The Environment and All of Us.
Climate Change, Renewable Resources, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle are terms that are very much part of the vocabulary of media, politics and international relations these days.
I think most of us accept the case that climate change for example is a human-made problem and we need to do something about it.
Nothing frustrates us more in regard to this issue than the idea that any effort we might make as an individual would have no positive value unless everybody else did the same thing. Nations have said the same thing in international negotiations; 'we won't because it means nothing unless they do too'.
The science is out there but it doesn’t seem to have the traction to pull everyone on side.
So what are we to do?
If we consider the ideas expressed in the article, Momentum; about how making incremental changes can optimize our business performance, can we apply this concept to doing our part for the planet? How can addressing the environmental issues and transposing it into our business practice be of value to the planet and to our business?
Digital filing, instead of paper and filing cabinets, printing on both sides of paper, changing our lighting to more energy efficient bulbs are some simple suggestions. I am borrowing freely from the link below, take a look it offers some very useful ideas on this topic. It doesn't have to cost a lot of money, and there is a large return on your investment.
If there is some open land around your business location, even a small patch, why not grow vegetables for your staff or the local food bank, or just plant a tree. Engaging the local horticultural organization in the project might lead to community wide activity.
The point is, a small business could only attract positive benefits from sharing within its community the fact that in some small way it is making an effort to go green, and is ready to do it alone. In this way you can demonstrate leadership and potentially influence other businesses amd neighbours to follow your lead.
It says you care passionately about the community you live in and the wider issues facing our planet. Your neighbours and clients respect this and may reward your business. "Going Green" can still be profitable.
I know there are opinions for and against the cause of climate change. I have no difficulty acknowledging this, I just happen to think that intelligent people can examine and decide the merits of the case for themselves.
Either way stating your case publicly, can be an intelligent business decision. You can't lose.
Here is a link to the science >
This one for the pro and con >
This link for ideas and info >
JFC Dec 2010
To comment click Here.
|