Features

The heroes making a difference this Earth Month & beyond​

We’re closing off Earth Month by spotlighting our heroes – the all-important H in our EARTH acronym you might’ve seen on socials over the past few weeks.​ ​

Who are our heroes exactly? They’re everyone from our local charity partners to the individuals championing more sustainable choices here at New Look.​ ​

We were lucky enough to catch up with some of these incredible #NewLookers to find out their proudest achievement so far, who they call a hero and the little changes we can all make to reduce our impact on the planet…

Katie Pryce - Sustainability Manager

What’s your pledge to planet Earth?  ​
To help our internal teams understand their impact on the environment and give them the tools to reduce them. My personal pledge is to be meat-free during the week.​ ​

What’s your proudest achievement in your role?​ I completed New Look’s first carbon report back in 2019 and have since grown our scope and educated our internal teams on the importance of carbon accounting. This year we have submitted our Science Based Targets, demonstrating the brand’s full commitment to reducing our environmental impact. ​ ​

You are a New Look hero, but who is the hero in your life?​
Serena Williams. As I was growing up, she was winning every Grand Slam tournament and becoming one of the world’s greatest tennis players – I loved her! Now I’m older, I also admire the work she’s done to advocate against racism, sexism and inequality. ​ ​

What little changes can people make to be a hero for the planet?​​
There are so many small decisions you can make that collectively, make a big difference. For example, choosing a vegan lunch, deciding to walk, cycle or take public transport to work and washing clothes at 30 degrees (or even 20!)

Jayesh Lad - Product Technologist​

What’s your little act of heroism for planet Earth?​
I live in Amersham and work with parents and children from the local primary school to pick up litter. ​ ​

What’s your proudest achievement in your role?​​
Working with our fantastic buyers to make more sustainable accessories – it can be tricky. We’re proud to use recycled zinc in jewellery and recycled plastic in sunglasses . We’ve also removed almost all PVC from bags , switching it out for recycled fabrications. You are a New Look hero, but who is the hero in your life?​​
Mahatma Gandhi. I know its cliché, but he was a great advocate for peace and inspired people around him – something I aim for, especially with my kids. He worked hard, was educated and humble too, despite coming from a rich family. ​ ​

What little changes can people make to be a hero for the planet?​​
We can all think about how much energy we consume for convenience – do we need that plastic-wrapped microwave meal? Does that TV need to be plugged in when not in use?​
I love this extract from the UN’s Lazy Person’s Guide to Saving the World: “Change starts with you. Seriously. Every human on earth – even the most indifferent, laziest person among us – is part of the solution.”

Hannah Sztopel - Local Manager​

What’s your little act of heroism for planet Earth?​
Enabling our store teams to partner with local charities and have a positive impact within their communities – we back 30 regional charities in total.

What’s your proudest achievement in your role?​
Supporting our stores’ charity fundraisers – the £630k we raised in 2022 has made a huge difference already, from enabling helpline advisors to support people in need to facilitating job opportunities through interview and CV workshops.

You are a New Look hero, but who is the hero in your life?​
All the inspiring people I work with at New Look – they’re forever supporting and uplifting each other! ​ ​

What little changes can people make to be a hero for the planet?​
Everyone must play their part and we all need to reduce our waste. I like to keep reusable water bottles everywhere – in my car, locker, handbag. I haven’t bought a bottle of water in years!

Chantal Cooper - People Experience Manager

What’s your little act of heroism for planet Earth?​
Supporting inclusion and wellbeing for all by showing up and being an authentic ally.​ ​

​ What’s your proudest achievement in your role?​
Building our amazing Inclusion & Wellbeing ally groups and working with them to influence change for good.​ ​

You are a New Look hero, but who is the hero in your life?​
My mum, she is always my calm in a storm – kind, loving and super resilient.​ ​

What little changes can people make to be a hero for the planet?​
Smile, say hi and be kind!

Dean Mellor - Facilities Manager​

What’s your pledge to planet Earth? ​
To always show up, continue to be myself and to be an authentic ally for men’s health and wellbeing.​ ​

What’s your proudest achievement in your role?​​
That I lead with a sustainability mindset across our London and Weymouth Support Centres.​

​ You are a New Look hero, but who is the hero in your life?​​
David Attenborough. ​ ​

What little changes can people make to be a hero for the planet?​​
Reduce, reuse, recycle!

Sue Fairley - Head of Quality, Sourcing and Sustainability

What’s your pledge to planet Earth? ​
To make sure our business decisions are based on facts and are considering their impact on people and the planet. ​ ​

What’s your proudest achievement in your role?​​
62% of our spring/summer '23 collection is made with lower-impact materials* which is a huge stride forward in reducing our carbon footprint.​ ​

*Compared with an average alternative.​
​
You are a New Look hero, but who is the hero in your life?​​
My first boss at Debenhams and fellow Geordie, Sandy Moor. He always believed in me and empowered me. ​ ​

What little changes can people make to be a hero for the planet?​​
Mend, wash at lower temps, be curious! I watched a film recently called Fashion Re-Imagined. It gave a balanced view on what’s possible and New Look is on the right track.