Corporate Social Responsibility is no longer about saying the right things and posting the right messages on your social media, it’s about demonstrating the right behaviour and leading by example. Consumers and the wider community are now expecting organisations to step up and get actively involved in sustainability issues, proving they are committed to making positive changes for the environment. Sustainability initiatives aren't just good for the environment, they are also a great opportunity for team building, creating a positive ripple effect in your employees households and having a positive influence on your consumers and local community.
1. Become a recycling hub
Establishing a recycling hub is an easy and effective way of ensuring your organisation is recycling as much as possible and role-modelling positive recycling habits to the local community. Set up collection boxes in your reception area or in an outdoor undercover area that people can access without interrupting your day-to-day operations. Register with Close The Loop to arrange a collection box for ink cartridges, toner cartridges and bottles; organise collections of IT waste through organisations like E-Waste Sydney; recycle oral care products with Terracycle; return pens, markers and other writing instruments to Terracyle; and take all used batteries to your nearest Aldi store.
If you have a garden on your work premises you can also encourage local residents to contribute to your compost bins by registering your company with ShareWaste.
2. Lead community projects
Sustainability projects are a great way of demonstrating your commitment to the environment, building your team and developing relationships with your consumers and local community. Oz Harvest have been partnering with corporates for many years, enabling teams to get involved in a range of different activities and making a difference in the lives of the homeless. You could organise your own litter pick up for your area, or join an existing litter collection team, such as Northern Beaches Clean Up Crew, or contact your local Council and organise a community tree planting project. Volunteer with Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife, or work with your local schools to tidy up their grounds, plant trees and establish veggie and herb gardens for the kids.
3. Work with local cafes on eco-friendly takeaway and catering options
A lot of company kitchen waste results from employees buying food at local outlets and disposing of the takeaway containers at work. Corporate catering can also result in piles of packaging and wrapping. One way of reducing waste is to identify the 2-3 nearby cafés your employees prefer to visit and offer to partner with them. Encourage your employees to buy food from them, in return for the cafés offering reusable cups and containers. Your company could keep a small supply of cups at the café for the times when your employees forget to take their reusable cups, or you could provide the café with a set of metal containers for them to provide your employees' takeaway food in, which can then be washed and returned.
There are corporate caterers who focus on a zero waste approach, for example, Dan The Man Cooking and Laissez-Faire Catering, or you can do things a little differently and order an OzHarvest Food Truck and enjoy their locally sourced ingredients and compostable service-ware.
4. Establish a community garden
If you have an outdoor area or roof top space going to waste then a community garden is a great way of encouraging your team to get into the fresh air, eat healthy food and avoid the packaging, cost and carbon footprint of supermarket food. If you have talented gardeners in your midst then ask them to run the program, if not look at engaging some external help. Your local Council may offer guidelines and help with community gardens, companies such as Pocket City Gardeners and Kimbriki Eco House offer courses and workshops in veggie gardening and composting, and your local landscapers would be happy to set up a garden for you.
5. Support local sustainability NFPs
If your organisation doesn’t have the space or enough green fingers to establish its own garden, another great option is to support the local community garden. Your local Council should have a list of community gardens, and there are often opportunities for volunteering, fund-raising or sponsorship. There are plenty of eco-friendly not-for-profits who would love to have corporate support or sponsorship. For example, you could look at providing tools and equipment for your local repair centre such as The Bower, repurposing your containers or packaging material with a craft provider like Reverse Garbage or donating fabric to your local Boomerang Bags operation.
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Dr Nicole Richardson is a Director of Engaged Group, helping businesses and schools become more sustainable and inclusive. Engaged Group provides consulting services, workshops, research and recommended suppliers to enable organisations to move forward positively. Contact Engaged Group to find out how we can help you.
www.engagedgroup.com.au
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