With the eyes of the world on Scotland as it hosts COP26, it’s an important opportunity to highlight some of the inspiring action already being taken.
Scotland is committed to reaching Net Zero – balancing the amount of greenhouse gases we emit into the atmosphere with those we take out – by 2045.
And these Scottish businesses are well on their way to being as sustainable and eco-friendly as possible.
To find out more about how you or your business can help tackle the climate crisis, visit the Scottish Government’s Let’s Do Net Zero campaign at www.netzeronation.scot
5. Pilot Beer
Pilot Beer is a Leith-based small brewer, trying to do something different with their beer brand. They use aluminium packaging as it is lighter and uses less energy to manufacture and recycle than glass. It is also infinitely recyclable and the reduced weight means less energy is used to transport it. The boxes for the cans are also made from 100% recycled paper stock and the label sleeves are easily separable for separate recycling streams. Photo: Pilot Beer
6. Scotland the Bread
Scotland the Bread is a collaborative project to grow better grain and bake better, more sustainable bread. They use low energy mills to produce their flour while creating no waste from the grain. By supplying locally, they are able to reduce transport emissions in the supply chain. The traditional grains used in production were meticulously researched and chosen for their suitability for the Scottish growing conditions and climate, their biodiversity, high levels of vitamins and minerals, and their exceptional flavour. Photo: Scotland the Bread
7. The Scottish Seabird Centre
The Scottish Seabird Centre is a conservation and education charity based in North Berwick. The centre uses a renewable energy supplier and alternative energy sources like solar panels. The café is stocked with products from local and sustainable suppliers and they aim to recycle, reduce and re-use at every possible opportunity. For employees travelling in to work, car sharing and cycling is encouraged and the centre provides public transport discounts for when this isn’t possible. Photo: The Scottish Seabird Centre
8. Sioda
Scotland’s first online clothing subscription service, Sioda UK offers clothes to rent from luxury high street and designer labels, and chic sustainable brands. Based in Stirling, the brand provides an affordable way to shop which is still kind to the environment. 95% of the clothing is preowned and they have a garment lifecycle strategy to minimise waste. All clothes are also washed using energy efficient laundry equipment with energy provided by a green supplier. Photo: Sioda