Practices: The Core 8: Are We

As we move into the next phase of transitioning from the old ways of doing business to a more earth- and humanfriendly approach, most companies have adopted lasting sustainability policies. Many others have changed the way they make products, sourcing and utilizing materials that renew and regenerate quickly, regulating the use of more harmful components, and otherwise reducing their toxic footprint. And some have created innovative policies that have made their way into the lives of consumers, empowering them to contribute to this globe-saving effort.

Yet, when you boil down all of the initiatives and practices companies have undertaken in the last 10 to 15 years, and are carrying through this crucial decade, eight specific sustainability practices form the core of most policies:

Intention: Sustainability leaders incorporated the practices into their corporate strategies and reflect them in their business goals. Sustainability becomes a priority in every aspect of the operation. This gets carried out with a plan of action and assigning of accountability to every employee, which creates ownership in the effort.

Partnering: Sustainability leaders partner with other companies and share efforts. They also partner with their employees. They spend many hours training employees on the importance of sustaining the environment, and how company processes can help conserve resources. Employees in these companies are highly engaged, often offering energy- and resource-saving tips that get adopted by the company. It’s a great two-way street.

Water and Electric Conservation: It starts with converting to energy-saving faucets, toilets, lighting and appliances in offices. Nearly all organizations have done so, but those with leading sustainability practices extend that mentality into all of their processes, as well as expecting it from their supply chain. Speaking of which…

Supply Chains: The vote is in: Customers prefer working with environmentally friendly, sustainable companies by a wide margin. Also, with the power of social media and online shopping, customers can easily tell which brands are sustainable and which are not. That puts the onus on companies to work with suppliers who either share their policies, or to impose their policies down the line — which many are doing.

Recycling Program: Don’t let recent news about an overflow of plastics in recycling centers be discouraging. Recycling is critical for sustainability, to reduce singleuse practices. Companies can recycle items like water, plastic, electronics, computers and monitors, fluorescent light bulbs, paper products and supplies.

Chemical Management: More companies are switching to green products and less harmful chemicals when possible. For those in the chemical manufacturing business, a big key is to fully educate employees on the proper use and disposal of chemicals — and to aim for minimal waste product in all processes.

Energy Efficient Products: A great sustainable practice is to switch to energyefficient electronics, computers and monitors, and then adjust their settings to the most environmentally friendly levels. This saves energy and extends the life of the products.

Sustainability Work Policies: By creating a simple set of steps for employees to follow — create less trash, power down all equipment at day’s end, enable energysaving settings, take more walks for health and well-being — companies turn their policies into part of the culture, again giving every employee a sense of ownership.

Test your company, small business or even household against this list of eight core practices. How did you do? ■