Ellery Weil is a writer and historian based in London, England. She was awarded a PhD in History from University College London in 2023 and has given lectures on history for both academic and popular audiences in Britain and the United States. You can find her writing on education, history, the arts, and more across publications based across three continents, including both the academic and popular press.

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

James Harrison-Allen is the founder and owner of Still Wild Distillery, a sustainable distillery based in Pembrokeshire, Wales. Its products focus on small-batch spirits made with botanicals foraged in the Welsh countryside. In 2021, Still Wild's vermouth was awarded two stars at the Great Taste Awards, making it the highest-ranked vermouth in the UK and the second-highest globally.

United Kingdom

Eating and Drinking

Spirits and wine

Sustainability

Gov.uk

Fibre2Fashion

Interview with James Harrison-Allen conducted by the author

Circular

BBC Worklife

The Guardian

Mintel

Unlock Net Zero

Global Travel Retail Magazine

Advertising Week

FootAnstey

Huck

The Morning Advertiser

Discarded Spirits is revolutionising the alcohol industry by transforming food waste into premium liquors. With innovative collaborations and a strong focus on sustainability, the Scottish brand appeals to those seeking purpose-driven products to elevate their drinking experiences.

Cultivate

Values and Identity

How Discarded Spirits makes food waste ‘taste beautiful’