How to make company more eco-friendly

Originally Posted by Leanora Buckley

Our company is launching a program in a few months that aims to make our office more eco-friendly. My friend has been put in charge and she's rather at a loss on where to start. Any suggestions?

Hi Leanora,

I thought I'd throw my two cents into the discussion.

I think any program like this has to start with MINDSET.

Eco-friendly practices need to be incorporated into the culture. So, you'll need an overriding statement of purpose.

Just as an example: "All of our business activities will be done in the most eco-friendly manner possible."

Then, all business decisions, purchases and goals can be looked at through that lense.

Also, you will need a majority of people on-board with being eco-friendly.

I think the best way to do that is to get their input on how to be more eco-friendly. They will probably have a ton of ideas (some good and some bad). Being able to have a say will give them enough ownership to give the program an initial boost.


If you start by hiring an outside energy consultant you could very possibly alienate people who have good ideas and they will be less likely to participate. You could still hire the consultant, just not in the beginning.

Areas of concern for the environment:

* Power consumption
* Recycling
* Cleaning chemicals
* Paper use

I hope that helps.

Regards,
Gregg