OUR EDITORIAL! Environmental Public Relations: Moving Beyond Words to Action
Across the nation and globally, organisations have made grandiose claims of their commitment to sustainability and environmental preservation through their PR campaigns, yet these assertions often remain merely words on paper, devoid of tangible action or impact.
Environmental Public Relations (EPR) have become a commonplace strategy employed by corporations to showcase their purported dedication to saving Mother Earth. However, far too often, these proclamations are nothing more than hollow promises, lacking substantive actions that reflect genuine commitment to environmental stewardship.
It is unacceptable that in this era of increasing environmental crises, many organizations engage in greenwashing—the practice of deceptively portraying an environmentally responsible image without actually implementing meaningful sustainability practices. They craft compelling narratives of eco-friendliness and sustainability, yet fail to translate these claims into concrete initiatives or changes in their operations.
This unethical behaviour of misrepresenting environmental commitments not only misleads consumers and stakeholders but also undermines the urgent need for substantive action to combat climate change, resource depletion and environmental degradation.
CSR Reporters, a corporate social responsibility news and information platform, entrusted with the task of upholding corporate accountability and transparency in Nigeria’s environmental landscape, condemn this unethical style of practicing our dear EPR…in all its entirety.
It is high time for a paradigm shift in how organisations approach Environmental Public Relations. Mere rhetoric and greenwashing must be replaced by authentic and impactful actions that truly contribute to environmental preservation and sustainability.
We ask that organisations rectify the dissonance between words and deeds, by adopting a more transparent and accountable approach to their environmental commitments. They should: Move beyond token gestures and incorporate sustainability principles into the core values and operations of the organization; Establish specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for sustainability, ensuring they align with global environmental targets such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); Develop comprehensive environmental policies that guide operations, product development, supply chain management, and waste reduction strategies; Allocate resources to invest in renewable energy, eco-friendly technologies, waste management systems, and efficient resource utilization and Provide transparent and accurate reporting on environmental initiatives, progress, and setbacks, holding themselves accountable to stakeholders. More than ever before, corporates should Actively involve stakeholders, including communities, consumers, and environmental experts, seeking feedback and incorporating their insights into sustainability strategies as well as Educate and empower employees on sustainability practices, fostering a culture of environmental consciousness and responsibility.
Organisations should recognise that authentic environmental stewardship requires more than just rhetoric or superficial gestures. True commitment to sustainability demands tangible, concerted efforts that are deeply ingrained in corporate practices and operations.
The time is overripe to bridge the gap between environmental promises and real-world impact. By aligning words with genuine action and adopting a holistic approach to environmental sustainability, corporations can truly contribute to safeguarding our planet for future generations.
Walk the talk and ensure that environmental public relations are not just a façade but a reflection of real commitment and responsibility towards our planet.
