I wanted to share a few thoughts and updates on how we at Green Buoy are processing this overwhelming moment and our plans for business in the foreseeable future. I’m writing this March 17, 2020, and coronavirus has come in full force. People are social-distancing, worried about getting sick, seeing family members fall ill and contemplating impending economic collapse.

Use the power of Triple Bottom Line to boost employee engagement. Finding and integrating “People” strategies are just as important in creating a sustainability framework. This blog will focus on important people actions you can take as a small business owner.

As I write this, I am visiting a client 2,500 miles away from home. I took the subway to the plane to an Uber to this hotel. Tomorrow I will take an Uber today to their office and then back the way I came. Traveling for work is important. Reducing our carbon footprint is important.

So you’re thinking about hiring a consultant, sustainability or otherwise. What is the best way to get the most out of the relationship?

For smart consumers and business owners, greenwashing has become a part of the sustainability lexicon. We’ve all seen the “all-natural” label on chicken made in a factory farm. Or the “pure” labels on chemical cleaning products. What about “green” listed as the only descriptor alongside furniture or other products? These are all examples of greenwashing.

It’s simple to see how sustainability can apply to product-heavy companies. A mining company or direct-to-consumer start-up has a distinct environmental impact. But what about service-based companies and sustainability?

As a business owner or consumer, it’s easy to get drawn to labels and sustainability certifications touting benefits and claims. For sustainable businesses, they are multiple certifications to be aware of.

Corporate governance commitment is the secret of successful sustainability programs. You’ve got to have set alignment from the top of the organization to make sure your company is running a successful sustainability program.

After you’ve created an effective initiative, you need to get employees on board. After all, as we’ve talked about numerous times, employees complete sustainability tasks. Not a committee, the employees. 

You’ve got your initiative set and ready to distribute. You know who should be doing it, so now it’s time to bring those people on board.