Prestwich: Sustainability company Play it Green gets award

Play It Green co-founders Chris Thair, 45, and Richard Dickson, 51, have been awarded "superhero" status by peers in Greater Manchester, thanks to the way their service supports businesses, people and the planet.

The two founders were crowned inaugural winners of the Carbon Superhero Award by MBH, one of the largest communities of businesses in Greater Manchester.

Founded in Spring 2021, Play It Green is an online subscription service that helps people and businesses to lower their carbon footprint and engage others into doing the same.

In less than two years since launching, the online subscription service has made a big impact helping more than 100,000 people and more than 300 businesses to lower their carbon footprint.

It has also planted over 200,000 trees and gifted money to 26 charities. 

Play it Green co-founders Chris Thair and Richard Dickson (Image: Play It Green)

MBH director Kyle Antony said: “What Chris and Richard have achieved with Play It Green is inspirational.

"True leaders in a world always looking for guidance on how to be more sustainable.

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“This award is for their outstanding growth and success in influencing real and meaningful change across the world towards a more sustainable and a greener world to live in for the future.

"This service was born out of Manchester and continues to be delivered from the city, so it makes everyone extra proud.

“To see it being taken by businesses across nine countries and a lot of locally including the likes of Manchester Central, it shows their service is fulfilling a need.

"Congratulations to them both, two wonderful people and it is well deserved."

In a joint statement, Chris and Richard said: “To be crowned as Manchester’s first Carbon Superheroes is fantastic.

"Our results are due to the collective effort of many people who have supported our journey to date so we share this award with them.

"We also recognise there are many good people out there trying to instigate change in others.

“Play It Green was born out of conversation while walking in a Manchester Park.

"We didn’t know whether it would work because nobody in the world had come up with the same model before however we believed in it.

"We are just two dads from Manchester doing our bit, trying to make life better for future generations and those around today.

"In April we would have been live for two years.

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“Thank you MBH for the award, we share with all our colleagues and members."

Play it Green has a unique approach by ensuring all members make an ongoing positive environmental and social impact while being supported in reducing their footprint.

Play it Green have been awarded the Carbon Superhero award by MBH (Image: Play it Green)

For every £5 in the monthly subscription 13 trees are planted and 50p is regifted to each members' good cause.

This ensures all members make a positive ongoing environmental and social impact whilst on their journey to net zero.

Local charities that have benefited from the subscription service include North West Air Ambulance, AKT Manchester, Depaul, Wood Street Mission and St Ann's Hospice.

Decarbonisation and creating change is at the core of Play It Green's service.

Each week members receive a tip on how they can lower their personal carbon footprint, a discount to a relating product and education on sustainability including business best practice.

Subscribers can also access free marketing and net zero support for their business including policies, net-zero plans, template webpages and accreditation badges.

Play It Green also acts as a signposting service to help members fulfil their net zero ambitions.

To providers such as carbon footprint reporting, green energy, sustainable products and many more.