Green Business

-- Quote of the Day --

 

"A man who becomes conscious of the responsibility he bears toward a human being who affectionately waits for him, or to an unfinished work, will never be able to throw away his life. He knows the “why” for his existence, and will be able to bear almost any “how”."

 ~ Viktor Frankl

-- Green Business -- 

Businesses of all shapes and sizes can and are leading the way in their communities – some install green roofs, ranging from small market stalls for farm produce and even large modern urban green buildings. 

Coops in particular really show how interaction makes a huge impact, from innovative recycling, and reuse, and community support programs, training programs and buying from local suppliers and growers. 

One coop I heard of recently (can’t recall the name) actually encourages people to bring in clean yogurt containers which are then run through their sterilization system and reused by bulk food customers. Some are putting in patios where they can sell local juices and foods prepared on site, ice creams and so on sourced from local farmers… as additional income and to encourage people to stick around or stop in even if they aren’t going in the store itself. Some are putting in solar panels on their patios or roofs; in fact some are using the solar panels to shade the outdoor gardens and sitting areas. 

Others are installing rain collection cisterns, with simple filtration to take out debris, for watering their indoor and outdoor plants, washing down the patio cement or walkways, etc.  Conscious customer incentive programs are on the rise as well - such as donate to the charity of the month and you get a discount or gift item… or bring your own bag and we’ll donate 5 cents to the charity of the month, etc.  

Businesses can encourage suppliers to source locally, and support suppliers who have similar conscious living ethics.  Have monthly meetings with your staff and have customer feedback opportunities to evaluate current projects and decide on new projects. Make a plan to put a new project in place at least annually. If it a large financial investment like a cistern or solar panel, for instance, perhaps every 2 or 3 years would work better with your business plan.

 Find Dave and Lillian Brummet, excerpts from their books, their radio program, blog, and more at: http://brummet.ca * Support the Brummets by telling your friends, clicking those social networking buttons, or visiting the Brummet's Store - and help raise funds for charity as well!