Even if you don't produce a green product or manufacture a gadget that helps the environment. You may own a service organization that is not related to anything environmental. So how can your company be sustainable. There seems to be less talk of global warming or energy efficiency. However, business sustainability seems to be the latest green thing that organizations are looking to concentrate on.
In this day and age of economic uncertainty and unemployment still at high levels, businesses are looking for ways to remain profitable. They are looking to be more efficient, but they also need to be able to stay in business.
Here are some areas to take into consideration when you are thinking about the level of sustainability in your business:
Cut logical costs. Meaning, cut out the obvious time and money wasters. Just because you have been doing it one way does not mean it is the most efficient or cost effective. Also, is the building you are in green or are you still wasting money on heating and air conditioning? Cutting a little here and there adds up and will show up on the bottom line.
Invest in your current work force. Sometimes hiring more qualified persons may not be more cost effective. Are there training programs at local colleges that you can use to help educate your work force? Your employees will appreciate the training you provide and you get a more well rounded work force.
Are the products or services you deliver, the best and the most current/modern versions that you can produce? Are you giving it your all in the product or service that you deliver? Maybe your competitors are doing things better. Have an independent party evaluate your product or service.Are your products and services poised to bring you into the next decade? Or does you product have a short life cycle?
Communicate your sustainability efforts. Whether it is at the community or company level. The public likes to see that a business has a sustainability/environmental program in place. Supporting your community may seem minor at the board level, but not at the customer level.
Sustainability in business is not only being green and environmentally responsible. It is also taking care that your products can provide for the future of your company and the community, whether it is local or global.
BioMass: Alternative Energy Source
Here is a great explanation of what biomass fuel is and how it can supply a renewable energy source. This is a very good video created by the Colorado Springs Utility, who is using it to generate power for the grid.
The more we can derive our energy from these types of sources, the less we would have to depend on non-renewable fossil fuels that pollute.
Turning Plastic Back Into Oil
What it takes to turn plastic back into oil. That's what this Japanese inventor, Akinori Ito, did. Knowing that plastic containers are made from oil, he decided to come up with a device the reverses the process.
Just imagine taking all the plastics that you put in your recycling bin and feeding it into the Blest Plastic to Oil machine. Then you seal it and turn it on. After about an hour it spits out unrefined oil. Oil that can be refined further to produce gasoline for a car, diesel for a truck or kerosene for home heating.
According to an Anchorage Daily News article, the owner of K&K Recycling and Chena Hot Springs Resort, Bernie Karl actually purchased a Blest Plastic to Oil conversion machines and is testing it to see if this could be a good fit for his company in Alaska. He wants to see if he can convert plastic he gathers from recycling and convert it into usable fuel for his fleet of trucks.
We'll have to update you on the future developments of this machine.
Earth Day: a Renewed Commitment to the Environment
With Earth Day coming up, what is your company doing to be sustainable? Many companies already have green programs in place. Whether you own an accounting firm or a garage door repair company part of being a green company is being sustainable. Being sustainable and helping the environment can save your business money and that helps the bottom line.
Here is a list of ideas to get you started on your eco-friendly sustainable future.
Review your recycling program? How much waste are you sending to the landfill? Do you have any electronics that could be recycled? How much printing is done on a daily basis?
How about getting an Energy Audit for the space your company is leasing? Are you paying for your heating and cooling costs? Are you still using those expensive CRTs or Energy Star rated flat panels? Did you know that PC manufacturers sell desk top models that have Energy Star ratings?
Maybe having a fundraiser for a local food cupboard or animal rescue shelter. There are many charities not only in need of funds, but also volunteers.
Attend a Green Event. See what resources are available in your area to help in your quest to green your company.
How efficient is your shipping department? Can something be done to decrease your carbon footprint?
Planning some renovations? Look into sustainable low VOC materials. Use a contractor that is a member of the USGBC.
No matter what you may implement, tell the world what you are doing to help the planet in the way of a press release. Also make it known on your company web site. You would surprised at how much it attracts people to inquire.
Let us know if you have made some major green impact. We can feature that on the Ultimate Green List.
