A consortium of optical bodies has joined forces under the campaign banner ‘Thinking Green,’ in an effort to help cut carbon emissions and waste as well as establish sustainable practices to meet the UK’s climate change targets.
Members of the cross-sector group have agreed to implement changes based on two key areas – workplace change and single use plastic reduction – ahead of the next group meeting in late May. Each organisation will share a review of impacts, lessons learned and ideas for improved practices, said the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO).
ABDO said sustainability across the optical profession and industry was something we could only achieve by collaboration and doing so would facilitate mutual understanding of practitioner and manufacturer perspectives, such as what is involved in making supply chains more sustainable. It was hoped that the joint project would allow the group to measure progress across the sector as it develops.
‘By working together, we can share good practice and ensure different projects mesh, as well as ensuring practitioners are aware of manufacturer initiatives and vice versa. It prevents duplication and means that resources developed to support sustainability can be used across the sector,’ said a spokesperson for ABDO.
‘This includes the SEE (social, ethical and environmental) Hub on the ABDO website, which now contains a new draft sustainability policy for practices and businesses, as well as the self-assessment tool and resources to support action on waste and carbon foot printing, and the Optical Suppliers Association’s new sustainability glossary, which makes it easier for everyone to understand the jargon.’
In addition to the resources already in place, new content will be added each month, says the group. An evidence-based case study showing practitioners examples of how businesses can become more sustainable will be published on April 1 and there will be upcoming content on carbon foot printing and certifications.
The group comprises ABDO, Association of Optometrists (AOP), the British Contact Lens Association (BCLA), the College of Optometrists, the Association of Contact Lens Manufacturers (ACLM), the Optical Suppliers Association (OSA), the Association for Eye Care Providers (FODO), and independent practice consultancy Sightcare.
All members of the optical sector were encouraged to get involved in the collaborative pledge by the group. This is in alignment with UK targets to reduce emissions by 78% by 2035.
Time to act
Welcoming the news, AOP chief executive, Adam Sampson, stated: ‘All aspects of the industry must do their part to take vital action on environmental sustainability. We’re pleased to be part of this group and to be looking at the critical steps to reduce waste and improve sustainability to support our members, and the wider profession, in setting and reaching tangible goals.’
BCLA CEO Luke Stevens-Burt underlined the need for a joined-up approach. ‘No matter which part of the profession we are working in, we all have an important part to play. Sustainability is a joint effort, and it is important to identify and support areas that make a difference,’ said Burt.
Collaborative effort was also highlighted by OSA chairman Dr Andy Hepworth: ‘It’s simply wonderful we can support such a crucial area, as unquestionably there is strength in the engagement from across the whole optical sector.’
ACLM secretary general Simon Rodwell added: ‘ACLM contact lens manufacturers are committed to achieving long-term environmental sustainability, as well as supporting practitioners and wearers to do the same.’
Harjit Sandhu, managing director at FODO, the Association for Eye Care Providers, concluded: ‘To meet the UK’s climate change target we all need to work together, finding new and innovative ways of working. This joint sector effort will help that happen. We encourage all members and the wider sector to get involved and let us know how we can help make change a reality.’