Archive for the ‘sustainability’ Category
U.S. Recycling….and a Slow Boat to China
February 28, 2011 | Posted in: green business, recycling, resource conservation, sustainability, waste reduction | 0 Comments
In working with a variety of businesses and organizations, we often get questions – and subsequent comments – about whether a particular recyclable material is going to be sent to China. And just to clarify, the questions are not generally asked with the hope that China will be a recipient of our recyclable commodities. And oftentimes, the answer is “quite possibly,” but of course always dependent on what type of recyclable material we’re talking about.
“American-made” is a long-held ideal…..thus, it is the catalyst for many of the conversations about where our recyclables end up. And the topic has seemed to come up frequently in recent years with the recession having such a significant effect on businesses and jobs. The catch is that we are also living in a much more global marketplace; we are not on an island of isolated production and consumption. Recycling has, for the first time, has now become an integral part of the U.S. economy and therefore sees all of the impacts that affect the rest of global trade and industry. It is often forgotten that those recyclable materials that we ship to China – and other countries – comes back to us in the form of “stuff” that supports our culture of consumption. In other words, we’re buying the stuff and so the cycle continues.
State firms helped pave path for U.S. sustainability growth
January 25, 2011 | Posted in: sustainability | 0 Comments
Chris Farrell’s commentary in the Star Tribune on sustainability made excellent points (“The government takes a pass, and businesses point the way,” Jan. 16).
But as I read it, I kept thinking: What about all the businesses right here in Minnesota that have been embracing sustainability for the past two decades?
Farrell referenced the recent efforts of the Wal-Marts and General Electrics of the world, but fails to mention the hundreds of Minnesota companies that have been reducing waste, maximizing recycling, conserving natural resources and saving energy long before “green business” became a buzz phrase.
These companies include Marvin Windows, Arctic Cat, Summit Brewery, Pearson Candy, Andersen Windows and Ruttger’s Sugar Lake Lodge. They’ve all been members of Minnesota Waste Wise since 1994.
Year after year, they’ve been pushing the envelope on sustainability efforts. They’ve long understood that these initiatives not only help protect the Minnesota environment we cherish but can add significantly to the bottom line.
Farrell also referenced alliances among governments, nonprofits and business that are now being formed. Minnesota Waste Wise was created in 1994 as a voluntary partnership between the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and the Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance.
The former, via Waste Wise, has been working closely with other nonprofits, government entities, energy utilities and local business associations ever since. Farrell was spot-on in his analysis that more businesses are now embracing sustainability as a core strategy.
Let’s also recognize the great work the Minnesota business community has been doing for nearly two decades to lead the way.
Should Small Businesses Care About Sustainability?
January 5, 2011 | Posted in: green business, sustainability | 0 Comments
A valid question in today’s time-strapped-cash-strapped business climate. It’s all too easy to write off new initiatives—such as sustainability—during an economic recession; and when most employees are already asked to do more than humanly possible in a 40 hour week. But sustainability should not be overlooked, even by small businesses. The pressures on disclosing environmental performance by customers, governments and even employees will continue to escalate. Large businesses are already feeling the heat, which has been trickling down the supply chain. Just look at Wal-Mart and its demands on vendors (many of them small businesses).
Beyond the reasons small businesses will have to address sustainability, there are many reasons why they should do so voluntarily. And ahead of the curve (if it’s not too late already). Sustainability commitments can yield more, and new, business. Sustainability can save on your bottom-line. And add to your top-line through innovation – an area where small businesses often excel. And sustainability, believe it or not, attracts and retains talented employees. Something all businesses are looking for these days.
So the short answer – absolutely. Read on: http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/business/small-business/sustainability/index.html
Corporate Environmental Sustainability Still Strong in Tough Times
July 27, 2010 | Posted in: energy efficiency, green business, recycling, resource conservation, sustainability, waste reduction | 1 Comment
Historically, environmental initiatives have taken a backseat during difficult economic times. Not this recession. Consumers are still demanding ‘green’. And, more importantly, companies large and small are realizing the economic benefits.
We live in a natural resource constrained world. Millions of people are entering the middle class as new, hungry consumers. With this higher demand for natural resources comes an increased cost, both financial and environmental. Innovation, resource efficiency, cradle-to-cradle, zero waste – these concepts and actions are leading businesses out of the recession and into the future.
Similar to the technology industry’s rapid advancements (rotary phone-to-cordless phone-to-iPhone; typewriter-to-word processor-to-iPad), businesses that rapidly and continuously invent solutions to our environmental issues and incorporate sustainability as an ongoing business model will lead the way in environmental protection and shareholder profits. This is why many top businesses are betting that this wave of environmental awareness and green innovation is here to stay – even in tough economic times. After all, a sustainable business also means a company that stays around for many years to come.