We are thrilled to launch a new series, #iProud, showcasing the diverse cultural passions of our talented iProspect team both in and out of the workplace. By highlighting the intersection of work and life at iProspect, we hope to celebrate the unique perspectives and experiences of our employees.
For April's edition of #iProud, we had the pleasure of interviewing four outstanding iProspect employees who are taking the lead in integrating sustainable practices both at work and in their personal lives. In honor of Earth Month, we talked to them about their efforts to reduce their environmental impact and protect the planet for future generations. These efforts reflect iProspect's commitment to making a meaningful contribution to society and protecting the environment. As part of this initiative, iProspect is also participating in One Day for Change, where dentsu staff around the world volunteer in their local communities to create a positive impact.
Take a read as we explore the steps we can take to make a difference in our planet with Joann Spiteri, Executive Assistant; Scott Randel, Senior Director Client Services; Adam Kasper, EVP Managing Director; and Adam Riddell, VP Structured Data and Feeds Lead.
What steps have you taken to make your personal life more sustainable, and how have you encouraged others to do the same?
- I grew up throwing out bottles and cans in a separate recycling bin. My fiancé never used to recycle, but I have a separate garbage pail that I ensure we use to keep him in the habit. I am also a big fan of the Target reusable shopping bags. Those go everywhere with me.
- Joann Spiteri
- I make many efforts in my daily life to be as sustainable as possible. Little things like reusable shopping bags, keeping my heat low in the winter and reduce use of air conditioning in the summer, ensure that all the food in the house gets used and does not go to waste, drive my car in Eco mode as much as possible, utilize food grown on local farms throughout the year especially in summer and fall months, utilize public transportation, carpool, and be diligent about keeping lights off and unutilized appliances unplugged.
- Adam Kasper
- My family composts at home so all our food waste gets repurposed to help grow more food. Additionally, I try to bike if I am traveling short distances.
- Scott Randel
- I started small, and encourage others to do the same. For example, I stopped buying cases of bottled water, and instead carry around a large water bottle that I refill throughout the day. I am also more conscious of what products I purchase and select brands and products that prioritize sustainability.
- Adam Riddell
What are some of the most exciting sustainability efforts that you have been a part of, either at work or in your personal life?
- I have had the amazing opportunity to lead One Day for Change Chicago for the past two years now. It’s rewarding to get to work with different non-profit organizations and see our employees give back and make a difference in the community.
- Joann Spiteri
- I volunteer with the Friends of the Chicago River who focus on sustainability and improving the Chicago Watershed for humans, animals, and plants. I am a canoe guide for them and help newcomers canoe on the water so they can discover what a beautiful gem we have in our backyard.
- Scott Randel
- I have had the pleasure of getting to help evaluate and explore carbon calculators for iProspect North America. We are aiming to not just report on GHG emissions, but also identify actionable measures we can take to actively reduce emissions across our digital efforts.
The internet is estimated to be responsible for 2% of global GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions, which places a high importance on decarbonizing the digital media world. A carbon calculator enables us to both track our progress on moving towards a net zero target, as well as identify areas we can action on reducing emissions affecting actual change. This includes identifying sustainable friendly partners, recommending tactics to clients that have a lower impact, and ensuring that we are reporting on emissions in a consistent way across the industry.
- Adam Riddell
What is your favorite outdoor activity to relax and unwind?
- I love nature and doing anything outdoors when the weather is nice. I find going for long walks to be very therapeutic, especially after a busy day working. It’s definitely a great way to relieve stress and improve your mood.
- Joann Spiteri
- I love hiking with my dog, mountain, biking, and skiing. I make a specific point to spend at least 30 minutes outside every day, regardless of temperature, which, in Boston can be a challenge!
- Adam Kasper
- Too many favorites to just name one, but hiking is definitely near the top of the list. Nothing like a nice hike through nature with some amazing views mixed in.
- Scott Randel
- Sand volleyball has always been my go-to outdoor sport. There is a very therapeutic feeling of grounding your bare feet into the sand, that is almost immediately offset by my competitive drive.
- Adam Riddell
What role do you believe businesses and individuals have in promoting sustainability, and how can we work together to create a more sustainable future?
- Businesses play a crucial role in promoting sustainability because they have the resources and platform to do so. Individuals make up the business and when you put like-minded people together, they can accomplish anything.
- Joann Spiteri
- It’s all up to individuals. And as business is comprised of individuals, this holds true for businesses as well. Governments can only set guidelines and rules, it’s up to people to take sustainable action incorporated into their daily lives.
- Adam Kasper
- Businesses set the standards for accountability, reporting, and reducing our greenhouse gas emissions. It is essential that companies work together to create and adhere to these standards. I am proud of the fact that dentsu and iProspect have committed to a net zero target with the Science Based Targets organization, and encourage other businesses to join and make similar commitments.
- Adam Riddell
What is your favorite sustainable product or initiative that you have come across recently?
- I’ve noticed Amazon has switched their plastic packaging to recyclable paper packaging over the last several years. Almost all of us order from Amazon on a regular basis, so I think it’s great they decided to improve their packaging to minimize waste.
- Joann Spiteri
- As a “car guy,” I have had the pleasure of working on the Polestar account for 2+ years. This is by far my favorite sustainable product and something that can enhance a driver’s life through Sustainability as well as Performance.
- Adam Kasper
- My wife switched us to wool dryer balls and they are great for the environment. They save energy, are reusable, reduce drying times, produce less waste, and more. They also make great basketballs when you need a game to play with kids.
- Scott Randel
- I am useless in the morning without a cup of coffee and use a Nespresso machine at home to streamline my coffee needs while working remotely. Three years ago, Nespresso released recyclable coffee capsules made from aluminum, which makes it very easy to recycle the single use containers. My favorite flavor is Caramel Cookie!
- Adam Riddell
What's the most creative way you've seen someone repurpose an old item to make it sustainable?
- I am a huge fan of Patagonia’s efforts to reuse clothing and provide items to those in need. As a company, Patagonia has outpaced anyone in their category, and possibly in the world, in terms of their sustainability efforts and focus on sustainability over profit. Their initiative to use regenerative organic, recycled, and Fair Trade created products has put Patagonia into a category unto itself.
- Adam Kasper
How does iProspect incorporate sustainability considerations into its business strategy and decision-making processes?
- Every day we see more and more language being incorporated into client MSAs that require transparency and initiative with regards to sustainability. Many of these agreements require iProspect and dentsu to be part of driving a sustainable future. As a company, we are doing more and more with sustainable media companies, developing a carbon calculator, and of course, dentsu’s One Day for Change that just took placetpril 21. Pushing forward, media partners who have sustainability initiatives is a critical piece of this and I am proud of the work that Jenn Chou has been doing in this area. We will see the scale more and more over the next year.
- Adam Kasper
- iP regularly gives us time off to bring everyone together to help our local communities. Last year we mulched with the Chicago Parks Foundation. This month we just partnered with Friends of the Forest Preserves. We are also focusing on reducing our carbon footprint.
- Scott Randel
