Gavin Newlands MP joins Mars UK to celebrate the season of sustainability

Gavin Newlands MP pledged to walk more often in 2018 at a Mars UK event showcasing the role of sustainable business and the urgent need for businesses to help tackle key threats to the planet.

Mars reception hosted by Henry Bellingham for Lexington Communications Nov. 23, 2017 at the Houses of Parliament in London
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Mr Newlands joined guests representing various sustainability charities at the reception, which kicked off the festive season in style with plenty of delicious Mars goodies.  The key theme of the event was Mars’ Sustainable in a Generation Plan and the company’s global efforts to create a #generationofchange

Guests were invited to make their own sustainability pledge on a Christmas tree bauble and hang it on a Christmas tree to highlight their commitment.  Mr Newland pledged:‘I will walk to work more often (and walk kids to school!)’

Those who did so were also entered into a prize draw to win a donation to a charity in their constituency and a Mars Christmas hamper for their office. The draw was won by Gordon Marsden MP (Lab, Blackpool South).

The reception was arranged following the launch of Mars’ Sustainable in a Generation Plan in September. The plan sets out the company’s ambition to grow in ways that are good for people, good for the planet, and good for the business. As part of this Mars is investing $1 billion over the next few years to tackle urgent challenges facing global society, including climate change, poverty, and scarce resources. The plan centres around three interconnected ambitions:

»      Healthy Planet: To reduce environmental impacts in line with what science says is necessary to keep the planet healthy – focusing on climate action, water stewardship and land management. Targets include reducing GHG emissions across Mars’ value chain by 27% by 2025 and 67% by 2050.

»      Thriving People: To meaningfully improve the working lives of one million people – focusing on increasing income, respecting human rights and unlocking opportunities for women. Earlier this year Mars Food announced that all basmati rice sold under UNCLE BEN’S® or SEEDS OF CHANGE® is now sourced from farmers who are working towards the Sustainable Rice Platform’s standard for sustainable rice – a first in the global rice industry.

»      Nourishing Wellbeing: To advance science, innovation and marketing in ways that help billions of people and their pets lead healthier, happier lives. In a sign of Mars’ commitment to this Mars Petcare has been working in its local town, Melton Mowbray, all year on projects to transform the lives of residents by bringing pets and people together. Last month, Melton Mowbray was named the UK’s most welcoming town for dogs in a public vote

David Manzini, Market Transition Lead, Mars Chocolate UK and Wrigley UK said: “It was fantastic to welcome Mr Newlands and so many other guests to our festive parliamentary reception. This was a great opportunity to highlight the role that responsible businesses can play in driving change on key global threats to the environment and human wellbeing. At Mars UK we are committed to sustainable growth in a way that is good for people, planet and performance. Our Sustainable in a Generation Plan represents the next stage in the company’s mission to tackle urgent global threats.”

Gavin Newlands MP said, “I was pleased to join Mars to celebrate the start of the festive period and make a personal commitment as part of the wider#generationofchange campaign. Each of us has a part to play in ensuring a sustainable future for our children and grandchildren.”