We have run out of excuses. Gone are the days of pushing arguments on why we should change our offices, businesses and homes to become greener and adopt sustainable lifestyle practises.
We have moved on to what we can do now to reduce, reuse and recycle. In these monthly articles we will tackle the environmental opportunities one by one to help you to evaluate your business processes and way of life.
First things first – getting a Green Team together!
You as the business owner or manager of your company or shop can have the best intentions in the world, but if you try to do it alone, you will not succeed. Therefore – it is time for a serious meeting and brain storming session!
- Schedule a proper meeting with EVERYONE in your company. From CEO to Tea Lady, from Financial Manager to Security Guard, should be involved in planning a Green strategy and must understand the importance and reasons behind every action taken. Appoint a Green Consultant or Facilitator to assist in the process if needed.
- Appoint a Green Committee who can oversee actions and regularly report back to management on changes and progress.
- List everyone’s ideas – the awkward, far-fetched and ridiculous included. Once you have your list, you can start prioritising and deleting where necessary.
- Categorise the ideas for example;
- Water saving ideas
- Electricity saving ideas
- Providing cleaner air
- Waste management actions
- Recycling and reusing of material, etc.
Remember that Rome was not built in a day. Your business will also not become Green overnight. Be realistic and change what you can but have progression as a clear goal. Every small change is a step in the right direction. At the end of a year, review your progress and set new targets for the year. Very important – celebrate your progress and acknowledge your employees for their contributions, therefore ensuring their continued support for your Green programme.
Next time, we will discuss the “low hanging fruit” and how you can make quick changes in your immediate environment.
Good luck!
Hendie
UpFront PR and Communication Management
(Hendie Grobbelaar, a passionate Greenie, is a PR and Communication Consultant who also specialises in Green Consulting and Green PR efforts)