Millennials, owners of SMEs, determine a Net-Zero future

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Millennials, owners of SMEs, determine a Net-Zero future

Image: Unsplash

In 2019, SME magazine called millennials ‘the most entrepreneurial generation.’ It’s no news that millennials see starting up their businesses as a path to financial independence and a flexible work-life balance.


According to World Bank, "SMEs represent about 90% of businesses and more than 50% of employment worldwide."

 

A percentage of this generation create businesses that disrupt the traditional businesses. A good number are in the retail sector and an even greater percentage make a living using the gig economy.

But is the saying “Youths are the future leaders of tomorrow”, really relevant in achieving a net-zero future?

A Net-Zero Future

Image: Unsplash

A net-zero future simply refers to reaching a net-zero carbon emissions by a selected date, with 2050 as the starting point.

Net-zero refers to achieving an overall balance between emissions produced and emissions taken out of the atmospheres of the earth. – Edie

It’s really all about reducing the carbon emissions in the atmosphere. Think of Tesla’s electric cars, 100% renewable grid electricity, eco bags, shoes and the likes. 

Image: Fossbytes

Millennials, SMEs and a net-zero future

It’s easy to decide that achieving a net-zero future is not really a point in case for SMEs. Let the bigger businesses do that! They have the means, the consultants to advise them, the financial capability to design products that address these problems, and really if they don’t, they will be criticized. But what about the future. It is up to the Millennials and the Gen-Zers to determine how it will run and this just means starting small. It means understanding what a net-zero future is all about, and the little but significant steps we can take to get us closer to that world.

 

Here’s a simple example

A day in the life of a furniture maker


Image: Unsplash

Caleb wakes up to the sound of his electric alarm, scrambles out of bed and turns on the heater. Holding his electric toothbrush, he treads slowly to his backyard to take a look at his HomeBiogas 2.0, a device he uses to power his home and develop his battery storage capability so he doesn’t have to depend on electricity from the National Grid. It’s simple, cost-efficient and very functional.

When he’s ready for the day, he uses a 3d printer to print out his furniture rather than the conventional hand-sawing and cutting.

Cooking and eating is an especially enjoyable moment for him and just because he upholds sustainability, doesn’t mean he has to eat grass. Moreover, any food waste can be easily converted to electricity with his HomeBiogas 2.0.

Image: Waste360

I’d go on, but I think we get the picture. There are diverse ways to go green with our businesses. Spending a little time to think and strategize, will save you a lot of stress in the future and will position you better for more global investments.

So, what are your plans for February 14? I have one particular plan that really stands out: SLEEP! Not only is it fool-proof, it is also a very eco-friendly plan.

See you soon!

 

Writer:

Bibitayo Omidiora

 

 

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