It’s no secret that we need large corporations to step up if we want to successfully mitigate climate change. But if we don’t work for one of these corporations is there really anything we can do? Of course there is.
We live in a world where getting the attention of a brand is easier than ever. It mostly just takes throwing an “@” in front of their name on a social media post. TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram have enabled consumers to call brands out on everything from lack of inclusive sizing, racism, greenwashing, and more.
But of course, there’s also direct contact. Writing a letter or email directly to a brand can be an extremely effective method of demanding change. Many companies have a rule that if they receive the same complaint or request from a certain number of consumers, the issue must be addressed. So, throw a letter writing party, and get to work creating change!
If you’re not sure how to write a letter to a company to request eco-friendly changes, keep reading below for tips.
How to write a letter to a company demanding climate action
Select a company
Obviously before you send a letter, you must pick a company to send it to. If you’re new to letter writing, pick a brand you use regularly that you genuinely love, but would love even more if they made environmental sustainability a larger priority.
Picking a brand you’re familiar with can make the letter writing process feel more natural. You’re able to talk about what you like about the brand as well as what you’d like to see improved, which makes it less likely that the reader will feel attacked or defensive.
Find a contact
Now you have to figure out where to send your letter. Contact information can typically be found in the footer of the company’s website. Alternatively, you can search for employees of the company on LinkedIn (sometimes they’ll have their email addresses available).
Write your introduction
To begin your letter you’ll want to introduce yourself and why you like the brand. Starting the letter on a positive note makes it more likely that the reader will continue reading.
State your request
Explain the specific action you would like the company to take. Maybe you want them to reduce their plastic packaging, be more transparent with their supply chain, or start using organic ingredients. Whatever it is, be very specific and include links to examples where appropriate.
Explain the benefits
Proceed to tell your reader why these changes are important. Explain how taking action would benefit the planet, how it could improve the lives of people across the globe, and how it would benefit the company itself. The sad truth is that most companies will put themselves first. No matter how great a change might be for the planet, a large brand is unlikely to make it if it’ll hurt its financial bottom line. This is why it’s key to highlight the benefits for the brand (even though saving mankind should be the only benefit really needed).
Some points to include:
-Making planet-friendly changes could hugely benefit your business since studies show that Generation Z shoppers prefer to buy sustainable brands and are willing to spend 10 percent more on sustainable products.
-Studies suggest that ethical companies outperform their unjust competitors.
-Customers are inclined to buy sustainable products. In fact 50% of CPG growth from 2013 to 2018 came from sustainability-marketed products.
Conclude your letter
End your note with a polite conclusion and explain that you will follow up in a week if you haven’t heard back. If you in fact don’t hear back, send a brief follow up each week for a month. If you still don’t receive a response, try reaching out to a different contact. Don’t be afraid to be a nag, but also don’t get discouraged if all you get is crickets.
If you ultimately never receive a response it doesn’t mean your note was never read, or that no one took it into consideration. It may have very well been a topic of discussion in meetings, but no one ever got back to you directly. Don’t let it get you down. Continue to write letters, send emails, and make phone calls. Although it may not feel like it sometimes, your voice is being heard.
If you enjoyed learning how to write a letter to a company and are craving more sustainable living tips then sign up for The Eco Edit. You’ll be joining hundreds of other pro-planet enthusiasts who are passionate about bettering the world through small, sustainable steps.
