Corporate Social Responsibility has been adopted by many companies, one of the most recognizable campaigns being Toms “One for One” campaign. Giving back to those who are in need is a common goal for many large corporations, but is that all that CSR should include? Should it be large corporations’ responsibility to protect and maintain the planet? The answer is yes, but it is also your job, and your neighbors’ job.
Environmental Sustainability
There is a set amount of natural resources found on the earth and it is every individual’s responsibility to protect and maintain those resources. Many large corporations are changing their production process to help cut down on their environmental impact while saving money and improving their reputation at the same time. One company who is focused on doing their part in protecting the planet is Google. Google reached their goal to be 100% renewable energy for global operations in 2017. They achieved this milestone by purchasing enough wind and solar electricity annually to offset their use of electricity.
Another large corporation that is reducing their impact on the environment is the beloved children’s brand LEGO. They currently have a goal to make all LEGO bricks sustainably by 2030. The company is working to develop a material for the bricks that are recycled without lowering the quality of the product that many people have loved and cherished for years. In fact, LEGO already launched a set of bricks that is made of a plant-based polyethylene. Also, like Google, LEGO is offsetting their use of greenhouse energy by purchasing wind farms.
Maybe you are not Google or LEGO and feel like you cannot make a huge change to your production process, but there are small little things everyone can do. Not only will implementing small changes make an impact on your companies’ environmental impact, but it will help educate your employees about ways they can make changes at home to be good stewards of the planet. Try a few of the things on the list below and track your progress:
- Put a recycling bin at every employee’s desk
- If applicable to your area, invest in a compost system
- Encourage employees to use reusable cups and silverware
- Try digital alternatives to cutdown on printed materials
- Switch to LED lightbulbs to conserve energy
- Install motion-activate light switches
- Use windows to the light the office during daylight hours
- Donate or recycle old electronics
- Provide employees funds for public transit
- Set up a bike rack for employees
- Install energy efficient appliances
- Use compostable plates for company events such as birthdays
- Unplug appliances when they are not in use
- Hold a training to teach employees what can and cannot be recycled in your area
The next time you sit down to plan your content for the next quarter or year, do not forget to include the planet. If protecting the planet’s scarce resources is not yet part of your companies’ story, look for ways to make it a part of your story. Get your employees excited about thinking green and highlight sustainable champions in the office. CSR is most effective when it relates to your business and is personal to you. It might not seem like your small or large company can make a huge impact, but every change matters!