There is a growing need for businesses to “go green” in more comprehensive ways. Many businesses have made changes like recycling paper and toner cartridges, cutting back on air conditioning, heating, and lighting, and creating car and van pools for employees. But there is much, much more that businesses can do.
Making a commitment to preserving the environment and reducing landfill waste is not only the right thing to do, it is also good business. Recycling services can cost less than traditional waste collection services. Many customers and clients seek out “green” businesses and use environmental-friendliness as criteria for selecting their business partners. Research shows that employee retention and recruitment can also benefit through cost savings and good will. For many employees, working for a “green” company is a high priority in choosing a job. Increasing recycling also strengthens the economy by creating jobs in collection and reuse industries.
Government contractors should be particularly eager to participate in green initiatives: Contractors will be expected to consider environmental impact when bidding on federal contracts.
There are many common items that businesses should consider recycling. Older model televisions contain lead and other heavy metals, along with compounds that threaten the environment. Rubber tires and tubes are traditionally difficult to dispose of, but with recycling can be remade into entirely new products. The metals and plastics in audio equipment can be recycled, drastically reducing the volume of product that goes to a landfill. Copiers, fax machines, computers and monitors contain a great deal of recyclable materials, including some precious metals.
Consumers and businesses are now asking questions such as: Where does this product come from? Is it made or grown locally? How many miles has it traveled? Can I recycle it or