Going green: Why it matters

“When the last tree has been cut down, the last fish caught, the last river poisoned, only then will we realise that one cannot eat money.” – A native American Saying.

Adopting environmentally friendly and ecologically sustainable practices to conserve nature and sustain natural resources for present and future generations is what going green entails. Organisations must recognise that we live in a world of finite resources, and their pursuit of profits should not overshadow this fact. Regardless of its scope of operation or complexity, every organisation must prioritise ecologically driven ethics in their practices and systems, including green production of goods and services and corporate social responsibility policies.

The United Nations has emphasised the significance of going green as a crucial component of its Sustainable Development Goals to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all. Going green permeates all the goals, such as promoting good health and well-being, clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, sustainable industry, innovation and infrastructure, sustainable cities and communities, and responsible consumption and production. Even seemingly small actions like leaving a bulb on overnight or having a faucet that leaks in small drips can significantly impact the environment, affecting everyone, as the Butterfly Effect suggests. Therefore, every organisation should play its part in going green to conserve nature and sustain natural resources for present and future generations.

Reinforcing The UN Sustainable Development Goals, the UN Global Compact is an accountability tool for organisations seeking to track their green practices. As stated by the UN Global Compact, “Companies that engage in responsible business practices and seek innovative ways to promote sustainability will emerge as the leaders of tomorrow.” To promote environmental conservation within your organisation, consider implementing the following practices:

• Replace outdated machinery with newer, energy-efficient models that generate less waste.
• Utilise green energy options like solar and wind energy and incorporate green design principles when constructing your organisation’s office or complex.
• Swap out conventional bulbs and fluorescent tubes containing environmentally harmful mercury with LED bulbs and tubes.
• Reduce the use of air-conditioning by utilising fans and opening windows to encourage air circulation.
• Address leaks in water systems to prevent unnecessary waste.
• Prepare morning and afternoon tea in bulk and store it in vacuum flasks to retain warmth.
• Encourage employees who bring packed lunches to work to use hot pots to keep their food warm, thus reducing the need for the office microwave.
• Prioritise the “reduce, reuse, recycle” approach and ensure the correct waste disposal.
• Print only when necessary.
• Incorporate tree planting and environmental clean-up efforts in your organisation’s corporate social responsibility initiatives.
• Designate “green days,” such as the last Friday of each month, and implement environmentally friendly activities like carpooling or utilising public transportation.

By implementing these measures, your organisation can play a key in promoting sustainability and becoming a leader in responsible business practices.