Across society, but particularly for those of us involved in animal care, it’s time to think differently about environmental impact and sustainability.
The most recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report delivered the unnerving news that we’re likely to overshoot our critical 1.5ºC target for global temperature rises by 2030. And it’s not just climate change: from biodiversity collapse and antimicrobial resistance to social inequality and animal well-being, we’re already starting to see global environmental impacts on our communities, businesses and supply chains.
But the picture isn’t all doom and gloom. Faced with these challenges, vets, nurses and other key professionals across the animal care industry are stepping up to grow their environmental efforts and to pursue more sustainable business models. We think that’s something to be encouraged.
Caring for animals starts with caring for the planet. That’s why Lintbells has become a fully accredited B Corporation, has published our first impact report and is committing to placing sustainability at the heart of our business. Moreover, we’re really excited to see growing numbers of veterinary practices, along with our other partners and suppliers, joining us on that journey.
Sustainability as an integral part of business
Sustainability shouldn’t just be a fuzzy feel-good gesture, but a core part of business strategy. As consumers and businesses become more invested in environmental responsibility, there are increasing incentives for businesses to lean in: not just in terms of doing the right thing, but also from a financial perspective.
Research shows that a majority of pet owners want to see how their vets are reducing their environmental impact and are willing to pay more for sustainable products and services
Research shows that a majority of pet owners want to see how their vets are reducing their environmental impact and are willing to pay more for sustainable products and services (Deluty et al., 2021). This reflects wider consumer trends, where positive impact and purpose remain a key purchase driver even during difficult economic times.
At a time when consumers worldwide are increasingly aware of the impacts of deforestation, plastic packaging and diversity issues, demonstrating to your customers and community that you’re taking meaningful, relevant action on the big issues can help you stand out, and build trust in your business.
What does sustainability look like in practice?
Despite this, a large number of veterinary practices are still struggling to find the right approach. We’re proud to support Vet Sustain, a social enterprise that aims to inspire and enable veterinary professionals to drive change for a more sustainable future. The latest research from Vet Sustain, in partnership with the Veterinary Defence Society, reveals the size of the challenge: they found that only 17 percent of vets were aware of an environmental policy at their practice, while only 31 percent reported talking to their clients about the environmental impact of animal husbandry (Higham et al., 2023).
Only 17 percent of vets were aware of an environmental policy at their practice, while only 31 percent reported talking to their clients about the environmental impact of animal husbandry
The majority (71 percent) of respondents surveyed said they’d welcome additional guidance and support to work more sustainably, suggesting that there’s still plenty of conversation and education required. The desire of vets to make positive changes is clear: according to a 2019 BVA survey, 89 percent of vets said that they would like to play a more active role in the UK’s sustainability agenda (BVA, 2019).
So, what does sustainable veterinary care look like in practice? This will vary for each practice, but there are plenty of ways to make a difference. It could be reducing the amount of single-use plastics and paper you use – replacing paper scrub hats with reusable fabric alternatives, for example. Or it might involve stocking products with a greater focus on sustainability and being ready for more detailed conversations with consumers about supply chains, ingredients and other environmental issues that matter to them.
It might involve stocking products with a greater focus on sustainability and being ready for more detailed conversations with consumers about supply chains, ingredients and other environmental issues that matter to them
Of course, a commitment to becoming more sustainable can come with challenges and shouldn’t be regarded as an overnight fix. In committing to sustainability, businesses will invariably need to reorganise some established processes and possibly create new supply chains. But the benefits, both commercially and for the planet more widely, are substantial.
Final thoughts
At Lintbells, we’ve chosen to not only make environmental sustainability a cornerstone of everything we do, but also incorporate positive social impact into our DNA. Our efforts have culminated in recently achieving the coveted B Corp status, joining a global movement committed to better business. By making the grade to become a B Corp, we’ve had to demonstrate the highest standards of environmental performance, social impact, transparency and accountability across the company.
That means we’ve had to address our sustainability objectives head-on, along with making operational changes across our business. In addition to already reducing our carbon emissions, we’re now working towards a net zero pathway. We’ve already made 50 percent of our ingredients deforestation-free, GM-free and palm oil-free, with the aim of increasing this to 100 percent within the next three years. These are ambitious targets. But as a socially and environmentally aware business built on those values from its inception, continuing to set even bigger ESG goals is essential for us.
Wherever you are on your own sustainability journey, we believe that adopting green initiatives and eco-friendly solutions is an essential issue for veterinary businesses of all kinds. By prioritising sustainability, you’ll not only benefit your local communities and inspire others in the industry to adopt eco-friendly practices, but you’ll also be protecting your business interests, and the health and well-being of the animals we’re all ultimately inspired to care for.
