There has been an increasing global call to action for business, investors and individuals to address sustainability issues and coordinate together to help environment conservation and address climate risk. Many companies are starting to adopt sustainable initiatives in order to reduce overall environmental impact of everyday operations.
Embrace Sustainable and Renewable Alternatives
Companies can become more sustainable by adopting low carbon products and renewable materials in a comprehensive plan for sustainable operations. Simple steps can be taken including using biodegradable supplies such as trash bags and cleaning products when possible and having mugs available at the water cooler instead of Styrofoam and other single-use packaging. Companies in the food and restaurant industry can opt for biodegradable food containers. Organic to Go (OTGO.OTC) is a casual cafe chain in the US that uses, for the most part, biodegradable and compostable packaging. Starbucks also rewards patrons who bring their own mugs with 10 cents off.
Social Costs of Non-Renewable Packaging
Styrofoam and non-biodegradable food containers may be cheaper than biodegradable containers, however, prices tend to exclude social benefits and social costs. Non-renewable packaging like Styrofoam creates immense damage to the environment. Thankfully renewable alternatives are available and must be demanded in increasing quantities and used in lieu of non-renewable packaging in order to have a greater positive impact on the environment.
Community initiatives are becoming more prominent to ban such materials as Styrofoam and plastic bags. Environment California Legislative Director Dan Jacobson says that single-use Styrofoam take out containers should be banned and steps are currently being taken to implement this initiative in California. The more consumers demand renewable products the more profits can be made for these producers leading to more companies entering the market and in result increased supply and lower prices in the end.
Biodegradable Plastic
Perf-Go-Green (PGOG.OTCBB) is one of many companies that sell biodegradable plastic products to the retail and commercial market. Hotels such as the Grand Hyatt in New York, and The Westin New York at Times Square have become more environmentally conscious and have integrated Perf-Go-Green's biodegradable commercial trash bags to their entire hotel operations as part of implementing environmentally sustainable operations.
By adopting these bags The Westin New York was able to become the first property in New York to receive the GS-33 Lodging Properties Silver certification from Green Seal and is a certified member of the Green Hotels Association. Such green initiatives give the message that they are trying to make a difference and should be capitalized on by other organizations as well.
Investing in Biodegradable Products
Investing in companies that produce sustainable products can be a great investment, especially as there is a growing trend in sustainable corporate responsibility. However, in order for there to be continued strength to this trend consumers and business must continue to demand and purchase these products.
Earth Day on April 22nd can give the inspiration for a company to take responsibility for climate change and improve climate change strategies. Implementing green initiatives can help differentiate a company in a competitive environment generating economic and social benefits and make a positive impact on society.
Sources:
www.organictogo.com
 |
