At Green Wave, we like to remind ourselves and others that actions, big or small, make waves. This is why we are fans of eco statements and policies.
Let's go a little further and explain what we mean by these terms. Although it doesn't completely translate, eco is meant to be short for environmental (or ecological). Eco, for us, means you care about the welfare of the environment because you recognize that all of Life is interconnected.
Now, an eco statement, to us, is like a mission statement. It can be fairly general with an aspirational feeling as you state what you intend to do within your business or personal life to contribute to the collective care of our home, Earth.
An eco-policy should explain what is being done now. It can, but does not have to, be complex and detailed. An eco-policy can but does not have to include an eco-statement. Statements make it more heartfelt.
Not doing anything? Maybe you are and you should sit down to reflect and write what you are doing. Something is better than nothing. Brainstorm! Truly doing absolutely nothing yet? That's ok! Start with a statement of intent. To strengthen it, add when it will be updated or an eco policy created.
Doing some things but want to do more? Great! Sit down and have a reflection brainstorm on all you are doing, and then have a brainstorm on what else you want to do and could. Be as creative as you like. Then, state your intentions. Add your new intentions into your current eco-policy and how you will follow up to check on your progress.
Why are we such a fan of eco-policies?
Eco-policies are inspirational for the people who work on them directly as well as the individuals and organizations that look to them. It helps set a standard of care for ourselves on every level.
A FEW TIPS:
Be honest - start where you are at. Don't try to "greenwash". If you are not doing anything yet, be transparent. It is okay, if it's true, to explicitly express an earnest desire to implement eco-friendly ideas. However, it is a strong recommendation that the writing of new ideas be supplemented with a communicated follow-up plan. It would be good to tell us when you will start implementing your policy as well as the time milestones after implementation. These specific tips go for those who currently don't have a policy and those who do but intend to expand their current measures. It is our opinion that if you haven't been doing something for a year already, you should go with this "milestone method". Meaning, if your efforts are under a year old, let your audience know within your statement when they will begin (or began) and also tell us when you will reflect on your progress of implementing any and all ideas. This milestone method will also help you assess if your efforts are working or how you might improve them.
Be creative - Brainstorm brainstorm brainstorm - anything and everything you can around what it might possibly mean to live and work in a more eco-harmonious way. You can always edit down (and definitely bounce it off of others before you publish). Perhaps you can offer your employees, customers, or audience incentives for engaging with your eco-policy efforts. Maybe you realize that there is a hummingbird that comes to an office window and you wish to show it your appreciation with food. Instead of just getting a plastic feeder and filling it with sugar water, you could plant a native flowering plant known as a hummingbird attractor. Or, perhaps you know that you have an animal crossing on the driveway to your office. A sign could be made informing people of what they might see and to indicate they should slow down to respect this transit zone. This sign could be made by a local artist known for their own environmentally friendly practices. Or, perhaps you can implement a carpooling incentive into your policy. Can you start a community or employee garden on your roof? What are you doing with your electronics? What about an incentive for encouraging "leave no trace" vacations to the nearest National Park? Again, just be careful not to fall into the trap of greenwashing aka green sheening.
If you are not writing this yourself, find the best person within your company to write it. Ideally, you would want someone that is known for implementing planetary care practices into their own lives. Just remember that the policy should express ideas achievable by the organization as a whole. If you are going to write one for your company yourself, we suggest you make a personal statement or expand your own list of eco-friendly practices first. You don't necessarily have to publicize this, but it will help you realize what is possible.
Don't forget how powerful you (we) all are - no matter who we are as individuals or companies, we are influencers. We have circles. All of our actions make an impact on them. Don't underestimate the power of inspiration. Ripples can form waves.
Green Wave is what we call a "boutique non-profit". Despite our name, we do not endeavor to be a massive organization. We believe big changes can start with small actions. When we are in service in the role of consultant, we focus efforts on inspirational and ideational brainstorm sessions and beginning steps. We encourage people to start from the heart, make moves from where they are at, and we refer out when more detailed needs are required. For instance, we recommend anyone who has or endeavors to have a business with employees (other than yourself and contractors you work with) to explore this more detailed explanation of how to draft an environmental policy.
Please note, the examples we have given are not perfect, as nothing ever is. If you wish to receive feedback on what we believe the pros and cons are, of the examples we have given in this post, please contact us!