Green Philosophy
Taking measures to protect our
future is not futile. Numerous non-profits have yet to recognize the negative
ecological imprint that their respective organization makes. Isn’t it conscientious
and gratifying to adopt green habits that are healthy for our work environment?
We could greenify our operations and change our ways for the greater good.
No one expects a completely
perfect system when you decide to go green. It is a gradual process. The choice
to modify our daily routine eventually leads to a cultural shift within the
organization. When new habits are formed, then a new way of thinking takes
root.
No matter how well-intentioned
people are, unless there are supports in place to guide people’s efforts, the
commitment to going green will fade. Therefore, make it convenient to make greener
choices. Explain why people’s environmental efforts will have immediate and long-term
impact. Ultimately, it’s for our planet, but it is also to keep our non-profits
sustainable.
A non-profit might conduct an
energy efficiency audit to decide where to focus their greening efforts. Most
environmentally friendly ideas are surprisingly achievable without a lot of
strain on staff and volunteers.
Stop junk mail from coming to
your non-profit. Print double-sided and pay bills online. Use a microfiber
cloth instead of paper towel. Reducing the use of paper helps the environment
by decreasing the amount of material that ends up in the landfill. It also
reduces deforestation helping to protect species in rain forests and wood lands.
Turn electronics off when not in
use. Use dimmer switches, LED light bulbs, or turn out the lights. Only run a
full dishwasher or hand wash the coffee cups. Purchase energy-rated appliances.
Wrap an insulation blanket around the water heater. Conserve energy and reduce
climate change. It is said that we are consuming our natural resources faster
than they can be replenished.
Refuse to drink bottled water.
Take the recyclables to the bottle depot. Repurpose jugs with handles as scoops.
Go chemical free in your cleaning efforts. Take your lunch in reusable
containers. Drink home brew instead of buying from a coffee outlet. Walk to
work, use transit, or carpool. Combine errands to reduce driving. Less waste
inhibits the greenhouse gas effect, carbon emission, and reduces threat to
wildlife.
Keep computers and other
electronics for as long as possible. Recycle them properly to avoid mercury and
other poisons from seeping into the ground. When you need new technology and
appliances, then shop local to avoid shipping of items.
Let us all strive toward going
green. We do it at home, so we should be green at work, too. Inspire staff,
board, volunteers, service-users, stakeholders, grantors, and all children that
reducing pollution and over-consumption is possible!
https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy/publications/efficiency/industrial/cipec/employee/6741
https://www.rifoundation.org/Portals/0/Uploads/Documents/NW_greenmanual.pdf
