Like any other program within your organization, a sustainability program requires the basic project management elements; why, who, when, where, how, and measurement. (The "what" comes later.) Start by answering standard questions:
- What are your sustainability goals?
- Who needs to be involved? (You'll need a team for company-wide buy-in)
- When do you want to start and what deadlines are part of the sustainability program?
- Where will the sustainability program be implemented?
- How will you implement the sustainability program?
- How will you measure the success of the sustainability program?
The "What"
Now that you've covered the basics it's time to get into the details. Here are some questions to get you thinking about how your organization can make small, and large, changes that truly make a difference in the world.
Reduce gasoline consumption: Consider all ways in which your organization uses gas such as equipment in your warehouse, trucking routes, employee commutes, and employee travel to name a few.
Eliminate plastic: Work with and buy from organizations that utilize other materials for their packaging and/or final products. Look for other materials for your own packaging and product development. Encourage all employees to stop bringing plastic into the workplace and be sure to recycle any plastic that does find it's way in.
Become paperless: Digital options are plentiful and economical. Company-wide cloud-based document storage gives everyone access to the information they need, online forms vs. printed forms, digital document signature apps eliminate the need to print and sign, and interactive pdf documents can replace printed brochures.
Reuse/repurpose: Creative ideas keep items out of landfills. The coffee mug turned pen holder, empty issue box turned drawer organizer, shipping box turned cleaning materials storage container, and pallets turned stools and tables.