There are a number of goods and raw materials fabricated and produced every day in the industry section, and every day additional greenhouse gasses are released into the atmosphere. Many people are concerned about the impact of these emissions on global warming, and businesses, legislators, and activists are constantly looking at ways to reduce the carbon footprint of individuals and companies alike.
Taking Responsibility
Some companies have done a better job than others at taking responsibility for the damage they are having on the environment. Other companies are making it their mission to reduce the impact on the environment left by other companies’ products or services. The ecoATM team had made this is their goal. What is ecoATM? It is a company that provides a convenient way to safely and quickly recycle old electronics for instant cash. Rather than letting mobile devices leach their chemical and electronic components back into the earth while wasting away in landfills, ecoATM recycles them into repaired or new devices. Companies like this, taking a proactive position on eco-friendly activities, send a message to the rest of the industry sector that it is possible to reframe the approach to preserve the earth. The size of the business doesn’t matter. There things that can be done to limit CO2 emissions and fight against climate change.
Measuring the Carbon Footprint
You can see how much your organization contributes to the decline of the earth by evaluating how much pollution the company generates. Small changes to your policies can have a big impact, but unless you have a greenhouse gas emissions assessment, you won’t know where to begin. New technology is making it easier to reduce air pollution, but your strategies could also include better management with processes and products, developing consumption strategies, and looking at carbon capture.
Capping Carbon
The federal government has taken an active role in encouraging companies to change their practices, but the state and local level governing bodies have a say-so as well. Within each jurisdiction, there is a cap on how much emission is allowed, though it is a combination of all of the emissions released by the companies working within that jurisdiction. Companies are free to trade their allowances to other companies, but the combined production must still remain under the limit. The cap and trade policies are helpful in reducing emissions.
Reducing Usage
One very simple way of reducing emissions is by reducing energy use. As technology has developed new ways to control energy use and harness natural resources for power, companies that invest in the energy efficiency buildings and equipment will have a great impact on their CO2 emissions. There are several energy efficiency certifications approved by the building industry, with the most common including Energy Star, LEED Green Building, High-Performance Building Program by ICLEI, and Net Zero Energy Building Certification. If your company needs another building or is relocating, you can help the environment by working to find these certifications within your structures.
Encouraging Green Employees
It isn’t just enough for your company to change its practices. You need to encourage your employees to do so as well. This has a bigger impact on the environment, as it takes eco-friendly habits into other communities. Encourage your employees to carpool or use public transportation to limit road emissions. If possible, encouraging telecommuting can have a big impact. You reduce traffic congestion, you reduce parking costs and hassles, and you can improve the desirability of your company when recruiting new employees.
Reducing CO2 emissions is a global responsibility, especially at the rate of global warming. Forward-thinking companies can take the first step in promoting more green living and working, encouraging their employees and competitors to follow their lead.