EcoPledge launches at Let 's Do Business
Businesses can improve their bottom line and become a more attractive employer by adopting environmentally-friendly practices, delegates at a business expo have been told.
Cannock Chase Chamber of Commerce vice president Chris Wheeler was speaking at the launch of the EcoPledge, which encourages firms to make small changes to their operations to improve sustainability.
The pledge launched at the Let 's Do Business and Mr Wheeler told businesses that by adopting small changes they can not only make a difference to the environment but also their profitability.
Speaking at the Uttoxeter Racecourse, he said: "EcoPledge is about making small changes to make a big difference".
"As well as doing our bit for the environment, it is about helping your business' bottom line and making yourself more attractive to customers and employees.
“EcoPledge is our way of helping companies of all sizes and from all sectors realise that small changes really can make a huge difference. ”
The Burntwood based The Marketing People is among EcoPledge's first supporters. David Mitchell, the marketing people Managing Director, said: "We all know the issues our, and the next generations are facing if we don't do something now. This ECO pledge is an excellent way to bring reality to everyone's attention and provide a list of simple things that everyone in business and home can implement.
“The whole team at the marketing people are behind the pledge and will be supporting each other to ensure we stick to our promise and look at different ways in which we can be better human beings.
“As part of our consultations with clients, we ask about their sustainability and corporate and social responsibility to showcase them in their websites and other communications and presentations. These are now key factors in how potential customers will assess businesses as a provider/partners or suppliers. I am sure other chamber members will sign up and help make the much-needed difference and benefit themselves in the process. ”
Following the launch, a number of businesses made their pledges, including The Marketing People.
Having an EcoPledge can not only impact your bottom line but can also make your business more attractive to potential employees.
There are a range of small things that can be done to make a big difference.
Why should you get involved?
- Waste can be turned into revenue
- Changes can improve your bottom line
- You will become more attractive as a client/ supplier
- You will become more attractive as an employer
- You can make small changes that make a big impact
How can you make a pledge?
- Switch off! - lights, laptops or anything electrical when you leave the office at night. Remove chargers/ turn off heating.
- Recycle - paper is the easiest to recycle. Place accessible paper recycling bins around the office.
- Travel to work - incentivise staff to car share or cycle to work. Do you have a travel card loan scheme? Is there somewhere for staff to leave a bike if they choose to cycle to work? Can you provide washing facilities/ showers?
- Sustainable suppliers - use sustainable sources for office supplies. Good suppliers will have an environmental policy and where possible, ISO certification. Projects such as HS2, Commonwealth Games and the Peddimore developments will be looking at their supply chain to ensure suppliers have a sustainability policy so position yourself ready.
- Put the kettle on - a hot water tap is more cost effective than a kettle but also think of the time wasted waiting for the kettle to boil. If you are sticking with the kettle, only boil what you need.
- Printing - if you have to print it, go double sided. Does everyone need a copy of the report for the meeting or can you work from the screens? Are you refilling ink cartridges and recycling old ones?
- Think and buy local - think about how far a product has travelled to reach you and what the carbon footprint might be. Use sustainable sources for office supplies. Good suppliers will have an environmental policy and where possible, ISO certification.
- New office furniture? - Look at recycled office furniture. Often it 's as good as new, cheaper and you are getting more value for your money.
- Get rid of the plastic! - No more plastic cups in the office. Encourage everyone to have a water bottle and install a filter tap. A hydrated workforce will improve productivity and can help enhance physical and mental performance.
- Business Travel - could you reduce your business miles? Could meetings be held on Skype or reorganised so they make best use of time to reduce your carbon footprint?Once you agree the change your business will make you can submit a press release confirming your pledge, a quote, details about the pledge itself email Chris Plant at the Chamber [email protected]
Businesses are encouraged to share details with their offices and record their journey in making it happen via social media.
Once you agree the change your business will make you can submit a press release confirming your pledge, a quote, details about the pledge itself email Chris Plant at the Chamber [email protected]