Even When Working on Sustainability Initiatives, We Should Follow Our Own Advice

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle + Collaborate

In Sustainability, we are so used to the first impression that we are creating more work for the people. Extra. Excess. MORE.
It is ironic only because that is the opposite of what we are usually trying to do with the physical items we work with. We want to reduce packaging. We want to cut energy use. We want to lessen our effects on the environment.
We want, want, want - but we almost always want less.
And you see when you look at successful case studies about how - in quantifiable terms - sustainability created a net positive for a company, it is always through revealing inefficiencies and showing a company where they could use less and have the same or even a better outcome. Saving money by using less or using what we already have smarter. That is an outcome both sustainability processionals and executive leadership can get behind.

And then it struck me. Rarely as we actually creating more. And if we are, we might be doing it wrong.
We look at current processes and try to innovate and reimagine how they could be done less negatives effects on people involved and the environment. Often we end up looking backwards at older techniques or methods that seemed outdated, but in the wake of new regulations or energy costs. We have a lot to learn from that past. We didn't always pollute and consumer at the rates we do. And not all the old ways are better, but sometimes repurposing an old technique or idea gives us insight we are blind to because of modern solutions.

This brings me to my point. We are always chanting from our soapbox for others to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Perhaps we start framing our ideas in this way. Reduce the amount of new work we are putting on the plate of the operations or design or public affairs department. Reuse and recycle ideas, using a modern perspective and innovation, to transform the way we do business today. Collaborate - it can be hard enough to get one group to listen to your chants about going green, but make sure you know everyone who will be a part of the change you are trying to create and engage them in the decision making process. In other words:

1) Create and Assign Less New, Stand Alone Work

When working on a sustainability initiative, see how you can better the project you are working on as a whole rather than only coming from the side of sustainability. Frame your research and analysis in this manner and you will be able to share with people affected by your initiative that they can change the way they currently do something to a more sustainable method and benefit themselves, instead of having to add a whole new process or responsibility to their job description. If we share that we did not create more work, but instead we created work to support their current work - we can enact better change faster.

2) Look to the Past for Inspiration, Innovate and Repurpose Accordingly

As I said before, we didn't always pollute or consume at the rate we do nowadays. Look back to techniques we used before certain unsustainable technologies came on the scene. Also, Mother Nature - as she so often is - can be a great inspiration for sustainable methods. Check out or previous article on biomimicry to find out how many incredible innovative processes have been created by mimicking how nature has been doing them for eons.

3) Find the Right Fit

Lastly, make sure you are plugged in to the right people and network when presenting ideas. Lack of visibility of goals at organizations can make one department raise an eyebrow at your solutions, which would have been immediately celebrated by one department. When you have an idea that affects many stakeholders, map those affected and see if you can get people representing those different interests all at one table.