The ever-increasing concern about climate change, as well as the frenzy linked to city life, have highlighted the need to find more sustainable lifestyles and, for many, to reconnect with nature. A need, the latter, which – once the trips and excursions of the summer period are over – can also find an outlet in the green corner of the house. Europeans are strongly convinced of this and consider the garden a real micro-ecosystem to be protected. On average – between Italy, Spain, France, Germany, Poland and Great Britain – more than 9 out of 10 people share the belief that the garden is an outpost of biodiversity between their home and nature. The third chapter of the investigation reveals this “Gardens of Europe“, commissioned by STIGA – world leader in the production of gardening machinery and equipment – to YouGov.
The research therefore reveals a substantial agreement, even between different generations, regarding the value of the garden as a micro-ecosystem, capable of hosting – in addition to plants – also insects and small animals. Interesting to note how in all the countries involved let women be the supporters
more convinced of this position. In Italy, 93% of the interviewees (compared to 89% of the men) say they agree that the garden is a space of biodiversity and, among these, 54% strongly agree while only 43% of the interviewees say the same. A similar situation is observed in Spain, Germany and Great Britain with respectively 60%, 66% and 67% of women who are extremely convinced of the value of the garden as a biodiversity space, compared to 49%, 52% and 54% of those interviewed males. In France and Poland the gender gap is smaller, with 63% and 51% of interviewees expressing strong agreement respectively compared to 54% and 51% of men.
The garden therefore becomes a real space of nature that extends in direct proximity to our homes, as well as a place to spend time with friends and family. From this perception of the garden as micro-ecosystem comes with greater responsibilities: it is important to choose innovative, as well as sustainable, tools to take care of it. STIGA, thanks to continuous investment in research and development, not only provides effective and innovative solutions for those who love gardening, but leads the market towards greater awareness. “The sustainable approach is at the heart of our work, as demonstrated by STIGA’s membership of the UN Global Compact. But to transform our environmental, social and governance priorities into tangible successes, a collective commitment is essential and that everyone within the company shares this mission, promoting a company culture that values and supports sustainable practices. In this way, we ensure that our ESG strategy is not only understood, but also implemented with enthusiasm and a sense of responsibility throughout the organization, integrating it into daily work” he declares Sean Robinson – CEO Stiga. “We strive every day to concretely improve our products, including their environmental footprint along the entire value chain, from the sourcing of recycled materials, to the search for supply chain operators who share our sustainable approach, up to the post-production phase. sales in favor of the circularity of the life cycle of our products. We are also working to develop the “green skills” of all our employees and are making important steps forward in the use of energy from renewable sources”
Between the STIGA’s most significant projects in the ESG field are those relating to the electricity transitionaimed at progressively replacing petrol-powered engines with battery-powered and electric motors in all the brand’s products, from lawnmowers to handheld tools that can be used in gardens of all sizes. A commitment supported by a significant investment in electrical products – 76% of Research and Development investments for 2023 and a dedicated team, which constantly improves testing and technology – as well as partnerships with the University of Trento and the University of Padua on the development of battery life cycle management practices.