Sustainable Policies

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municipal-sustainability-indicators/

Sustainable policies have to work very hard, and be excellent multitaskers.

Creating a sustainable policy involves thinking long-term, and considering the impact a company has on the environment, economy, and global community. Sustainable policies are a change from previous business practices which put profit the primary goal, which is short-sighted, and detrimental to people and the environment. However, a business cannot succeed by putting the environment and social concerns as the only priorities either. Companies like to make claims as to how environmentally conscious they are, but we have to consider the evidence to decide if that is just a marketing claim.

Sustainable choices must be profitable, or rewarded in such a way as to have value. Inversely, unsustainable choices can be penalized. An example of penalization is a carbon tax, or recycling fee. Governments may choose to become involved in the market by passing legislation to reward or penalize organizations. Most companies, and individuals, will make the decision that yields the least financial cost to them.

When companies make environmentally conscious decisions that actually boost profits they are utilizing sustainable policies. Some ways to do this are:

Use less energy and water in company operations. Reducing electricity in your production/office facilities is better for the environment and costs less. There is no negative effect on the community. If you install solar panels on your building, excess power goes back into the grid which actually benefits your community.

Donate to charities. You can choose charities promoting better lives for people, or improving the environment. Environmental protection benefits people in the long-term as well. The resultant tax breaks will benefit the company financially. Also, proper media notification will inform consumers who may choose your business because you are socially conscious.

Adopt a green space. If possible, it would be great for an organization to assume responsibility for a nearby park, or to create one where there was an unattractive patch of urban waste. This could give employees am opportunity to volunteer. Many urban dwellers do not have yards, and an opportunity to garden could be fun. They could consider planting a vegetable patch. Also, it would give employees an attractive place to spend lunch breaks. The park could be made profitable by renting the space out to other organizations, or private parties. Produce from the garden could be sold to employees at a low price.

Sustainability is not a trend. It is a principle which should guide every business decision. If you want your business to succeed long-term you must think long-term.