespread.
This can be encouraged by:
Putting up signs up and advertising the idea in tourist leaflets/ travel guides.
Fining people who drop or bring plastic bottles.
Cafes in national parks could be banned from selling plastic bottles and be encouraged to use recycled water bottles or offer water fountains. They could also only sell hot meals on plates, to reduce the need for packaging but still be able to make a profit
Hotels could provide re-usable water bottles e.g. metal ones as part of the price of the room.
To encourage poorer countries to undertake this plan, Governments could fund national parks to put in water fountains. There is also the issue of other types of litter such as crisp packets or snack bar packets. National parks could ban any food brought in, although this may put off visitors. Therefore, to reduce the litter, parks could only serve proper meals on plates, to limit the need for packaging.
Travel and accommodation.
Tourists often use taxis to get around e.g. airport transfers. Government’s
could reduce the taxes on taxi drivers if they drive electric cars to reduce fuel emissions. To make this practical, more charging points need to be put in places such as taxi ranks, airports and hotels.
Airport lounges should try to only provide food that is ethically sourced.
Hotels and airports should have motion censored taps, to reduce the amount of water used.
Governments could incentivise eco accommodations, to help them be sustainable, as it can become expensive for them.
One night in a hotel produces around 30kg of Co2. Therefore, there should be more encouragement of solar panels on hotels and B&B’s, to reduce the need for fossil fuels to create energy. It will also be cheaper for them in the long term.
Hotels should offer bikes to customers, to promote sustainable travel. Countries should build more cycle routes, so tourists feel it safe to ride a bike to get around. to get to places on bikes.
Beaches
There should be more triple recycling bins or general use bins on beaches. Put bins in carparks or by the entrances of the beach, to encourage people to use them. Use bins with lids as there is a risk of animals getting in them and removing litter out. This will prevent plastic pollution in the seas and protect the marine ecosystem."
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© Global Warming Images / WWFMore Repurposing co2
Shortlisted entry
"Global warming is becoming increasingly problematic with the accumulation of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere. This situation can be improved by investing in projects that capture and convert the CO2 into useful materials, which can be used in di erent industries. For example, as diamond is made of carbon atoms, the captured CO2 can be used to create man-made or lab grown diamonds. This method is likely to emit less CO2 than mining for natural diamonds. Man-made diamond will also make jewellery and industrial cutting tools more a ordable. Scientists can also carry out research in the conversion of CO2 into organic compounds used in medicine containing carbon. Furthermore, CO2 can be used to create building materials such as brick and cement.
More afordable housing can be built and provided to those in need. Sustainability in transportation can be improved by investing in the manufacturing of hydrogen-powered vehicles, especially for long-distance transport, such as trucks and trains, to cut emissions. The air in underground tube stations can become quite polluted due to lack of ventilation and accumulation of dust. Therefore, cleaning the dirt o the tracks can save energy used for travel, by reducing the track friction and air resistance caused by the suspension of dust particles. Additionally, some internal components of the train can be replaced by lightweight materials to reduce the weight of the train and decrease energy consumption.
The replacement of manually operated water faucets with intelligent water taps equipped with on/o sensors and accurate temperature settings can e ectively avoid hot water wastage. Water from rain and dehumidifier systems in large commercial centres can be collected in separate storage tanks, rather than being channelled directly into sewage systems. This will allow the water to be processed easily and recycled for hand washing, water fountains and building cleaning purposes. Overconsumption of meat can also increase CO2 emissions.
Therefore, developing a points system for the supermarkets, which o ers more loyalty points for fruit and vegetables than meat, can help to shape a customer’s shopping habits and reduce the cost of living when the points are redeemed. The development of new internal thermal coatings for public swimming pools and external insulation wrappings for domestic bathtubs can reduce heat loss and cut down energy requirement to maintain a constant temperature. Therefore, more swimming pools can stay open in the winter for public enjoyment."
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© Markus SpiskeMore Cyber Security
Shortlisted entry
"Cybersecurity is how people protect their devices and services from cyber attack. It focuses on preventing unauthorised access to personal information."
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The idea was submitted as an image. Please click the link below to read more.
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© Jon TysonMore Changing the scene to a greener film industry
Shortlisted entry
"Renewable energy:
Film studios require a lot of energy to power everything such as the complex lighting that is needed to create the imaging cinematic piece we see on screen. One Hollywood film set can have a carbon footprint of 3,000 tones. However, the issue is that this energy for film sets usually comes from the industry standard diesel generators, which pollute our environment and are unsustainable. However, recently used on the “red one” set, an Voltstack electric generator was used, it has no: emissions, sound, exhaust or intrusive cables. It’s both efficient for filming and is undeniably better for the environment. Alternatively, sets should invest in solar generators as a completely renewable source. I would advertise these strongly and make available to all film sets.
The Supply Chain- sourcing:
The biggest emitter of greenhouse gasses on sets is due to the masses of materials imported so there are often idling trucks, so to both reduce car emissions and carbon footprint, materials should be locally sourced and reusable. 90% of emissions sit in the supply chain. Though not directly controllable, it is indirectly and they should be held responsible. I would implement that no vehicle should be left unattended with the engine on, or cannot wait for more than 5 minutes on set.
Sustainable materials:
Researching the impacts of film, I was shocked to find out that a single film set can produce 347 tons of waste per production! Due to the temporary nature of films, items such as plastic water bottles, paper plates and utensils are thrown away every day. To eliminate waste, single-use plastics should be banned Reusable items such as metal utensils or water bottles only. Another major issue with film sets in textile waste, many costumes will be discarded and carelessly thrown into landfills, the dye, during the decomposition process, leaches out and pollutes the soil, groundwater or any surface runoff could lead to contaminated streams. So, to prevent this waste, easily accessible, casual wear should be donated after, and unique costumes to be sold or kept by the production company. Offcuts could be kept for further productions as well.
Representation:
The thing I love about films are their influence on people, films have an important role, when I say represent environmental sustainability, I don’t mean blaming people or shaming for not good practices but showing how we can all work together for a common purpose. Pop culture can introduce trends so if we display good actions, we can change our culture. Films can mold social attitudes towards sustainability. I recently watched a movie in the Imax called “Anthropocene” it was a cinematic treasure, showing the beauty of our planet but also the “polluters” stories, displaying global responsibility.
I’m an A-level geographer and Film student, I adore both, I’m incredibly passionate about the power of Film to effect change. Its ability to tell a perspective has endless application, something I would love to pursue."
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© Global Warming Images / WWFMore Legal sector meets Sustainability
Shortlisted entry
"Travel
- Host in-person office or virtual events so overall carbon footprint of those attending is reduced.
- Make use of zoom calls for client meetings
- Reducing international office travelling frequently i.e. going to another office for a week—make a policy where should stay in international office for 1+ months.
Clients
- Taking on clients whose sustainable visions align with the firms.
- Integrate sustainability into other practice areas i.e. including due diligence on emissions and climate friendliness in M&A deals.
Early Careers
- Source less merchandise to reduce the carbon footprint of its production.
- Use sustainable suppliers for merchandise.
Working Day
- If a lawyer has a busy day, instead of giving them a free taxi home, make them work from home to reduce emissions.
- If a lawyer has a busy day, let them work from home instead of ordering takeaways which have unsustainable packaging.
- Make coffee cups and cutlery recyclable and biodegradable.
Technology
- Keep technology for longer to reduce carbon footprint in production.
- Policy where technology has to have a high energy rating.
- Install automatic lights switch on/off and heating switch on/off if no one is using the room.
- Any new AI/tech developments should try to be used through existing laptops instead of purchasing new ones.
Logistics
- Source sustainable investment from shareholders and partners.
- Buildings should have high energy standard.
- Reduce size of buildings to reduce waste of heating etc."
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