People are the most crucial piece of ESG. Some may argue that the planet is the most critical element of ESG, but in my eyes, people are.

People are responsible for the actions taken against the environment and how to protect it. People are the moving force to balance the carbon footprint, manage waste, and reduction of water and energy in general. People make recycling and repurposing decisions. Therefore, I say that people are the most critical piece of ESG, responsible for managing sustainability in life.

In the beginning, sustainability was simply a cost issue. And ESG is everything for a company today.
Sustainability started in the 80s in the Brundtland Report produced by several countries for the UN. However, the latest big push began in the early 2000s when the government started incentivizing packaging companies to make more sustainable products to protect the environment. Approximately in 2005, was a significant change in the plastic packaging industry when companies began making water bottles with less plastic and detergent containers smaller with concentrated liquids. In addition, paper and flexible packaging grew in the marketplace and became a trendy packaging option replacing rigid plastic containers.

As far as 2022, the new terminology ESG is in place: Environmental, Social, and Governance. This is an excellent addition, as people and policies are now incorporated into the sustainability equation. As a result, we have more recycling education and have come a long way in preserving the environment. We see the impact and the wave of practical actions from all industries to reduce emissions and educate the public about their environmental efforts.

Sustainability and recycling are a mutual responsibility.
Companies are doing their part to preserve the environment with zero-emission plans for 2050 or sooner. As consumers, we should also include action plans. Almost everything is recycled and repurposed today. Please research online and find out how to recycle and repurpose your city. By doing so, we are all doing our part to live a better life.

Diego Bianco | www.diegotalks.com
Publisher, journalist, and content creator about technology, planet, people, and leadership adventures.