The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals - How we contribute to them
The United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were developed in 2015 and are a set of 17 goals, each with specific indicators and targets, with the aim of being reached by 2030 (SDGs, 2020). The goals are a “the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all” (UN, 2022). More specifically, they are a “universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity” (UN, 2022)
The SDGs were created on the premise to improve the lives of people across the globe. It serves as a great guide for many different organisations (governments, NGOs, private sector etc.) to impactfully and measurably contribute to sustainable development.
Building a better, more sustainable future is a core value of Skylos Collective (for us humans as well as our furry friends). It is really important to us to ensure that our work aligns with the SDGs and we wanted to share a little about which goals we contribute to and how we do so:
Goal 1 - No poverty
At Skylos Collective we donate 2% of our profits to the Animal Welfare Society of South Africa we are supporting communities and animals from low income areas of Cape Town. The organisation runs education programs, where they teach locals about proper animal care both in schools and in the community. The work they do is incredible, and we are so proud to be supporting them in achieving their mission.
Goal 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth
Where we can, we keep our value chain as local as possible, thus our apple leather production and product manufacturing are in the EU and UK (respectively). These our countries with decent minimum wages (comparatively) and with stringent labour laws which protect workers. We also pay our staff a living wage, we do what we can in our power to ensure that our team are not living in poverty.
Goal 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production
The apple leather we use in our products is made from apple waste from the Italian fruit industry. We are adding value to a fruit residue and creating products which are durable and long lasting, thus, extending the product lifecycle and diverting the apple waste from landfill or being thermally destroyed.
Another key element of our responsible production is our transparency efforts. All our products have a QR code on the label so that our customers can learn about our supply chain – how our products are made, where they are manufactured and how our donations are making impact!
Goal 14 – Life Below Water
Our sustainable poop bags are made with Oceanex – a material derived from oyster shell. As up to 70% of the weight of an oyster is shell, there is a lot of waste in the industry which normally goes back into the ocean or into landfill . When it is returned to the sea it risks putting ecosystems out of equilibrium and is harmful to the local marine environment.
Goal 15 - Life On Land
The apple waste (pomace) typically ends up in landfills hence polluting the environment. Therefore, working to upcycle waste products into high value materials reduces emissions and land degradation is positive. Also, compared to other materials that use harmful chemicals, heavy metals, and carcinogenic contributing to global warming and polluting waterways, apple leather is a more eco-friendly option.
While we cannot change the world overnight, we believe that spreading awareness and actively taking steps towards making a positive impact is worth the effort. This not only motivates and inspires us but also gives us something meaningful to be a part of.
As we go, we will be sharing more about how Skylos Collective’s work connects to the SDGs. You will also be able to learn more about our production, charity donations and the impact we make through the QR code found on our product labels - we can’t wait to show you more!
If you have any questions about how our company connects to the SGDs, let us know in the comments or send us an email ella@skyloscollective.co.uk
UN, 2022. Take Action for the Sustainable Development Goals. [Online] Available at: https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/ [Accessed 26 June 2022].
SDGs, 2020. Do you know all 17 SDGs?. [Online] Available at: https://sdgs.un.org/goals [Accessed 25 June 2022].