“The key is to view sustainability as an investment rather than a cost.”

How do you see the responsibility of entrepreneurs to build businesses that are sustainable both from an environmental and animal rights perspective?

- As an entrepreneur, you have a unique opportunity to make a real impact. When I ran my company, Indy Beauty, I saw it as my responsibility to build a business I could fully stand behind. Sustainability isn’t just about choosing vegan or eco-friendly alternatives – it’s about creating a business model that’s sustainable, long-term, and ethical at all levels. Something you can feel proud of both today and in the future. - It’s encouraging to see more and more entrepreneurs integrating sustainability into their business models, often in response to increased demands from consumers and regulations. However, I still think many underestimate the huge responsibility and power entrepreneurs have to actually drive change. Building a sustainable business does require courage and may take longer to reach profitability, but it’s worth it. - For me, sustainability and animal welfare have never been a “trend” or a marketing strategy – they’re a fundamental part of everything I do. It’s about making conscious choices, even when they’re difficult, and proving that it’s possible to combine profitability with values. I also believe that entrepreneurs have a responsibility to inspire and educate both consumers and other businesses by showing what can be achieved. - Ultimately, it’s about thinking beyond short-term profits. If we, as business owners, want to leave behind something meaningful, we must dare to consider the larger consequences of our choices – not just for ourselves, but for animals, the environment, and future generations.

How did you approach this responsibility when you started your own businesses?

- I knew it would be challenging to run a sustainable business, but I was still surprised at how hard it actually was to find sustainable options for all aspects of the operation. This applied to everything from production and product development to logistics solutions and even how the company’s money would be invested. I simply thought there would be more established alternatives, but the reality turned out to be quite different. - It was also eye-opening to realize how much time and energy is needed to navigate systems that are often designed to favor less sustainable choices. At the same time, I learned so much about how industries and structures work – and sometimes don’t work – when you’re trying to do something in a more ethical way. - However, I’ve never compromised on my values. Even when it’s tough or feels like going against the grain, I believe it’s crucial to stick to your principles. For me, it’s always been about building something I can be proud of, and I think it’s through perseverance and integrity that we can truly make a difference – both for our planet and for future generations. It can feel tough in the moment, but in the long run, it’s worth it.

What do you see as the biggest challenges for entrepreneurs who want to combine profitability with sustainable and ethical principles?

- One of the biggest challenges for entrepreneurs who want to combine profitability with sustainability and ethical principles is understanding that sustainability often means a longer and more demanding path to profitability. Sustainable and ethical solutions are still more expensive and harder to implement than traditional alternatives, and it often takes more time and resources to find the right solutions. - Another challenge is reaching consumers who may not see the value in paying a little more for a sustainable product. It requires not only a good offering but also education and communication about why sustainable choices matter. It can feel like a balancing act between keeping the business profitable and sticking to your principles, especially at the beginning when the market isn’t always ready for the changes you’re driving. - I think the key is to view sustainability as an investment rather than a cost. It’s about building something that doesn’t just survive but also makes a difference and is something to be proud of. Once you see the long-term results – both for the business and the planet – it’s truly worth putting in the extra effort. It’s not the easiest path, but it’s definitely the right one.

You’ve long been a strong advocate for raising awareness about veganism and animal rights. What’s one thing you wish everyone understood or knew about this topic, to help encourage more people to choose a vegan diet and care about animal rights in general?

- Our perception of animals as resources is deeply rooted in historical and cultural patterns, where religion, philosophy, and economics have all contributed to creating a hierarchy that places animals below humans. For more people to care about animal rights, we need to challenge these deeply ingrained norms. There’s no single solution—change must happen simultaneously through spreading knowledge, tightening legislation, and focusing on ethical consumption, where people reflect on where their food, clothing, and products actually come from. - The problem isn’t a lack of information—it’s already available. The challenge lies in widespread resistance to facts, where many choose to believe that things aren’t as bad as animal rights organizations claim. It’s comfortable to live in that illusion. We can keep recreational fishing and throwing back fish with damaged mouths as long as we convince ourselves that fish don’t feel pain. We can keep drinking milk with a clear conscience as long as we suppress the fact that milk is the result of a calf being taken from its mother. - To break this pattern, we need not only knowledge but also a willingness to face the truth and question our own comfort. How to create this willingness is something I think about a lot.

How can entrepreneurs inspire others to take greater social responsibility, both for animal rights and the climate?

- Entrepreneurs have a unique platform to inspire others because they’re often at the forefront of innovation and societal influence. To inspire others to take greater social responsibility—both for animal rights and the climate—I believe honesty and transparency are key. It’s not just about showcasing a sustainable product or service but about practicing what you preach and integrating these values into the entire business. - Being open about both successes and challenges can be incredibly inspiring. It helps more people dare to take that step, showing that sustainable and ethical choices don’t have to be perfect from the start but can evolve over time. Entrepreneurs can also contribute by collaborating with organizations and initiatives that work for animal rights and the climate, demonstrating that creating positive change is possible through collective efforts. - One project that inspires me is "Too Good To Go", which actively works to reduce food waste—one of the biggest threats to both the climate and ethical resource use. They’ve not only created a smart solution to reduce waste but have also engaged both businesses and consumers in a broader movement for change. Another example is companies working with regenerative agriculture, which not only reduces environmental impact but also improves ecosystems and gives back to the planet. - For me, it’s also inspiring to see small entrepreneurs driving change locally, such as vegan cafés or clothing companies that put sustainability and animal rights at the center. These businesses show that even small initiatives can make a significant difference and create a movement that influences society at large. - Finally, it’s about daring to showcase the possibilities—that a company taking responsibility can not only be profitable but also make a difference that extends far beyond its own products or services. That’s what truly inspires both me and others.

Tove Westling from GoClimate has interviewed Therése Lindgren