Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category
The “Real” Meaning of Earth Day
April 4, 2011 | Posted in: Uncategorized | 0 Comments
Earth Day 2011 – April 22nd – is quickly approaching. Since the very first Earth Day forty-some years ago, this one day each year has provided an opportunity for companies to hold environmentally-focused celebrations, to launch new programs, to encourage employee participation in service projects. Admittedly, this day just like so many other days, has tended to become commercialized, perhaps sometimes to the point that it becomes a turn-off, especially to those who tend to be skeptical about “green” in the first place.
The reality is that we should be thinking about our environmental impact year-round, not just for a single day. This isn’t to say that we all will identify with being a “greenie.” In fact, many of the world’s most successful companies recognize environmental impact as an integral part of their business operations, but they don’t really think of themselves as being “green.” Environmental sustainability is practical, really practical, for business, and the environment is just one part of the triple bottom line, “people, planet and profit” that defines true sustainability.
So, back to Earth Day 2011. This day is an opportunity for businesses to empower employees through education, training, creativity and connectedness. Employees who feel connected and valued contribute, both as employees and citizens. Earth Day also provides an annual opportunity to reassess the authenticity and impact of current environmental sustainability initiatives, to establish new goals and evaluate the past year’s achievements. Celebrate the day as a stepping stone to the year to come. Happy Earth Day 2011!
During Earth Month 2011, consider making contributions to your favorite nonprofit environmental organizations. Waste Wise helps businesses save money through environmental sustainability. Your contributions are appreciated to help us continue our mission of servicing businesses throughout Minnesota.
Donate to the Waste Wise program today!
Authentic Green
February 1, 2011 | Posted in: Uncategorized | 0 Comments
Green. Ten years ago this was just a color associated with nature, Kermit the Frog, and an integral part of a rainbow. The word didn’t mean very much alone. Now, the word “green,” in and of itself, has a powerful (and often misleading) implication of being environmentally friendly. This could be a product, a service, a company or even a person.
Sustainability – people, planet and profit – is an integral part of business operations. As a result, “green” products and services have saturated the marketplace. As business and consumers have recognized the benefits of sustainability in general (it’s not all about the environment) many companies have moved to consider environmental impact into their purchasing procedures. But where to begin? Why is authenticity important? And how can purchasing green negatively affect a company?
There are many shades of green. Environmental purchasing policies generally place priority on green products that perform equally or better than their non-green counterparts. It is crucial – as a business and consumer – to make educated. Consider these factors when selecting green products and services, and choose the shade of green that meets your goals.
Cost: Why does green cost more and are you spending more on a product that doesn’t have any positive environmental impact? There are many products that have green features but aren’t even marketed as such…..and they don’t cost more.
Where and how is it made? Here’s the simplified reality: China is buying a lot of our stuff and recycling it into new stuff. We buy that stuff, which continues the cycle. Buying local can be important for many reasons such as decreased transportation impacts and supporting local jobs.
But the reality is that we live in a global marketplace and generally speaking, the majority of our purchases have multiple components that come from multiple places.
What is your goal? Global impact, addressing a bigger picture such as greenhouse gases? Looking at one factor, such as post-consumer recycled content? Packaging? Chemicals – health impact and/or environmental impact? Disposal – the reality of whether a product can actually be recycled? And into what?
Give to the Max Day!
November 16, 2010 | Posted in: Uncategorized | 0 Comments
As I’m sure you’ve already heard – it’s Give to the Max Day in Minnesota. Generous folks across the country are donating to their favorite Minnesota non-profits through GiveMN.org (http://givemn.razoo.com/story/Minnesota-Waste-Wise-Foundation). GiveMN has been helping Minnesota non-profits raise money for several years. Last year, donations totaling over $14 million dollars poured into worthy causes across the state. Check out the Star Tribune article about Give to the Max Day: http://www.startribune.com/local/108044464.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUvckD8EQDUs.
Of course, we would love to have your financial support. Your donation would go directly into programs and resources to help businesses and organizations across Minnesota. And it’s tax deductible: http://givemn.razoo.com/story/Minnesota-Waste-Wise-Foundation. But if not Minnesota Waste Wise, then please consider donating to another non-profit or charity – we could all use a little help these days if you’re able. Thanks.
Waste Sorts
November 5, 2010 | Posted in: Uncategorized, waste reduction | 0 Comments
More and more companies are performing waste sorts. Fun stuff, right? Just what we all want to do – dig through our trash. So why are more and more businesses and organizations doing it? Knowledge is king.
Waste sorts are a great way to find out what you’re filling that dumpster with, and paying money to empty. Without the baseline knowledge it’s impossible to measure improvement.
Think of it this way: if you don’t know and understand what’s going into the products you manufacture then how can you improve on that product? Same thing with trash. Once you know the waste you’re creating then you can create a strategy to reduce or eliminate it. And potentially save your company substantial dough.
Trash. It’s no longer out-of-sight out-of-mind for competitive businesses. Oh, and LEED Certification requires it.