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Activism has been brought centre stage with the intensity and pressures of the past few years. With the death of George Floyd, the release of David Attenbororugh’s ‘A life on our planet’ and the Netflix ‘Seaspiracy documentary’ to name a few things, our news feeds were full of petitions, crowdfunds and marches signifying a group of people wanting change. I too wasn’t satisfied with my black square or my repost of something that had moved me in the moment, I really wanted to really make a change that would last but, I didn’t know how. 

At COP26 this year - the UN’s climate change conference - big promises and goals were made- phasing out coal, advancing clean technology and the stop of deforestation but why not dare to ask for more?  

While I can carry around my reusable straw, buy ethically, go to clothes swap parties and litter pick my community with other enthusiasts, I can’t help but think there is more. Studies have shown that just 100 companies are responsible for 71% of global emissions. What if we could alter the narrative of those 100 companies so that they began to prioritise the things that truly matter, taking care of our planet and its people rather than rinsing it of its resources? Imagine by 2030 these companies doing a 180 in sustainability programmes, no greenwashing and not just ticking boxes but genuine change. Because surely it does start with this 100?  

But how?

Step onto the scene Tulipshare. Tulipshare empowers activists to fight for change at global brands by becoming a shareholder. Tulipshare ensures we are able to flex our shareholder rights and actively engage with the companies it's campaigning against. By setting up meetings, dialogue and even submitting shareholder proposals they can have a seat to direct change because of a collective of like-minded investors!

Let’s take a look at what they’ve been up to starting with their Coca-Cola campaign. Coca-Cola was ranked the world’s no. 1 plastic polluter by Break Free From Plastic in its annual audit, after its bottles were the most frequently found discarded on beaches, rivers, parks and other litter sites. Coca-Cola’s current goal and vision is to use at least 50% recycled material in its packaging by 2030, but Tulipshare doesn’t think that’s good enough and let’s be honest…it’s not. One of Tulipshare’s campaigns recommends that Coca-Cola change its goal to use 100% recycled material in its packaging by 2030.

Or let’s take a look at the Apple campaign which was started as a means for Apple to adopt a Right to Repair policy. Read about it here. Since Tulipshare launched the campaign in 2021, Apple have actually introduced a Self Service Repair Program, which is a big move for them. However, Tulipshare are still pressing for improvements to the new program and continue to communicate with Apple’s investor relations team and campaign on the issue. 

While investing is relatively new to us, I wanted to test drive the Tulipshare website and invest so I gave to one of the causes on their platform that I most wanted to see a change in: Ensure fair and safe working environments for Amazon warehouse workers. Amazon hasn’t really got the best track record does it…  Tulipshare are pushing Amazon to provide an independent audit of the working conditions and treatment that Amazon warehouse workers face. A recent report stated that it takes eight weeks for an Amazon warehouse worker to earn what Jeff Bezos makes in a single second, the very reason I quit shopping with Amazon last year. Now is the time for them to make changes.  You can see more about the campaign here. 

The Tulipshare platform is very easy to use with demos and videos to find out more and you can invest as little as £1. Companies aren’t obliged to listen to your complaint emails, hashtags or petitions but they do have to engage with their shareholders. I can’t think of how many times I have messaged H&M and Shein on Instagram demanding change but with no response..

If like me, you’ve wanted to bring about change but don’t know how - these guys are really doing it! New causes will continue to be added and in the future and the Tulipshare community will be able to suggest ideas for the change they want to see on topics that are important to them. 

Here’s to positive change for the things that really matter and here’s to voting with our money!

“The bottom line is that the financial sector can ignore petitions and protests, but it can’t ignore money. Money is the only language it speaks. And so, in order to engage in dialogue, we must use money. And not just money from the few at the top; with Tulipshare, activist investing can - and should - be for the people. Now, with $10.8 million in funding secured and our eye on expansion, we remain firmly committed to bringing more power to the people.” - Antoine Argouges, founder and CEO of Tulipshare.

Disclosure : As with all investment, your capital is at risk. Tulipshare is an Appointed Representative of RiskSave Technologies, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN:775330.)