What’s going on? In the past, businesses found few incentives to invest in earth-friendly practices. But in recent years, consumers have started to factor sustainability more into their purchasing decisions as there’s a growing awareness about the health and lifestyle benefits to being green. Governments have provided financial incentives to help companies’ implement eco-friendlier practices.Here’s a look at the benefits big and small businesses alike have reaped by undertaking sustainability initiatives:
- Good publicity. Touting environmental good practices has shown itself as an excellent way to draw positive attention and more customer loyalty to a business (as long as it’s not “greenwashing.”)
- Bottom-line savings. Sustainable business measures often come with upfront costs (think installing new energy-efficient equipment or hiring a sustainability consultant). But the paybacks on many sustainability measures, whether lower energy bills or lower transportation costs, can save businesses a lot of money over the long run. (Coca-Cola says it saved $90 million in 2010 alone by reducing its packaging waste.)
- Happier people. Whether or not they choose to do business with you because of sustainability measure, many customers feel good knowing they are supporting businesses doing the right thing by being environmentally friendly.
Given the many benefits businesses are finding to “going green,” it’s likely that more and more businesses will continue to do so, regardless of what government leaders do.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.