Join the revolution before the revolution hits you

In todayís economic climate, some companies may see ëgreení issues as something to put on the back burner. But Sally Taylor, of not-for-profit organisation Environmental Population, believes that taking steps to be ëgreení could actually save money and enhance a companyís reputation.

ìBeing environmentally aware is no longer an optional extra,î says Sally, ìand companies need to realise that being green can indeed make positive changes on the bottom line.

ìFor example, adopting changes in simple work routines can make electric, gas and water savings part of company life and telling people what youíre doing can only improve your reputation.î

Sally believes there is still much that can be done by companies to reduce their carbon footprint, either by looking internally at their systems and procedures or externally through evaluating the companyís effect on its surroundings.

Environmental Population gives practical advice to companies who wish to be, and be seen to be, ëgreení. It provides environmental information to SMEs (small to medium enterprises) about; climate change, biodiversity, waste management and energy and water reduction.

ìPublishing your energy ratings alongside improvement programmes will help your business gain accreditation whilst building a more positive profile in the tougher and greener economic landscape.

ìA good example is Walkerís Crisps, who have now started to publish information on their packaging as to the carbon footprint of the product, giving customers the moral choice whether to buy – this appears to be working well.î

The Government has set some bold targets to meet: an 80% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2050 and recycling 40% of waste by 2010 rising to 75% by 2020. Savings can be made through initiatives such as landfill and fuel taxes, development of carbon neutral homes and businesses, energy efficiency certificates and greater recycling.

ìThe economic climate has taken over headlines for the time beingÖbut very soon green issues will rise to the top of the agenda again,î said Sally.

Environment Population is an online network of businesses, started for companies who have recognised the importance and need for environmental policies in business, and is calling like-minded companies to join and together make a difference.

Membership of the site can provide companies with links to appropriate resources, a forum for discussing issues, downloadable white papers, plus artwork and templates for posters, newsletters and e-mail communication.

The valuable resources are in contrast to the relatively low cost of membership. No matter how large or small your company is, membership is very cost effective at 60 and then 50 annually.