Small Steps Toward Building a Sustainable Business

As natural resources are diminishing and pollution on the rise, businesses today are recognizing their impact on the environment and reducing their footprint. Despite the encouraging trend, some businesses are still unsure where to begin. Aaron Fowles of Sanyo North America offers a few suggestions any business can use to reduce their impact on the environment. "it is a good time as individuals, and as businesses, to look at ways we can reduce our environmental impact, or as a large part of our environmental impact is known as today, our "Carbon Footprint"." (Read full story)

A few points of note;

• Be realistic about your goals, start with practical ideas like turning off the lights when not in use or recycling paper around the office.
• Make sustainability part of your company's core values and business strategies.
• Get your company involved in activities related to environmental causes in the community or make a donation to a reputable charity.
• Reward employees for their commitment and contribution to a more sustainable office environment.
• Be aware when making purchases for the office, start by using recycled paper or rechargeable batteries.
• Understand how long-term value will increase chances of success, short-term costs to go green are no match for long-term returns.
• Share how your business is making a serious effort to become more sustainable will improve the public's perception of your company.

Being environmentally responsible will have positive effects, for your business, your employees, your communities and more importantly, the planet. Implementing a sustainable plan will take time so even if you are starting small, you will already be making a big difference.