simple + green

According to a recent article in the San Francisco Chronicle, US businesses are not getting high marks for going green. There is a challenge and certainly a benefit to implementing eco-friendly changes, but so far we’re falling short:

Despite the increased hype about companies going green, American business isn’t making much of a dent in major environmental problems, according to a new report card on the state of corporate environmental initiatives.

American companies as a whole are making progress in eight out of 20 environmental categories tracked in the State of Green Business 2008 study, while losing ground in two categories and treading water in 10 others.

It’s not all unimpressive news. On the positive side, American businesses are showing the most environmental progress in the categories of green buildings and paper conservation.
* Paper: U.S. companies’ overall use of paper has leveled off - or fallen by as much as 23 percent over the past decade,
* Green Building: The market for green or environmentally-efficient buildings has been growing at 23 percent annually.

But, we’re still looking at a steep uphill climb in a couple of areas. The report identified greenhouse gas emissions and electronic waste as two areas where business deserves a failing grade

Greenhouse gas emissions: “According to many scientists, greenhouse gases need to decrease a sky-high 80 percent by 2020,” the report said. “At current rates, the U.S. will never get there.”

Electronic waste: although the number of electronics recycling programs is growing, the piles of discarded computers, monitors, cell phones and other e-waste are growing even faster.

*Go green at work: every single business has room to improve, so why not help to spearhead the change? I just started with a “Green Team” task force at my work. We’re looking at ways to Green our office, which will hopefully have 2 major consequences:
1. saving money, resources and energy for our office (approximately 300 employees in this location).
2. increasing awareness - for those who don’t know what Green changes are possible, this will be a great chance to educate other employees, as we progress. From those who have zero to some interest in eco-friendly and Green changes to the workplace, and even home.
*Involve your local government: obviously, the political angle is the one with highest potential leverage. But it is also the most frustrating. Start by asking your local government (town or city is a good place to start). Brainstorm, come up with ideas and share them. My sense is that we’re more likely to get responses when dealing with politicians with smaller consitituencies. Change on a small scale can grow with time and effort. Also, the Green movement has alot of cachet these days, and will only become higher profile. Attaching themselves to positive changes is usually very attractive to those in public office.
*Walk the talk: living in alignment with Green causes has large-reaching effects. Tell your neighbors, friends and family what you’re doing to Green your home. Go wide: write letters into your local newspaper with facts and ideas. Get the word out!