Heading In The Right Direction With Environmental Responsibility

Conserving energy, minimizing resources used by suppliers, and producing less waste, are steps that large businesses such as Coca-Cola and McDonalds are taking regarding Environmental Responsibility. This movement has frequently been referred to as going "green"'purposely taking steps to take better care of the world we live in.

On a smaller scale, many individuals are choosing to go "green" as well. Just by change a few habits, such as switching from plastic bags to paper bags at the grocery story or using discarded food for compost rather than adding millions of pounds of waste to the regular garbage, we're beginning to see the positive difference going "green" can make! There are several businesses are now practicing the "green" awareness even new companies.

Coca-Cola claims, "Our commitments are focused where we have the most opportunity to make a difference'water stewardship, sustainable packaging, energy management and climate protection." Over the years we've seen the efforts made by Coca-Cola to support these commitments. One example that quickly comes to mind regarding Environmental Responsibility is the huge reduction in using plastic for containing 6-packs. Although bottles are still packaged with plastic, cans are now sold 12 in a box. By making this one change, going from plastic to cardboard, thousands of animals are no longer being harmed.

Regarding Environmental Responsibility, McDonalds claims, "We've long recognized the value of minimizing our environmental footprint. It's not only good for the world in which we operate, it's a strong contributor to our long-term financial success." McDonalds doesn't want to be known for its negative impacts, but rather for the positive strives its making. As per McDonalds, they've avoided 300 million pounds of product packaging if they minimize the use of materials! Can you imagine the overwhelming impact it would have on our environment, if every chain restaurant jumped on board and aimed to do the same thing? Wow!!!

Environmental Responsibility has no exemptions. Even small or a large group should implement it. Here are the 3 things that they need to understand:

Energy conservation. Finding ways to increase energy efficiency.

Sustainable packaging and/or waste management. Finding ways to reduce the amount of waste tossed out every day and the materials used for packaging.

Green building design. Finding ways of becoming more environment efficient when a new building project is being considered.

Truth be known, these three areas also apply to each one of as individuals. Don't you ask yourself, "Should throwing a garbage can impact the environment"?" Does it really matter if I use a ton of pesticides?" It does matter!

Furthermore, businesses should connect to different corporations like Conservation International and the World Wildlife Fund. These organizations can provide Environmental Responsibility awareness to businesses and can provide ideas for positive changes.

If you are the president or the executive of your company, you must implement an Environmental Responsibility. Whether it's using a checklist, inviting an expert to come in and assess the positive and negative impacts your business has on the environment, or some other tool, you need to assess where your business is regarding Environmental Responsibility.