Member Spotlight: Rick Crawford | Emerger Strategies
Emerger Strategies is a sustainable business consultancy whose mission is to measure and improve our clients sustainability performance, all while boosting profits. We offer a variety of services, including: Sustainability Assessment, Sustainability Reporting, Greenhouse Gas GHG Accounting (Carbon Footprint), Sustainable Packaging and we help our clients obtain certifications like Climate Neutral Certified and Zero Waste Operations.
How did you find yourself working in the fishing industry? Do you fish yourself?
Rick Crawford: I started my company to protect what I love by helping companies in the fly fishing industry measure and improve their sustainability performance. I love fly fishing and spend a lot of time fishing for redfish here in Charleston.
What is the history behind Emerger Strategies?
Rick: Emerger Strategies was launched in 2016 after I had earned an MBA in Sustainable Business from Marylhurst University and spent a few years in the renewable energy and green building industries, I decided to marry my passion for fly fishing and sustainability. As a passionate angler I discovered that pollution, climate change, and habitat degradation were posing significant risks to our fisheries, and sea-level rise, plastic pollution, and overdevelopment were threatening my home in Charleston, SC, I decided to do what I could to protect what he loves. Since launching in 2016, I created the award-winning podcast, The Sustainable Angler, which was created to educate and inspire anglers to protect the planet. I also founded the Fly Fishing Climate Alliance in 2020, whose members are committed to net-zero emissions by 2050.
What makes Emerger Strategies unique?
Rick: We are dedicated to helping companies in the fishing industry, and we walk the walk. We donate 1% of our annual sales to environmental nonprofits through our 1% for the Planet membership, and we are also Climate Neutral Certified,which means we have measured our Scope 1, 2 & 3 emissions, have created a Climate Action Plan for reductions, and purchased carbon offsets to achieve climate neutrality.
How have you seen the fly fishing change over the years in regards to sustainability?
Rick: Before launching Emerger Strategies, I did some extensive research on the fly fishing industry, and discovered that a lot of companies were donating to conservation, but not many were doing anything to clean up their own act. Since then, sustainability has become best practice for companies in the 21st century, which makes sense for businesses who are solely dependent upon healthy fisheries because no fish = no customers.
Where do you see the future going in regards to sustainability?
Rick: I believe that companies who are unable to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability will become dinosaurs, so the future is that every company will measure their sustainability performance, but the one's that are able to use sustainability to drive innovation will distinguish themselves and gain the customer loyalty to continue pursuing sustainability.
What issues have you witnessed the industry facing and how are you working to resolve them?
Rick: Climate change, habitat degradation, and pollution threaten our fisheries, so I think the issue our industry faces is how to address climate change. We need companies in the industry to set the tone and lead on climate change, which requires voicing their support of good climate policy, while leading by example and actively working to measure and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from their businesses. I am working to resolve this issue through the Fly Fishing Climate Alliance by helping our members measure their carbon footprint, set science-based targets and executing climate action plans to reduce their GHG emissions.
What projects or initiatives are you currently working on and excited about?
Rick: I have a vision of measuring the entire fly fishing industry's carbon footprint, and once we have an understanding of that, working on projects that reduce our collective carbon footprint, such as a community solar project that could mitigate the entire industry's Scope 2 (purchased electricity) GHG emissions.
Anything else you’d like to add about Emerger Strategies, the fly fishing industry, or anything else?
Rick: Give me a holler if your company is interested in learning how it make the business case for sustainability!
Rick recently earned the Sustainability Excellence Associate (SEA) from Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI). By obtaining this credential, Rick has demonstrated competency in the field of sustainability and has been recognized for having the skills necessary to foster innovation and to promote and lead sustainability initiatives. Read more here.
Rick Crawford, creator and host of The Sustainable Angler podcast, had this to say: “My sustainability consultancy, Emerger Strategies, has been a 1% for the Planet member since 2016, and since The Sustainable Angler is now selling merchandise and sponsorships, I thought The Sustainable Angler should giving back too. My reason for wanting to give back is because pollution, climate change, and habitat degradation pose serious risks to our fisheries. That’s why we are committed to making a real impact by funding diverse environmental nonprofits addressing these issues, such as: Charleston Waterkeeper, The Sustainability Institute, Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, and Protect Our Winters to name a few.
“Currently, only 3% of total philanthropy goes to the environment and, only 5% of that comes from businesses. The planet needs bigger support than this, and our growing network of business members are doing vital work to increase giving and support on-the-ground action. We’re excited to welcome The Sustainable Angler to our global movement” says Kate Williams, CEO of 1% for the Planet.
By contributing 1% of their annual sales, thousands of 1% for the Planet members have raised millions in funding to support environmental partners around the globe.
Partners are vetted and approved based on referrals, track record, and environmental focus. With over 5,000 environmental partners in the 1% for the Planet network, every member can find and support the causes that matter most to them.
About The Sustainable Angler: The Sustainable Angler is a podcast about fishing, conservation, and sustainability. Rick interviews fishing guides, artists, writers, conservationists, and business pioneers who share inspiring stories, educate listeners on important topics that impact our fisheries, and provide actionable steps you can take to protect what you love! Visit www.thesustainableangler.com for more information.
About 1% for the Planet
1% for the Planet is a global organization that exists to ensure our planet and future generations thrive. We act as an accountability partner for businesses supporting environmental partners through annual membership. We make environmental giving easy and effective through partnership advising, impact storytelling, and third-party certification. Started in 2002 by Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, and Craig Mathews, founder of Blue Ribbon Flies, our members have given millions to environmental partners. Today, 1% for the Planet’s global network consists of thousands of businesses and environmental partners working toward a better future.
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