It’s no secret that sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) have become buzzworthy topics in the business world.

 

As consumers become more environmentally and socially conscious, they’re looking to support (and spend money on!) brands that align with their values. And with so much competition out there, it’s key – now more than ever – that companies are in tune with what their audiences want.

 

At 1Milk2Sugars, we meet with brands across the corporate spectrum and they all have one thing in common: a growing emphasis on giving back to the community and the planet. If you’re a PR pro looking to level up your sustainability & CSR communication, keep reading for 5 Sugar-tested tips!

 

  1. Get to Know Your Audience: Is conservation important to your consumers? Maybe mentorship and education are what make them tick. Tools like social media analytics are a powerful resource for getting to know the consumers you’re most trying to reach!
  2. Be Clear and Concise: Avoid using technical jargon that can trip up your audience when explaining your initiatives. Instead, use clear and concise language that’s more digestible to a wider audience.
  3. Show, Don’t Tell: Humans are visual learners so don’t be afraid to demonstrate your efforts rather than just write or talk about them. This can include everything from photos and videos to graphics and charts. Showing evidence of your efforts builds credibility and reinforces your message.
  4. Be Consistent: Consistency is key when communicating sustainability and CSR. Make sure that your messaging and actions align with your goals and values. This reinforces your commitment and most importantly – builds trust with your audience.
  5. Answer the “Why”: Why did your company choose these particular initiatives? What benefit do they offer the community or the plant? Explaining the benefits of your sustainability and CSR program will make it more relatable and relevant to your audience.

 

Does your company have an in-house CSR or sustainability strategy? What insights have you gleaned? I’d love to know in the comments!