Creating a Sizzle

I have consistently found over decades working on sustainability campaigns that most people want to do the right thing for the environment providing it is easy, without additional cost and meets their needs.  The way products and services are delivered currently makes this difficult.  People wanting to do the right thing have to hunt out the relevant information and make a conscious effort to change routines.

Shifting this dynamic is crucial as current lifestyles are not sustainable negatively impacting climate, food supplies, water resources and nature.  Those least able to pay will be most adversely hit. 

Rapid and significant change is required.  The way products and services are provided needs to be reimagined to drastically reduce environmental impact.  Collaboration must be at the heart of this change, uniting representatives from across society to spark new ideas and approaches. 

I have taken the extremely difficult decision to leave Hubbub, an award-winning charity I grew from scratch, to create a new Community Interest Company called Sizzle.  I want to create a space where organisations can come together to explore fresh ways to deliver products and services, making it easier for people to do the right thing environmentally.

My aim is to use the experience I have gathered, the knowledge I have acquired and the contacts I have made to spark unusual collaborations, create new debates and deliver transformational change.  Without the need to run an £8 million charity, I have the flexibility to bring together the most appropriate organisations to address challenges and the freedom to be provocative and potentially disruptive.

What challenges I might address will become clearer over the next few months.  Questions buzzing through my mind include: is it possible to reimagine our high streets and urban areas, creating vibrant spaces with environmental and social benefits?  Can we bring the circular economy to life in way that is meaningful to people?  Can we make it easier for people to make greener choices whilst renovating or decorating their homes?  I will see which of these ideas resonate and explore others.

I am throwing open an invitation for organisations to get in touch if they face a challenge that requires a collaborative approach and where they are open to exploration.  I am intrigued to discover what challenges arise and what the scope is for tackling them with a fresh set of eyes.  If you feel I can add some sizzle to your thinking please get in touch trewin@sizzle.org.uk.