There are a number of different ways one can approach developing a "green business," and today I'm pulling some strategies from
Greening Your Business, by Daniel Sitarz. (You can find more information about his book on the
WhatTheyThink Reading List.)
There are many reasons to "go green," and the strategies range from simple to complex:
- Cost Savings: The real and often immediate cost savings associated with running a more energy-, materials-, and waste-efficient business are one of the prime reasons for greening your business. By operating a more efficient business, it will be nearly inevitable that you will be more successful and profitable in clear and quantifiable. ways.
- Waste Reduction: By looking at your company's waste stream in detail, you will begin to understand the true cost of wast: every single thing that your company disposes of - everything that leaves your business not part of a saleable product, from used packaging and trimmings, to waste oil and smoke stake emissions to plant effluents - was initially purchased. When purchased materials become waste, you are quite literally throwing money away. Waste doesn't make environmental senseand it doesn't make business sense.
- Employee Motivation: Introducing a green business culture can have a dramatic effect on employees' motivation and morale and can drive additional cost savings. Increased employee commitment can provide you with an "early warning system" regarding potential problems. A cleaner, more efficient business will also offer employees a much healther and safer workplace that is far less prone to accidents, spills, or other emergencies.
- Customer Loyalty: As a conscientious business, your products and services will have greater appeal to a public that is struggling to live in a more sustainable manner.
- Competitive Advantage: By reducing the environmental compliance costs of doing business, you may find more flexibility in your operations. A more efficient and streamlined business generally has lower operation costs.
- Environmentally-Friendly Product and Service Design: Moving your business in a greener direction is a continual process with the goal of profitable and productive delivery of goods and services with the least harmful impact on the world around us.
Pick your strategy and go for it!
