Food waste stems from habits that are deeply ingrained and require behaviour change to address, as well as distribution systems, business models and a range of other factors. So a holistic systems focus is critical. In this first blog in a series looking at food systems, I’m sharing a project I admire and can’t wait to see more from: the Rockefeller Foundation’s YieldWise initiative is focused on the issue of food distribution, food waste and Sub-Sarahan Africa, where inequality of distribution is particularly acute.

I’ve been obsessed with supply chains for a long time, because each of us is involved in them, whether consciously or not. They have the potential to transform communities and the environment for better or for worse.

In 2017, the Scottish Government announced it would design and introduce a deposit return system to boost recycling of drinks packaging to more than 90%. In July 2022 the system will go live and is based on the best-designed systems around the world.

Not only does good internal engagement help to mobilise resources within an organisation, but it’s often a major boost to scaling impact on important issues like climate change. It can be hard to measure but it’s still important – it’s mobilising and informing your own army. Read about how Ericsson and SAP have focused on internal engagement to boost their climate change efforts.

What I’ve learned over the years is that there’s still work to be done to help leaders and communications professionals understand the issues themselves and there are still skills to be acquired in order to communicate them well.