Firms make pledge to go eco-friendly – it makes for good business
BUSINESSES can improve their bottom line and become more attractive employers by adopting environmentally friendly practices, delegates at a business expo were told.
That’s what companies at the Let’s Do Business event hosted by Uttoxeter Racecourse were told.
One firm to make the change was The Marketing People. Managing director David Mitchell said: “We all know the issues our, and the next generations, are facing if we don’t do something now.
“This EcoPledge is an excellent way to bring reality to everyone’s attention and provide a list of simple things that everyone in business and home can implement.
“As part of our consultations with clients, we ask about their sustainability and corporate and social responsibility to showcase them in their websites and other communications and presentations.
“These are now key factors in how potential customers will assess businesses as a provider/partners or suppliers. I am sure other chamber members will sign up and help make the much-needed difference and benefit themselves in the process.”
Having an EcoPledge can not only impact your bottom line but can also make your business more attractive to potential employees.
Simple steps businesses can do to take an EcoPledge include:
1. Switch off lights, laptops or anything electrical when you leave the office at night. Remove chargers/ turn off heating.
2. Recycle: paper is the easiest to recycle. Place accessible paper recycling bins around the office.
Travel to work - incentivise staff to car share or cycle to work. Do you have a travel card loan scheme? Is there somewhere for staff to leave a bike if they choose to cycle to work? Can you provide washing facilities/ showers?
3. Sustainable suppliers: use sustainable sources for office supplies. Good suppliers will have an environmental policy and where possible, ISO certification. Projects such as HS2, Commonwealth Games and the Peddimore developments will be looking at their supply chain to ensure suppliers have a sustainability policy so position yourself ready.
4. Put the kettle on: a hot water tap is more cost effective than a kettle but also think of the time wasted waiting for the kettle to boil. If you are sticking with the kettle, only boil what you need.
5. Printing: if you have to print it, go double-sided. Does everyone need a copy of the report for the meeting or can you work from the screens? Are you refilling ink cartridges and recycling old ones?
6. Think and buy local: think about how far a product has travelled to reach you and what the carbon footprint might be. Use sustainable sources for office supplies. Good suppliers will have an environmental policy and where possible, ISO certification.
7. New office furniture? Look at recycled office furniture. Often it’s as good as new, cheaper and you are getting more value for your money.
8. Get rid of the plastic! No more plastic cups in the office. Encourage everyone to have a water bottle and install a filter tap. A hydrated workforce will improve productivity and can help enhance physical and mental performance.
9. Business travel: could you reduce your business miles? Could meetings be held on Skype or reorganised so they make best use of time to reduce your carbon footprint?
Businesses making their own EcoPledge are encouraged to share and record their journey in making it happen by posting their progress on Facebook / Twitter and LinkedIn.