On the heels of World Environmental Health Day, internationally recognized on September 26, the New Providence Ecology Park (NPEP) challenges Bahamian businesses to prioritize sustainable corporate governance in their long-term strategy.
World Environmental Health Day, launched by the International Federation of Environmental Health (IFEH) council during a meeting in Indonesia in 2011, aims to raise awareness regarding the health of our environment. In keeping with this year's theme: 'Prioritising environmental health for healthier communities in the global recovery,' NPEP Chairman Felix Stubbs encourages local businesses of all sizes and across all industries to participate in conserving resources.
"It is more important than ever for businesses to integrate sustainability into their strategy, decisions, and oversight if they are not already doing so," shared Stubbs. "Having a genuine focus on sustainability is no longer nice to have; it is a must-have. In addition to the significant tangible benefits to the environment, there are far-reaching intangible benefits to companies. These include an increase in positive sentiment among customers and potential customers, which can positively impact the bottom line, brand value, and provide a competitive advantage."
While pivoting to sustainable operations may feel like an uphill battle, here are some green business practices that organizations can quickly implement to reduce waste and minimize their corporate footprint.
Reduce Waste - Even the smallest changes can lead to significant positive environmental impacts. For example, going paperless in the office or when printing is absolutely necessary, choosing to print double-sided significantly reduces a company's paper waste. In the lunchroom, phasing out disposables and opting for reusable plates, cutlery, and beverage containers instead goes a long way to reducing paper and plastic waste. With the popularity of single-use coffee and tea pods, organizations can also introduce reusable pods as a more sustainable option.
Initiate Recycling Programs - Developing recycling habits in the workplace is a good first step in helping to build a sustainably-minded society. Recycling programs and contests within organizations benefit the environment while contributing to team building and strengthening morale. When disposed of in the trash, office electronic waste, such as computers and batteries, poses a considerable fire hazard at the landfill. Establishing proper recycling programs for e-waste and bringing it to NPEP is a safer and more environmentally friendly option.
Separate Green Waste - NPEP diverts 20,000-30,000 tons of green waste each year for processing at the new composting facility. We know a much larger volume of yard waste mixed into the other trash that we could also divert if separated at the source. Businesses that can set aside yard waste and deliver it in clean loads to NPEP will be preserving precious space in the landfill and helping to recycle a valuable commodity and reduce The Bahamas' carbon footprint.
Conserve Water and Electricity - Converting to energy-efficient appliances and lighting is not only budget-friendly in the long term but environmentally friendly as well. Organizations can reduce water costs and water waste by installing energy-efficient faucets and toilets.
Develop a Culture of Sustainability - Implementing company-wide procedures to help reinforce your efforts is a great way to create habitual sustainability. Encouraging team members to power down all equipment at the end of the day and set computers and other machinery to energy-efficient settings helps conserve energy.
The effects of climate change and the ways in which human existence impacts the planet are more prevalent than ever. Shifting from old habits to more environmentally friendly ones can seem overwhelming. However, implementing small, incremental changes over time is an impactful way to create lasting change and actively conserve the planet.
