Businesses play a key role in society, providing customers goods and services that meet the needs of the community. However, corporations must also make sure that the way they create and deliver their goods builds ethical, environmental, and social stability. This is referred to as corporate sustainability.
In the last few years, a few companies have grown more aware of their role in environmental sustainability. As such, many have started adopting simple green practices in their offices, from going paperless to switching to LED light bulbs.
But as the effects of climate change worsen, now is the time for corporations to step up and do more for the environment. This means going above and beyond basic eco-friendly practices and investing in sustainability initiatives that make a significant difference.
Corporate Sustainability Programs to Consider
- Zero Waste to Landfill (ZWTL)
- Plastic Waste Reduction
- Renewable Energy
- Carbon Neutrality
- Packaging Waste Reduction
Many large firms have already embraced corporate sustainability on a larger scale, overhauling their business model to align with environmental needs. Below are examples of corporate sustainability initiatives you can consider and the companies that have already implemented them.
1. Zero Waste to Landfill (ZWTL)
Each year, the U.S. produces 292.4 million tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) that end up in landfills. For a facility to achieve the ZWTL plan, there needs to be absolutely no manufacturing waste from your facility that goes to landfill sites.
To properly adopt this strategy, you need to understand better how your company creates waste and look for alternatives to reduce it. Google, for example, switched its hardware upgrade strategy to focus on repairing and reusing equipment when possible. This is just one of the tech titan’s strategies to make its data centers 100% waste-free.
2. Plastic Waste Reduction
The plastic waste reduction movement focuses primarily on sustainable packaging. It involves getting rid of unnecessary and single-use plastic and only relying on reusable, recyclable, and compostable plastics to cover all your packaging and other product needs.
In an effort to reduce plastic pollution, you may consider switching to recycled PET bags instead of single-use plastic bags.
According to Fast Company, over 250 companies have already committed to the “end plastic waste” movement and switched their strategies to minimize their plastic waste, including Coca-Cola, which is among the biggest sources of plastic bottles.
The soda company now uses recycled PET bottles in California, Florida, and select states in the Northeast.
3. Renewable Energy
Switching to 100% renewable energy can provide many benefits to your business and the environment. Instead of relying on fossil fuels, renewable energy like solar and wind power generates no harmful emissions that contribute to air pollution and harm the ozone layer.
Additionally, you’ll save more money on your operations in the long run by generating your own energy. As per EnergySage, the average commercial property owner can reduce their overall energy costs by 75% by going solar.
One company that operates on renewable energy is Starbucks. Since 2015, the international coffeehouse chain has been sourcing 100% of the energy of its U.S., Canada, and EMEA company-operated stores from renewable sources. This is equivalent to over 9,000 branches worldwide.
4. Carbon Neutrality
Dangerously high carbon dioxide emissions are causing the planet to heat up, leading to the melting of ice caps that, in turn, triggers rising ocean levels. Thus, corporations from all over the world are adopting a carbon neutrality plan that helps reduce the levels of harmful emissions.
Automaker Ford is one of the few corporations committed to carbon neutrality. The car manufacturer has invested a total of $22 billion in electrification to make all their vehicles carbon neutral by 2050.
5. Packaging Waste Reduction
Another way to help save the environment and keep it clean is to switch to sustainable packaging. This means modifying your packaging and using recyclable, reusable, or compostable materials. Doing so helps you reduce your packaging amount and gain better ways to get rid of your waste.
Lego is one of the many companies that have already adopted this strategy in their products. In partnership with the Forest Stewardship Council, the brand aims to phase out single-use plastics for its bricks and switch to fully sustainable materials by 2025.
Switching to Sustainable Strategies for Success
Corporations help society through the different products and services they offer. But as the world population and demand grow, so does the waste created. As such, it’s the responsibility of businesses to ensure that their practices don’t cause environmental harm.
Businesses have a key role to play in mitigating climate change and its adverse impacts on the planet and its people. If you want to learn more about how you can invest in better sustainable initiatives, get in touch with our team at Oceos Packaging today.
