Four Leaf Clover, Have you heard someone say they are going green because it's the "right” thing to do? When you ask them what exactly the “right” thing is, they mention because "it's good for the environment". As a green living consultant, I'm all for being good to the environment; however, what I've noticed in our sustainability consulting is that "being good for the environment" doesn't translate well into tangible, practical pieces of information that people can use in their daily lives. The statement, "it's good for the environment" is just too big, too conceptual, it means different things to different people and it lacks personalization.
So, what does being good to the environment really mean? Within our personal sustainability programs, we break it down to a personal level. In doing so, it's easier to connect the dots between an eco action and the associated environmental benefit. The result? Clear knowledge of how and why that action is good for the environment versus a blank, overarching statement.
Let's take St. Patrick's Day as an example. How can we translate the concept of being good to the environment into tangible, lasting eco behavior? Let's take a look at what each clover on a 4 leaf clover looks like as a sustainability concept transformed.
Hope: Hope is a belief in a positive outcome related to events and circumstances in ones life. With the over saturation of negative media today, it's easy to lose sight of good things to come. Identify areas in your life or business or personal life that have an environmental impact and that you are also willing to change and improve. Look at going paperless at home or in your office, perhaps improving air quality or maybe start recycling. These changes don't have to be hard or cumbersome, create an expectation of ease of transition using hope. Hope for good things to come in your life, work, and for the environment.
Faith: Faith is the confident belief in the truth of or trustworthiness of a person, idea, or thing. Focus your attention with anticipation of a positive outcome. Stretch your imagination and take action. If you started a paperless program or energy efficiency program as part of your sustainability plan, then start looking for the savings on a monthly and quarterly basis. Intangible benefits that aren't as easily measured may be the first evidence of taking action based on faith: improved employee morale, stakeholder impressions changing for the better or family members and neighbors feeling good about taking environmental action.
Love: Find appreciation in what is working in your life and your business. Have you noticed that what you focus on expands? Why not appreciate a job well done? Share and reach out in your community. Businesses extend latitude towards customers and vendors. Love your life, your business, and love our planet.
Luck: Create your own pot of gold. The actions we take today create our tomorrow. Invest in sustainability concepts in your business and your life for a better tomorrow: waste reduction, energy efficiency, recycling programs, water conservation, community involvement, sustainable businesses practices, living a sustainable lifestyle and invest in socially responsible investing.
Throughout my professional consulting career, I've found holidays to be a great way to integrate sustainability concepts not only into your own life, but also into the lives of others. Happy St. Patrick's Day to you!
Source: http://blog.taigacompany.com
So, what does being good to the environment really mean? Within our personal sustainability programs, we break it down to a personal level. In doing so, it's easier to connect the dots between an eco action and the associated environmental benefit. The result? Clear knowledge of how and why that action is good for the environment versus a blank, overarching statement.Let's take St. Patrick's Day as an example. How can we translate the concept of being good to the environment into tangible, lasting eco behavior? Let's take a look at what each clover on a 4 leaf clover looks like as a sustainability concept transformed.
Hope: Hope is a belief in a positive outcome related to events and circumstances in ones life. With the over saturation of negative media today, it's easy to lose sight of good things to come. Identify areas in your life or business or personal life that have an environmental impact and that you are also willing to change and improve. Look at going paperless at home or in your office, perhaps improving air quality or maybe start recycling. These changes don't have to be hard or cumbersome, create an expectation of ease of transition using hope. Hope for good things to come in your life, work, and for the environment.
Faith: Faith is the confident belief in the truth of or trustworthiness of a person, idea, or thing. Focus your attention with anticipation of a positive outcome. Stretch your imagination and take action. If you started a paperless program or energy efficiency program as part of your sustainability plan, then start looking for the savings on a monthly and quarterly basis. Intangible benefits that aren't as easily measured may be the first evidence of taking action based on faith: improved employee morale, stakeholder impressions changing for the better or family members and neighbors feeling good about taking environmental action.
Love: Find appreciation in what is working in your life and your business. Have you noticed that what you focus on expands? Why not appreciate a job well done? Share and reach out in your community. Businesses extend latitude towards customers and vendors. Love your life, your business, and love our planet.
Luck: Create your own pot of gold. The actions we take today create our tomorrow. Invest in sustainability concepts in your business and your life for a better tomorrow: waste reduction, energy efficiency, recycling programs, water conservation, community involvement, sustainable businesses practices, living a sustainable lifestyle and invest in socially responsible investing.
Throughout my professional consulting career, I've found holidays to be a great way to integrate sustainability concepts not only into your own life, but also into the lives of others. Happy St. Patrick's Day to you!
Source: http://blog.taigacompany.com
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