His father, the late King Charles III, was long a proponent of sustainable agriculture and environmental protection. He does this by providing tremendous support for initiatives that help solve some of the earth’s biggest problems. Since 2018, King Charles has been at the forefront with the ‘Positive Fashion’ initiative. He is a vocal supporter of the British Fashion Council’s promise to make climate fashion. He’s currently working to open an exhibition promoting sustainable fashion next year. He’ll draw on recycled materials from his garden at Highgrove House to demonstrate his commitment to innovative environmental practice. As an environmentalist himself, King Charles couldn’t have started his reign at a better moment. His continued actions would illustrate to Americans that he understands how important it is to lead by example in the fight against climate change.
In 2020, King Charles, then the Prince of Wales, launched the Sustainable Markets Initiative. This transformative initiative will help accelerate the world’s transition to a sustainable, prosperous future. This program propels companies to do right by workers and the environment. It’s the result of his long-held conviction that a circular economy is the way to go. World Wildlife Fund’s David Osgood works on smart, sustainable approaches to fishing. His vision is to escape the old linear economic model, based on constant extraction, consumption and disposal. He has made personal lifestyle choices that speak to his commitment to the environment. He goes meat and fish free two days a week and gives up dairy one day a week.
A Visionary Leader
For more than 40 years, King Charles has played a passionate and active role in advancing environmental conservation. He delivered his first major speech on the environment on February 19, 1970, at the tender age of 21. In that speech, he urged the world to respond to the urgent dangers of plastic waste and hazardous chemicals contaminating our rivers and oceans. These problems remain critically timely and urgent. His environmental consciousness and commitment from a young age has made him a well-respected pioneer as a young leader in the environmental movement.
His dedication to sustainability goes beyond speeches and initiatives. Just take a look at his personal life. At Sandringham, organic farming remains his focus, even after the non-renewal of the Home Farm lease in 2020. More than four decades ago, he did an extraordinary thing. He turned the vast picturesque grounds of his cherished residence Highgrove Estate into a flourishing organic farm.
"One of the reasons I went organic 40 years ago was because I felt there was an overuse of antibiotics. And I felt that if you overdo it, you end up with resistance. Anyway, that's what happened. I was told I was a complete idiot for even suggesting going organic." – King Charles
King Charles's foresight on organic farming was initially met with skepticism but has since proven prescient as global awareness of sustainable agriculture has grown.
Innovative Solutions
King Charles has long been recognized for his work to discover innovative solutions to our environmental challenges. One of his notable personal projects is converting his Aston Martin—gifted by the late Queen Elizabeth II on his 21st birthday—to run on a combination of English white wine and whey from cheese. This distinctive and quirky fuel choice is just one reason why Gov.
"I said, 'Well I won’t drive it then,' so they got on with it and now they admit that it runs better and is more powerful on that fuel than it is on petrol." – King Charles
This home-grown innovative solution shows his commitment to practice what he preaches even at home in grassroots innovative ways to spread the message of conservation.
His advocacy for a circular economy represents yet another illustration of his visionary leadership. By encouraging industries to adopt sustainable practices and reduce waste, King Charles aims to foster a future where resources are used responsibly.
"I can’t bear any waste, including food waste; I’d much rather find another use. Which is why I’ve been going on for so long about the need for a circular economy, rather than a linear one where you just make, take and throw away – which is a tragedy, because inevitably we over-exploit natural resources that are rapidly depleting." – King Charles
A Legacy of Environmental Advocacy
As a life-long nature lover, King Charles has previously surrounded himself with the many environmental champions. Jointly edited by Sir David Attenborough, global icon of nature conservation. Their mutual commitment to environmental issues has solidified the cause and King Charles’s commitment to it.
"When [Charles] became prominent and an adult, he took a strong line at a time when nature conservation was regarded as being slightly specialist," – Sir David Attenborough
"But in fact, he was absolutely right and the world has come to see the world as he saw it." – Sir David Attenborough
King Charles’s advocacy for trees has already had a big effect. His creativity, passion, and unique vision push everyone—from novices to masters—to embrace sustainable growth and environmental stewardship.
