Doing something to help the environment is more important than ever for making sure our planet has a long-term future. More and more people can see and feel the effects of climate change, from extreme weather events to the loss of biodiversity. In response, organisations have a responsibility to act now and lead the way by promoting environmentally friendly practices. Such action means not only making sustainable decisions but also being transparent, responsive, and committed to continuous improvement, working towards a Healthy Planet. At Accountable Now, our 12 Accountability Commitments, guide organisations to create a lasting impact and invite others to hold them to high standards as they strive for positive change. Through Commitment 3 – the Commitment to a Healthy Planet – organisations can move beyond surface-level initiatives and greenwashing to tangible, long-lasting environmentally focused change.
Climate change and environmental concerns are not a faraway concept that we can worry about later; their effects are felt worldwide. It not only affects ecosystems but economies and communities alike. Between 1970 and 2020, over 75% of Earth’s lands have experienced drying, contributing to food insecurity and displacing populations. International efforts such as funding pledges for drought resilience aim to address these problems. It is clear how coordinated, collective efforts can mitigate — and in some cases, reverse — these impacts. International responses, such as funding pledges for drought resilience, show that action is possible.
I experienced this firsthand when I lived in Marbella, Spain. The country was experiencing extreme heat waves with record-high temperatures reaching 44°C. The elderly and young were especially at risk of heat-related illnesses when leaving the house. The community was unable to carry out agricultural work due to the extreme drought, which threatened their livelihoods. The extreme weather was continuing for weeks, so the government has implemented actions that would control the usage of water. We were advised at certain times to not use water, and water usage for filling up pools and such was prohibited. The community and surrounding organisations took it in stride, creating their own smaller initiatives that helped reduce water consumption and waste.
Though no one is able to control the weather, you have full control over your actions. An organisation can really make a difference by changing how it uses its resources, pushing for better policies, or implementing local initiatives. Every little bit counts;
all organisational policy actions have compounded effects on a collective level.
Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.
-Vincent Van Gogh
Organisations that operate in person rely on office spaces, commuting and material supplies, and additional services and support for their work. In an era of rapid climate decline, organisations should implement policies that reduce their environmental footprints. Remote organisations also play a vital role in developing environmental sustainability. Remote organisations may not really notice how their work affects the planet. With more people working remotely due to technological advances, it’s crucial for organisations to address environmental impacts. Your remote organisation might face unique challenges when it comes to sustainability. While you may not be constrained by worries about in-office actions to tackle environmental issues, you can (and should!) still integrate sustainability into your day-to-day operations, which isn’t just beneficial for the planet — it’s also a powerful statement about your values, culture, and long-term vision.
Organisations can incorporate sustainability into their daily operations, regardless of whether they are conducted remotely or in person. Check out these policies that your organisation can implement to actively promote a healthier planet through its daily activities.
Did you know that any sort of electronic waste (e-waste) should not be thrown away with your regular trash? E-waste includes many office tools like computers, as well as small items such as light bulbs and batteries. E-waste needs to be recycled in line with municipal rules because it includes many materials (plastic, copper or even gold) that need further breaking down to be recycled later. Likewise, hazardous waste, like cleaning chemicals and paint, also needs to be disposed of properly to protect habitats.
Practical Actions Your Organisation Can Take
Staying eco-friendly means following certain rules – While it may initially appear daunting, once you begin the process, it becomes effortless! From how we manage waste to how much energy we use, environmental laws help keep us (and the planet) on track. These rules can vary depending on where you are, so it’s worth checking what applies to your organisation — locally and internationally.
Practical Actions Your Organisation Can Take
Every organisation — big or small, in person or remotely — can accidentally do things that harm the environment without even realising it. Whether it’s leaving equipment on all night, using non-recyclable materials, or not sorting out e-waste properly, all actions have their risks. The important thing? Catching these things early and amending them. Small actions add up to big changes!
Practical Actions Your Organisation Can Take
Even the best sustainability plans fall short without people. Bringing environmental sustainability to an organisation involves establishing clear goals and designating individuals to keep track of progress. Incorporating these commitments into your daily routine helps them blend seamlessly with your organisation’s culture, processes, and performance metrics. When people know what they’re aiming for and have clear goals, sustainability efforts become part of the everyday routine — not just a one-off campaign.
Practical Actions Your Organisation Can Take
Want to know how much your organisation is impacting the planet? A carbon footprint tracker can help you measure just that — and identify areas for improvement. Whether you build your own or use a ready-made tool, measuring your impact is the first step to reducing it.
Practical Actions Your Organisation Can Take
Every organisation has a role to play in protecting the planet. Implementing environmental policies and making meaningful changes, even in small ways, contributes to a larger collective impact.
At Accountable Now, our commitment to environmental responsibility is grounded in real-world action. Drawing directly from the experiences and contributions of our member organisations, we’ve developed a Pocket Guide to Environmental Policies and Practices, that showcases a wide range of practical sustainability measures.
This Pocket Guide shares over 60 practical examples of putting policies into action. We’ve categorised the guide in three ways to help you find examples applicable to you and your organization: by commitment area, by department, and by difficulty!
The Pocket Guide outlines 32 ‘low-hanging fruit’ easy actions, 26 medium and 5 difficult actions that we encourage people to adopt in the daily life of their organisations.
How many policies can your organisation improve or add?
Want to learn more about AN’s approach to climate change? Check out our Spotlight Climate page here!
Are you interested in learning, discussing, or sharing knowledge about environmental policy? Feel free to get in touch with us: [email protected]
Accountable Now is a global membership platform. We support our members – and civil society at large – to be more transparent, responsive, impact-focused, and locally led. Interested in becoming a member?
Accountable Now is a member of Accountability Lab’s global translocal network.
