It’s Not Easy Bein’ Green…

I’m sure most of you remember one of puppeteer Jim Henson’s most famous and beloved Muppets, Kermit the Frog.  Kermit made frequent appearances on Sesame Street, often as a lecturer, a regular character or a news reporter interviewing nursery rhyme characters for Sesame Street News. He memorably sang the song "Bein' Green" from this series…

As gas and food prices continue to rise, “bein’ green” has a different connotation and is getting more attention than ever before. We’re feeling the pain, in more ways than one.  Each day, we’re learning more about what we can do in our homes and personal lives to reduce consumption and conserve energy, but what about in our businesses?  As leaders, owners, and HR professionals what are we doing to set the example? How are we encouraging our employees to become more environmentally conscious? 

According to a recent article in HR Magazine, a SHRM (the Society for Human Resource Management) publication, many organizations are getting serious about going green.  The corporate “sustainability” movement is gathering momentum and gaining acceptance.  According to SHRM, “‘Sustainability’ refers to a company’s ability to make a profit without sacrificing the resources of its people, the community and the planet. The greatest benefits of sustainability programs are improving public opinion, improving customer relations, and attracting and retaining talent.” 

You’ve heard me talk about P2P (the people-to-people) connections for some time now.  Well, here it is again from another perspective… “Greening” our businesses has everything to do with the “people strategy” of our business and is not just operational.  It’s about the people who execute every strategy…the employees who are really driving your business.

“We need to leverage employees in promoting green strategies,” says Adrienne Fox of SHRM. “Many green strategies involve educating employees, engaging them in ideas and innovation, and translating environmentalism into employment brands that attract and retain talent.”  (Sounds like P2P, to me!)

It’s time – now - to “turn up your energy efficient dimmer switch!”  With so much “green” to think about, where do you start?  What can you do to make a positive impact on your business and the environment? 

I’d like to share with you some of the simple steps I’ve taken recently:

• Recycle black ink printer cartridges rather than buying new (Walgreen’s has a terrific program!)
• Change all light bulbs to the energy efficient spirals
• If you use automatic timers for lights, thermostats, etc., adjust the “on/off” time or eliminate them entirely where you can
• Print on the both sides of computer paper, especially for file copies
• Plan your time and days on the road – set P2P meetings, errands, etc. for one or two days a week, if possible, to save gas and make better use of your time
• Carpool to functions (two by two worked for Noah!)
• Use teleconferencing instead of driving long distances to meetings, where appropriate ( Even radio show hosts use this technology for interviews)
• Explore possibilities for a more energy efficient vehicle (Why do you drive what you drive?)

Here are some other suggestions from SHRM:

• Offer recycling programs for office products, including plastic, glass, cans and Styrofoam.
• Using energy-efficient lighting systems and equipment, such as occupancy sensors; using Energy Star equipment; and changing from desktop to laptop computers.
• Installing automatic shut-offs for equipment.
• Buying or leasing refurbished goods such as toner cartridges, copiers, printers, fax machines, retread tires and re-fined oil.
• Promote walking, biking and public transit.
• Partnering with environmentally friendly suppliers and companies.
• Minimizing pollution, such as air and water emissions, during production.
• Participating in or sponsoring projects and events in the community, such as plant-a-tree day and fundraisers for nature preserves.
• Telecommuting and video conferencing, where appropriate.
• Encourage and reward carpooling.
• Bring in speakers to educate and enlighten your employees on topics such as climate change and energy-saving techniques.

Today’s most important message...
Get your employees involved! 

Bring it home… Ask them to come up with ways to encourage all employees to “green” their commute, their homes and their workplace.  Create a formal program that rewards employees to change behaviors.  (Sounds like P2P, to me!)

It’s not easy to change habits and behaviors, but it is possible.  It’s not easy “bein’ green,” but it’s critical that we make positive changes to better our personal lives, our homes, our workplaces, and our planet.

Years ago, a former pastor of mine, Msgr. Bob Weiss, always said, “If everyone does a little, we can do a lot.”  I agree…the power of P2P.

Dare to be different, like Kermit. Set the example for your employees, family and friends. Ask yourself and everyone you know: What are you doing to create a more positive workplace by “bein’ green?”

“Turn up your energy efficient dimmer switch” – now. 

A Positive Workplace Means Business!
It Just Makes Cents!  TM

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Stay tuned for next month’s edition…

MJ Paris

P.S. Do you know someone who needs "Positive Energy" in their workplace? Feel free to forward this issue to friends, family and colleagues!

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About MJ

Mary Jane (MJ) Paris brings a broad base of experience in management, leadership and employee development gained from more than 25 years in sales management, retail banking, training, recruiting, project management, event planning and community leadership.
Her common sense approach and practical experience combined with her dynamic presentation skills provide a solid foundation for understanding her client’s needs and challenges.

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