Lists: the internet is full of them. Not without reasons, since lists are fun, and little-known facts can be compelling. For instance, did you know that:
- By triple-concentrating their detergent, Unilever has saved 1.3 million gallons of diesel fuel, 10 million pounds of plastic resin, and 80 million square feet of cardboard since 2005?
- Or that by redesigning the Hamburger Helper Box (reducing its size, without reducing the contents), General Mills has taken 500 distribution trucks off the road each year?
In their article 50 Ways to Green Your Business, FastCompany.com has listed these and 48 other interesting ways that some of the biggest companies are going green. You might be surprised by some of the names on the list, everyone from Otis Elevators to the Philadelphia Eagles, from Bank of America to Columbia Records.
I address some of the top reasons for going green on the resources page of the ACI Consulting website, things like saving money, enhancing image, improving employee morale. Just after writing it, the Orange County Register writer, Jan Norman, had a great article on profiting through lightening landfills. Check out Jan’s blog for other small business stories.
But it occurs to me that there is something else going on here, too: greening spurs innovation, creative problem solving that can have a ripple effect throughout your organization. Something to think about. Add it to your list.
