Earth Day 2023 | How TSA Is Committed To Positive Environmental Action
April 22nd marks the 53rd iteration of Earth Day, a global event that demonstrates support for environmental protection.
As the UK’s premier snowboard retailer we recognise our impact on the planet, and at TSA we’re committed to preserving and safeguarding the playgrounds in which we all find so much joy. In 2019 we made the commitment to be carbon neutral by 2025 and in more recent years, we’ve become a proud partner of Protect Our Winters UK, pledging to donate 1% of all snowboard sales to the charity.
As a non-profit organisation that receives no government funding, POW UK relies on the generous support of corporate partners who share their vision of a better, fairer future. As a Ridge partner, TSA contributes massively to POW UK’s ability to campaign for systemic policy change, deliver education programs, and help to influence change at scale. Together, we work to protect the things that we love from climate change - for everyone.
It’s easy to feel helpless when it comes to tackling an issue as big as saving the planet, so we sat down with Adam Raja, POW UK’s Marketing Manager to try and get a clearer picture of where exactly our donations from snowboard sales go, and just how essential each and every one of us is in the fight to protect the environment.You’re never too small to make a difference, and every penny counts towards achieving significant climate goals.
Adam explains to us, “Just £10 could help ask a business to commit to taking meaningful climate action towards Net Zero by signing up to the POW Pledge. In 2020, the POW Pledge helped 70 organisations guide their action on climate change.” POW UK is committed to achieving Net Zero by 2040, put simply, ‘Net Zero’ means “cutting greenhouse gas emissions to as close to zero as possible, with any remaining emissions re-absorbed from the atmosphere, by oceans and forests for instance.”
“£25 helps fund POW’s online campaigning tools, enabling passionate outdoor enthusiasts to pressure their local councillors to stop investing in fossil fuels.” Our monetary support helped POW UK to launch their #DivestTheDirt campaign, a mass lobbying movement to local authorities to stop investing taxpayer money in sketchy non-renewable energy funds. The project was a resounding success, over 400 people in the UK took part and it was adopted by European POW chapters to implement across the continent.
“£50 helps POW UK deliver a Carbon Literacy Training session, equipping individuals and ambassadors with the skills and confidence to become effective climate advocates.” These courses are huge tools in POW’s arsenal, and the Carbon Literacy Project estimates that there is a 5-15% carbon savings per person who takes the course. Over the last year, our donations have helped POW UK almost double the amount of participants in these sessions.
POW UK was one of the only sports organisations to be granted observer status at the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26). TSA’s financial contributions helped to fund this important trip, “we were proud to have represented our community on this international stage. We took part in numerous panels and discussions throughout the 10-day event.”
What are POW UK’s big projects or focuses heading into the rest of 2023/24?
“With the general election looming, our main focus is on that. We want to build the biggest base of concerned outdoor citizens to show up for climate at the general election and beyond. The UK’s policies are not sufficient to achieve Net Zero, but if the millions who make up the outdoors community come together, we can be hugely influential. Together, we can protect the things that we love from climate change - for everyone.”
As a consumer, how can I be sure I’m buying into sustainable companies, products and practices?
“Do your homework and speak with your wallet. Before you buy from a company, look into their ethos and practices. Brand websites and social media channels are a good place to get an idea of how sustainable that company is. If you don’t agree with them, don’t support them.”
Of course money talks, but how can individuals support POW outside of monetary donations?
“Follow us online (Instagram and Twitter) and sign up for our newsletter. Joining our mailing list means we can send actions straight to your inbox. Get behind our campaigns and actions when we send them. If all of us do the small thing, it will have a huge impact. Donations do help, and we put it straight back into campaigning to protect the things that we love from climate change, but we also do that with the proceeds from merch - and we think it’s rad!”
What events can people expect to see you at this summer/the rest of the year?
“We love attending events and meeting communities at the events that they are passionate about! We attend various events throughout the year, but Kendal Mountain Festival is always a big one. There will be others, so follow us on social media and we shall post about them once confirmed.”
What is one thing that’s important for us all to remember about the fight against climate change?
“It’s not too late - there is still time to do something if we act now. Your influence is greater than your individual footprint, and if you join the base and advocate for change, you can be hugely influential.”
Scrolling through your phone is an easy way to stay connected to organisations and people who aren’t necessarily on your doorstep. Are there any accounts you can recommend that people follow to get good advice or see inspiring stories regarding climate issues?
“Follow us - obviously! But you should also follow other groups like Friends of the Earth, Stop Cambo, and Greenpeace. Carbon Brief is a great way to get updates on the science, but athletes, such as our ambassadors, like Manon Carpenter, are great at relaying the changes they have seen first hand.”
It seems clear that to achieve change on a macro level this becomes a political issue, but every voice can contribute to this. Do you have any tips on writing to our MP’s?
“Make it written by you - MPs often think it's only a subset of society that wants more action, we can show it's much wider! Tell a story of a change you've seen. Ideally have a specific request - following campaign groups like POW can help you time it right and keep up to date on specific items to ask your MP about.”
