What’s a green company?
Despite current economic reality in the business world, where cash is often limited and expenditure has to be kept on a close rein, there is still a pressure for companies to support sustainability and operate within a set of ethical values.
It could be argued that a green business will attract a better calibre of staff and a loyal customer base which is aligned with its ethos.
The high standards of any business can be demonstrated by way of a values and ethics code written with the user in mind and publicised as appropriate — being greener than your competitors can be a unique selling point.
Information as to how and from where products are sourced, whether ethical or environmentally friendly manufacturing techniques and packaging materials are used is becoming more and more important to some discerning consumer.
With less cash to spend, people are thinking harder before putting their hands in their pockets, and many will prefer to buy from a green supplier.
If it’s not financially viable to be totally green, businesses can always shout about efforts to set the business realistic green targets within achievable timescales. Some businesses also chose to support a chosen charity that is connected with their sector.
Being green can be a selling point but customers and staff will want to see that it’s not a case of all talk and no action. Creating a green culture will engage staff members and demonstrate that strong ethics run right the way through a business.
Involving staff in recycling initiatives, committing to reducing the usage of paper and even adopting a policy of using environmentally friendly cleaning products and air fresheners in the kitchens and rest rooms are affordable changes that can be made and easily maintained.
