Business Environmental Responsibility

*The Amazon Rainforest has a large amount of environmentally irresponsible Business practices. *

How can Businesses be Environmentally Responsible

Businesses must deal with Climate Change, Waste, Pollution and Sustainable Development in an environmentally conscious manner.

• Climate Change: Climate change is a significant environmental issue for businesses due to the release of greenhouse gases from using fossil fuels, primarily CO2, which traps heat in the atmosphere. To mitigate this, businesses should use fossil fuels efficiently and transition to renewable energy sources to minimise their environmental impact and protect future generations.

• Waste: Effective waste management is crucial for businesses to prevent environmental harm. Companies are responsible for minimising waste through reducing, reusing, and recycling. The government's "polluter pays" principle further incentivises businesses to produce less waste by imposing higher disposal costs on those generating more waste.
• Pollution: Pollution occurs when harmful substances are introduced into nature, adversely affecting the environment. Businesses must adopt practices that minimise air and water emissions, using machinery that reduces harmful outputs. Sourcing raw materials locally can also help reduce transportation emissions and lower the overall carbon footprint.

• Sustainable Development: Sustainable development involves meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own. Businesses must focus on protecting and preserving the environment. If resources are extracted from the environment, companies should ensure their replacement and engage in practices that support long-term ecological balance.

Characteristics of an Environmentally Responsible Business

• Sensitive to the Environment: Environmentally conscious businesses actively reduce, reuse, and recycle waste. For instance, H&M offers vouchers for customers who bring in old clothes, which are then repurposed into new products or sold as second-hand goods.
• Open to new ideas: Such businesses seek advice on environmental protection and educate their staff accordingly. They innovate to reduce their environmental impact, like Cadbury's attempt to replace plastic packaging with 100% sustainable cardboard.
• Honest about environmental matters: Environmentally conscious businesses do not hide accidents and immediately notify appropriate authorities, working to rectify any damage as quickly as possible. This transparency builds trust and accountability.