At RIISE we understand that we are all motivated by desire. We buy things because we want them, not because they are good for the planet. We see this reality as a creative challenge; we reposition environmentally-friendly products and lifestyles as the new objects of desire.

At scale, this will build global economies that are sympathetic to the future of our planet. Driving money towards the brands and businesses taking accountability for their environmental impact will move the needle on climate change in a way that politics and policy hasn’t. We see both the positive and the negative aspects of current global economic systems. As pragmatists, we ar eworking within the existing systems creating demand for products that will reduce the impact of climate change. We do not pretend that this approach doesn’t have flaws but we believe it is the approach most likely to succeed in the short and medium term.

On our e-commerce platform, each item has been individually vetted to ensure it meets our vision for a decarbonised, circular and regenerative future. We’re comfortable selling a product from a brand that isn’t typically seen as sustainable, so long as the product itself meets our sustainability criteria. We do this because we believe that if people buy these products, it will encourage brands to make more products with the planet in mind. Every item or product you find on RIISE has been assessed for its sustainability merit across three categories: raw materials, supply chain and end of life. Our elevated aesthetic inspires people to want to live a life that protects our planet.

Our hope is not blind. We believe that climate change can be solved through creativity, ingenuity and igniting our collective power. Throughout history, trailblazing people have achieved the impossible–from space expeditions to curing diseases. These are proof points that together we can find a solution to the most pressing issue of our time: climate change.

The climate space has become polarised and entrenched in politics. But we don’t believe that climate change is political; it’s personal. We all want to live happy lives in safety surrounded by the people we love. For RIISE, this is the essence of our collective motivation to solve climate change.

At RIISE, our starting point is to cultivate a space where the brands pioneering beautiful, innovative and sustainable products win. Through optimism, we want to inspire living in a way that contributes to a better future. We invite people in and create a space where there is a strong emphasis on individuality and self-personal expression. On our e-commerce platform we encourage people to embrace their unique styles and perspectives. There are multiple ways we can move forward if we are propelled by joy, not fear; when we feel optimistic and hopeful about our futures. We don’t tell, we show. We show that our individual actions are powerful and our efforts combined will create real change. At RIISE we empower people to see that their daily actions, rituals and habits have a ripple effect on others and the world at large.

The approach that environmentalists have adopted of terrifying, guilting and shaming people has had the detrimental consequence of fuelling a backlash.When people feel judged and helpless, they do not take action. This is not helpful. At RIISE, we very consciously do not empower a backlash. We want to reframe the sustainability discussion and make it accessible and appealing. By focusing positively on what people can do and highlighting the brands who are innovating in this space, we will encourage a global shift.