commercetools launched its sustainability employee resource group (ERG), the Planet Earth Alliance (PEA), this year to create a space for employees to learn about climate change and sustainability, as well as support green initiatives that help push the globe towards a more sustainable future. This is your chance to learn about the founders of the ERG, how the PEA promotes ESG efforts, and the impact the group hopes to have both internally and externally in the various communities commercetools operates in.
As the proud co-leader and co-founder of the PEA, I am both proud and thrilled to share the story of the alliance's founding and why sustainability holds such a profound importance at commercetools.
Why we planted the seeds to grow the PEA
The Planet Earth Alliance was launched due to commercetools' belief that businesses possess the power to be agents of positive change. Witnessing the rapidly evolving landscape of commerce and technology, my co-leads and I recognized the urgent need to prioritize sustainable practices and invest in fostering environmental responsibility within the corporate realm. We believe that with PEA, we could amplify our collective impact and drive meaningful change.
Not merely a buzzword at commercetools, sustainability is a deeply rooted value that resonates with all of us at the PEA. Witnessing the escalating ecological challenges we face, we felt it was imperative to take action and contribute actively to building a better future. We strongly believe that businesses have a responsibility to mitigate their environmental impact, and through sustainable practices, we can make a tangible difference in fighting climate change and preserving our planet for future generations.
Going green at a corporate level and beyond
Sustainability goes far beyond the realm of corporations. As I mentioned before, it is a global imperative that demands the collaboration and dedication of individuals, communities and organizations worldwide. For us, it is about fostering a mindset of conscious decision-making and creating a ripple effect of positive change in our personal as well as professional lives.
Investing in sustainability is not only an ethical imperative, but a strategic necessity for any business aiming to thrive in the future. By nurturing a symbiotic relationship with the environment and society, businesses secure their own long-term viability, fostering resilience, innovation and enduring success.
Executive Sponsor for the PEA and CSO, commercetools
Becoming sustainable encompasses a holistic approach, where social, economic and environmental factors intertwine. By embracing sustainable practices, businesses can not only reduce their ecological footprint but also bolster their brand reputation and foster long-term success. It is a win-win scenario where conscious business practices align with the values of conscious consumers, leading to mutually beneficial outcomes for both the company and the planet.
Where the PEA is at, and where we hope to go
Through the Planet Earth Alliance ERG, we have witnessed the incredible power of collaboration and the transformative impact of collective action. Our group is a hub of passionate individuals within commercetools who are dedicated to promoting sustainability and finding innovative solutions to address environmental challenges. Together, we raise awareness, share knowledge and drive meaningful green initiatives that inspire change both within our organization and beyond.
So far, we have organized and participated in clean ups globally, shared, exchanged and spread knowledge internally aimed to propel us towards a greener, more equitable world and are also involved in helping commercetools become carbon neutral in the long term. Marius Münstermann, my co-leader and co-founder of the PEA elaborates,"We are organizing a variety of engaging internal and external events and offering guidance on sustainable everyday activities as a first stepping stone towards a greener future. The guidelines we provide can be easily incorporated into everyone's daily routines."
The PEA Green Week by commercetools
At the end of July, the PEA is planning a company-wide Green Week — a week full of activities and initiatives around the topic of sustainability for commercetoolers. Internally, employees can look forward to green and sustainable lunches in commercetools offices worldwide, as well as expect daily activities organized around questions like, ‘’What are ways in our day-to-day lives that we can fight against climate change?’’ Our employees around the globe will also receive delicious and country-targeted sustainable cooking recipes…and much more!
Externally, we’re organizing a new LinkedIn Live event dedicated to find out how we can all make the world a better and greener place with Viva con Agua, a network committed to establishing access to clean drinking water and basic sanitation for all, and commercetools customer Treedom, the first platform in the world that allows you to plant a tree from anywhere in the world. In fact, Treedom is a company that also engages in various green activities and events throughout the year, such as Earth Day and World Environment Day, to raise awareness about environmental issues.
Let's take the journey toward being green together
Together, let us embrace sustainability as not just a responsibility but a shared commitment to creating a future where the harmony between us people and our planet is at the forefront. I invite you to embark on this journey with me, as we strive for a world where sustainability becomes the foundation of our actions, decisions and aspirations.
Join our next LinkedIn Live episode on July 26 — follow us on LinkedIn to participate!
With a passion for leveraging social media to drive impactful engagement, Michèle combines her expertise in marketing strategy and digital trends to create compelling online experiences for commercetools' global audience. Additionally, she is the co-leader of the Planet Earth Alliance, spearheading initiatives that promote sustainability and environmental awareness within the organization and beyond.