Megan Tatum is a journalist. Previously she worked as features editor of The Grocer exploring news, trends and innovation in the food and retail sector, and now writes for a variety of companies and publications on everything from technology to sustainability to start-up culture.

Conversations about sustainability are no longer enough. As it becomes all but certain that global heating will increase beyond the 1.5°C of the Paris Agreement, the effects of climate change are already a reality for many communities worldwide. People are not only sensing the urgency of the matter but are realising that existing strategies – on a personal and collective level – are not sufficient.

While companies and businesses were quick to make environmental pledges and commitments, demonstrated by the rising ESG movement in recent years, the momentum has slowed or reversed in the face of economic downturn and potential culture war boycotts. Both people and companies are increasingly confused about the language of sustainability, and vague and misleading vocabulary has led to cases of greenwashing. While climate change is acknowledged as a pressing matter, people no longer understand how they can make a difference – feeling mistrust, scepticism, and fatigue from the oversaturation of messaging from big companies. At the same time, others are angry at the lack of progress, taking more drastic measures to spur governments, businesses, and billionaires into taking action and accountability for their disproportionate environmental impact.

Facing polycrisis in a world that's more interconnected and globalised than ever, people recognise the need for new leaders and ways to mobilise. They're calling for more intersectional approaches to sustainability, looking at long-term social, environmental, economic, and ethical impacts across the supply chain.

At the same time, the cost of living crisis is having a significant impact on people's sustainable behaviours. People often prioritise price over ethics (even if the growth of the eco-luxury sector shows no signs of stopping) but are also increasingly adopting circularity to save on costs – buying more secondhand, seeking out durability, repairing more, and sharing more.

Sustainable Solutions

Emily Boswell is a junior account director at Hatch Group, an agency specialising in the food and beverage industry with clients that include Wensleydale, Boost drinks, and Slingsby Gin. Boswell has over seven years of experience working with food and drink brands across PR, social media, influencer marketing, and activations.

United Kingdom

Eating and Drinking

Sustainability

Statista

Food Navigator Asia

Conservation International

The Grocer

Biological Reviews

CNN Style

Time

Deloitte

Mondelēz International

ScienceDirect

Food Research International

Interview with Emily Boswell conducted by author

Consultancy UK

The Globe and Mail

Marie Claire

Go Tech

Food & Beverage Insider

Seaweed is emerging as a sustainable superfood with its use in innovative new products on the rise. At Swansea-based start-up High Tide, the ingredient’s environmental benefits are front and centre of its seaweed snack bars, appealing directly to a growing number of conscious snackers.