10 - Go Green!
50 Years, 50 Lessons
Lesson 10: Go Green!
I started this lesson as being about plants, but I realized it is way bigger than that.
“Green” as a concept is like the colour – so many undertones.
At my house, I have plants. And lots of them. I have a ficus that is over 30 years old. It was given to me when I was 19. It has been moved and repotted a dozen times, and it still thrives. I also have a hoya that was born from a plant tended to by my great, great, (maybe another great?), grandmother. The fact that I am growing something she also grew over a hundred years ago is amazing.
My plants literally breathe air into my living space. They create calm. They remind me that caring for other things is an important part of being human.
Plants and greenery are great gifts. Think swag! A sapling? A seasonal planter? Wildflower or vegetable seeds? All great, natural ways to send a message.
But being “green” needs to be extended to the greater good. Environmental stewardship. Earthly responsibility. Waste reduction. Careful consumerism.
How is your business responsibly navigating our mutual responsibility to live as careful and sustainable visitors to our planet?
Some pointers…
Reduce paper and waste. Go paperless – you can do it.
Look at the carbon footprint of your business. Can you minimize this?
Create opportunities for your team to engage in effective and responsible sustainable solutions. Leverage the good ideas that others come up with.
Rethink your business partnerships and move these towards ones with shared environmental objectives.
Use creative gift giving and swag to share your environmental values.
Consider supporting other local causes and vendors who have similar green objectives.
Your turn:
What does “green” mean for you or your business? It can be small, but it needs to be something.
To All: Thank you for being on this journey with me – past, present, and future.
Julie
