Stop.
Slow down.
Take a critical assessment of your organization’s practices. How is it adding to contamination worldwide? And what small changes can you make to create a big impact?
Shouting “go green” can feel empty when there are inconsistencies in an organization’s practices. The bottom line is that engaged employees understand that financial, environmental, and social issues are connected, and the work an employee does plays a critical part in all three. Moreover, conscientious employees need to know that their workplace is addressing all three issues. These employees, when they see the results of an organization-wide practice, will be more engaged, as the organization walks the talk. This is powerful.
Saving the world is a tall order for many businesses. We’re not Superman. But by making some key decisions to reduce, reuse, and recycle, an organization can make a big impact both on the environment and its employees. Being mindful, and intentional, is something we all could have a little more of these days.
Here are 5 tips to go green … and mean it. (Most of them take little time and money).
1. What are your organization’s values? Make sure they include sustainability. Put them in writing – in your manual, your strategic goals, and your Website. Make these goals visible. Hold workshops. Invite guest speakers. Then create a sustainability report at the end of the year. How much money, time, and energy was saved by implementing green procedures?
2. Create policies that support your “green” goals. Be consistent. For instance, don’t buy a thousand balloons for your anniversary when you are reducing use of plastic.
3. Create habits of sustainability – day-to-day practices can have phenomenal results: