4 Ways Nike Sustainability Initiatives Are Combating Global Warming

Nike’s stakes make it the world’s largest manufacturer of athletic footwear, with annual global revenue of more than $20 billion. Moreover, for the last couple of years, Nike sustainability plans have been leading the way and indeed have been the trendsetter when it comes to eco-friendly fashion.

The company was recognized as having achieved an optimum level of environmental and social performance and success as an eco-friendly apparel and footwear manufacturer in North America by Morgan Stanley.  Last year, the World Wildlife Foundation (WWF) rated Nike as being in the same league as other apparel companies including H&M and Levi & Strauss, who are leaders in the emerging trend of using eco-friendly cotton. For Nike brand though, this recognition took years of concerted proactive research on consumer demand.

1. Better Water And Power Savings

Water treatment facilities and electricity generating power plants play a huge role in environmental degradation. Thermal power generation uses burning of coals to create heat. That heat, in turn, is used in the production of electricity. While blatant misuse of water and electricity is shameful, there are many rural areas, which still do not have a power connection.

Conserving power and water will allow this sport good manufacturing giants to lower this wastage, and in turn, reduce environmental dilapidation. Nike’s collaboration with DyeCoo enables the organization to cut down its power consumption by a whopping 60%. It might not sound much today, but five years down the line; you will be able to see the change this small technological innovation has caused. Apart from this, it will also do its part in conserving water resources. The implementation of new tanning technology allows the company to use less water as well.

2. Helping The Environmental Healing Process

Raw material procurement is also a strenuous process. Companies like Nike who do not compromise on product quality, always try to get its hand on the best materials. Keeping in line with its environment-friendly drive, Nike is now manufacturing products with synthetic material. These can be produced by artificial ways, under controlled conditions. It reduces the pressure of natural elements like water and soil. Apart from this, it has replaced natural cotton with organically produced cotton. The second cotton version does not need the use of harsh fertilizers. The procession methodology also requires less use of chemicals, which can cause toxic fumes. Their fumes, when released into the air, add to the overall global warming condition.

Utilization of dyed-yarn fabrics for shoes is another step that helps to check environmental degradation. These yarns will not only cause less production pollution but have high biodegradability quotient. Another reason for adopting these steps is that it saves the company millions concerning processing and labor cost. When an organization can save millions by adopting eco-friendly options, then it is only just that they do their part is doing something good for the society as well. After all, “corporate social responsibility” is not just a word, right?!

3. Supporting Safe Fuel Movement

Any manufacturing company needs to transport their raw materials to factories, and relocate finished goods from workshops to storerooms and markets. All this travel requires substantial use of vehicles. Petrol or diesel powers most automobiles. Either way, the burning oils produces enough carbon dioxide that only aggravates the global warming situation. Nike has taken another extraordinary step to minimize this. It has given a green signal to the use of safe fuel for its vehicle. All truck, owned by the company, will only run on safe and eco-friendly fuel. It will create no harmful carbon emissions that will ultimately cause a massive hole in the ozone layer. It is a step that the company took after adopting “absolute zero emission” policy. It desires to attain the final goal by the end of 2020.

4. Policymaking And Lobbying

There are no extra points for guessing that corporate giants are capable of running the world politics. Let us not go into the details of how these organizations are pulling strings from backstage. These multi-billion-dollar companies have a say in business rules and policies. They make sure that trade policies are not getting in the way of their profits. From lobbying to bribing, these institutes can go to any length to keep the ball in their own court. Some trade and manufacturing policies do more harm than good to the world environment. Small steps can make a huge difference. Thus, some reputed organizations like Nike, Apple, Intel, Gap, and Starbucks agreed to do their part in reducing the carbon footprint on the earth. The owners signed Climate Declaration, thereby, putting a price on carbon.

Over the years, this sport good manufacturing giant has achieved a lot. Some were negative, while most have helped it to seal its place at the top of the charts. Most of Nike’s ad campaigns have been immensely successful, raking in billions of dollars of profit. The prestigious position it occupies will be able to influence people to take the right step. It is corporate giants like Nike, which can start a new revolution in the modern garment manufacturing industry. These companies must try their best to adopt ways, which will reduce carbon footprint and reduce global warming as well.

With adequate modernization, it is possible to protect the environment. Once the more important organizations set out on the journey, smaller companies will follow their example. Only with cooperation from people from all walks of the society, it will be possible to put a stopper to a universal menace like global warming. It is time to take affirmative steps to stop environmental degradation for the betterment of future generations.