We are thrilled to announce the expansion and relaunch of our free accreditation scheme. Once open to marine businesses only, we are opening the certification to a wide range of industries and expanding the scope beyond single use plastics. The Final Straw Foundation accreditation will support businesses in tackling their single use plastic waste and adopt broader sustainability practices. The accreditation is expanding but will still remain free, with no fees, costs or recertification. 

We launched our original accreditation scheme in 2022 in partnership with The Green Blue, the environmental arm of the RYA, offered to businesses in the marine industry. This accreditation scheme engaged over 50 sailing clubs, training centres and other marine businesses in reducing their reliance on single use plastics and increasing their sustainability credentials. Due to increasing demand, we are expanding the accreditation scheme to a wider range of industries including hospitality businesses, sports clubs, retail, well-being, events and manufacturing, supporting them to reach their sustainability goals. 

How does our accreditation work?

The accreditation works at three levels: Bronze, Silver and Gold. These celebrate incremental and long term commitments and recognise sustainability as a journey. The accreditation also allows for businesses to focus on one area of operations at a time, gradually building their credentials across their organisation. The new and improved scheme has straight-forward navigation, accompanying resources and guides, and progress tracking, making it easier than ever to become accredited, taking the guesswork out of sustainability. 

According to Harvard Business Review, ‘Consumers’ Sustainability Demands are Rising’, with consumers more likely to spend money on a product or service that does good for the planet. Our accreditation scheme will enhance participating organisations’ brand reputation, showing customers, competitors and suppliers that they take sustainability seriously. The scheme also serves as an opportunity to inspire positive environmental action from staff members that reaches far beyond their workplace. As sustainability becomes increasingly important and new legislative targets are set, businesses who sign up will be given the toolkit to demonstrate their compliance with current and future environmental standards. 

If your club, centre, or business is looking to improve on their sustainability credentials, we’d love to celebrate your progress. Get started on our free accreditation today! All the information you need and sign up process are on our website –here