What Will You Do With Your Extra Day This Leap Year?

In 2024, we will experience a leap year, granting us an extra day on February 29th for the 6th time this century. Ever since Julius Caesar introduced Leap Years in 46 B.C, we have been fortunate to have that additional day every 4 years.

But how will we take advantage of it?

Here are a few interesting facts about what that extra day can mean…

• The world’s population will grow by 265,000 - Today, the world’s population is over 8.1 billion and counting, and heading to 10 billion by 2055 (and I hope to be one of them). It has been estimated that at the current consumption rate, and considering changing dietary habits, economic growth, and income levels in developing countries, global agriculture production must be increased by about 60-70 percent to meet the increased food demand in 2050. 
• In the USA, the average person will waste a pound of food - According to US Department of Agriculture numbers, about 163,000 tons of food is thrown out in US households each day. According to UN calculations, if food waste represented its own country, it would be the 3rd largest emitter of greenhouse gas (behind China and the USA).
• Nearly 42,000,000 trees will be cut down - Farming, grazing of livestock, mining, and drilling account for over 50% of this number. Another 35% goes to paper production. But we need trees to survive, as they absorb not only the carbon dioxide that we exhale, but also the greenhouse gases that we emit. So, to feed the increasing population, the answer must be about being more efficient and productive with the space we have, rather than increased deforestation.   
• Almost 1.1 million tons of plastic will be produced - It is estimated that 400 million tons of plastics are produced globally every year. That includes the five trillion plastic bags used worldwide. Shockingly, only 9% of plastic ever produced has been recycled, and 79% remains in landfills or the environment.
• 22 metric tons of plastic will be dumped in the ocean - That amounts to 8 million metric tons a year to compound the estimated 150 million metric tons that currently circulate in our oceans.

Safeguard the planet TODAY with a sustainable supply chain

As the world’s population grows, and the natural resources decline, we are challenged to minimize waste and recycle products and materials as they come to the end of life. We, as customers, are increasingly demanding ethically sourced products, that are manufactured and delivered through carbon neutral processes from sustainable companies.

This means designing products and packaging that are biodegradable, and environmentally sustainable. Sourcing materials ethically from organizations that follow social and humanitarian practices. Manufacturing with minimal waste and environment impact. Delivering with logistics processes that optimize loads to reduce mileage, emissions, and carbon footprint. And operating assets and equipment in an energy-efficient manner that is safe for the environment and workforce.

One final “1 day” fact 

The Mayfly has a life expectancy of about one day. They infamously use all their time to eat, drink and make merry.

Can I urge you to make the most of 29th February 2024 and to leave our planet in a better state than when you woke up. With the rise of sustainable products, efficient cars, reduction in water usage and less plastic, there are many opportunities to make a small difference…. I’m planning a vegan dinner.

To learn more about how to get your business ready to address the sustainability challenges, download the recent Oxford Economics Research

Follow me on Twitter.