Part 1. We don’t believe in perfection. We believe in better. Not perfect. Not pretending to be.
‘One of the basic rules of the universe is that nothing is perfect. Perfection simply doesn’t exist… without imperfection, neither you nor I would exist.’
Stephen Hawking
Perfection doesn’t exist. Not in celebrity. Not in business. Not in art. And certainly not on Instagram or wherever else you can find inspiration. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t be inspired by those trying to do better. Imperfection and the pursuit of betterment is where the world gets interesting, where the world gets a little chaotic and where we afford others the empathy and space for understanding. We hero those who embrace their imperfections and encourage them wherever & whenever we can, helping them progress with what matters. Imperfect, honest and above all, incorrigible rebels (just like us), on a crash course mission to change the world.
Part 2. Single-use waste is dead
‘Don't waste anything, don't waste electricity, don't waste food, don't waste power.’
David Attenborough on the "one thing" everyone can do to help save the planet
We want to end single-use waste for all, for good. We open the door and embrace any brand looking to do better in their product materials and packaging. This is the only way forward. A recyclable, reusable, refillable future for every brand and everyone. We can’t do this alone, so we’re enlisting all people and all brands (no matter how small) to come and join us, our community, our platform on behalf of people and planet. We want to work together to create more innovative, sustainable alternative packaging technology that preserves the natural world and liberates every one of us that cares for the natural world.
Part 3. Put people first
‘The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.’
Aristotle
The natural world is great and all that, but without us, there’s no-one here to see it (other than the aliens, of course). We confuse saving the planet as something from saving ourselves all too often. Make no mistake, the planet will survive. It will rejuvenate, replenish and restore. Unfortunately before it gets to that point, we’ll all be gone. This is about saving us from ourselves, not the seas and the trees. It’s because of this that we always put people first (note people first is inadvertently planet first - because without that imperfect symbiosis of the two, we are nothing but dust). Be kind, be honest, be civic and don’t lose who you are in the chaos. We don’t talk to consumers, we talk to people; supporters, fans, kings and queens in their own right. This is our promise to you, to be fair and to be better by putting you (and us) first.*
*Hint - If it’s good for you is good for us.
Part 4. Be fun. Have fun.
‘If I can't dance, I don't want to be part of your revolution.‘
Emma Goldman
We are here for a moment, but mostly we’re dead. Now that’s not meant to sound morbid. It’s actually meant to be inspiring. My name is Bryn Walbrook and I joined the above & beyond team because I wanted to leave a legacy, and to help others create their own. But creating lasting change cannot and will not be realised, if done boring. Things need to be exciting and inviting to create momentum. Whether it’s your revolution or ours, we’re bringing back that infectious energy and life, helping you refight the good fight on behalf of our future. This is Mr. Motivator meets David Attenborough on a mission. Let’s go!
Part 5. Create the world that works for you
‘If you feel like you don't fit into the world you inherited it is because you were born to help create a new one’
Anon
This we hold very close to our heart. This is at the very soul of our brand - why we’re here. If it doesn’t exist and you think it should, go make it. We’re cut from the cloth of an incorrigible breed of rebels and advocate any other on their own mission, no matter how personal, to go for it and never give up.
We sell products and that’s how we make our money, but we’re trying to be more. The more we sell, the greater our impact. We’re always looking for new ways to make our people’s lives easier or better, no matter the situation.
If we can help your incorrigible purpose see the light, get in touch and let’s see what we can do to help you go above & beyond.
This is our manifesto.
This is our promise.
This is our purpose.
We are above & beyond. Join us.
Bryn Walbrook, co-founder above & beyond – here to #unscrewtheplanet designing and making products that don't cost the earth.