Chatting with a couple of young relations last week (aged 8 and 12), I was struck by how savvy they are about environmental issues. Finally, it seems the messages are filtering through and they are recycling, reusing (and understanding why) both at school and at home. To them, it’s now as everyday as brushing your teeth. Other, teenage relatives often question where and how their clothes are produced and, this weekend, were debating the pros and cons of the minimum wages within the premier league.
The vast growth of the internet and other social media means that young people are also now far more clued up about the world around them and its inequalities than many of us were at their age.
What we must learn from this is that the world is changing faster than you may think and suddenly in 10 or 20 years these young people are going to be the decision makers. More environmentally aware, with an arguably more knowledgeable outlook on the world around them they will be asking searching questions about supply chains. Not to tick a box or hit their quota of diverse employees but because for them, it will be common practice. They will want to see a transparent supply chain, good environmental practices and a diverse workforce. So where will that leave those companies that are not starting that journey now? Too far behind to catch up, I fear.
So if you want to up your game, work in a more transparent and ethical way AND be ready for the next generation of buyers you need to act now. Start the journey today towards a better, more sustainable supply chain.
If you need some help or guidance on how to get started or would just like a few tips then email our green team at hello@sourcing.co.uk for a copy of our white paper on ‘How to begin your sustainable journey’.