Many people attempt to figuratively “pour oil on troubled waters,” but Impact Absorbents truly knows how to put oil in its place. In fact, we have 45 different ways to handle oil spills. And what’s more, we do it with an eco ethos.
Chief Seattle is reputed to have said, “Whatever befalls the Earth, befalls the people of the Earth.Man did not weave the web of life; he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself.”
So what is “sustainable development”? The indigenous definition focuses on using resources in such a way that they are renewable “unto the seventh generation”. Native peoples recognize that we are not separate from our environment, and that our actions today affect what happens to the planet tomorrow. In the third millennium, more than ever before, businesses are raising the eco flag.
But while going green has become fashionable, fulfilling this goal requires a concerted effort in every area; token changes are not enough. Small companies need to first adopt environmentally sound business principles, then translate these principles into action something Impact Absorbents has been proud to do for more than 20 years now. The following simple steps will help you get on board the green train which runs on biodiesel, of course:
- Formulate sustainable business principles. Also known as “natural capitalism,” these ecological efforts might include whole systems design, for example, which is based on the belief that natural resources and ecological systems are becoming scarce while human capital is increasing.
- Set measurable goals and targets as you put your principles into practice. The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) is one comprehensive resource for businesses that want to integrate sustainable development into their existing operations. The site provides definitions, tools and strategies you can implement, as well as case studies that will show you how other companies have successfully made the transition to a more sustainable model.
- Begin where you are right now. From reducing paper waste to turning off and unplugging equipment at night and on weekends; from replacing burned out lightbulbs with compact fluorescents to repairing leaky sinks with snug new fittings, there are a myriad of small steps you can take that will save a surprising amount of energy, and dovetail nicely with the bigger picture.
