Stay above the smog

As always, businesses are part of the problem but can be a big, big part of the solution.  We hope you implement these recommendations.

Stay above the smog – try these business tips

Ned Haluzan

We are living in smog – crop yields suffer in India because of nuclear power plants, the Hollywood sign is barely visible through car fumes, Chinese fashion shows feature the latest in gas mask chic, and fracking sites have become a major concern in the UK.

This is just the tip of a rapidly melting iceberg – and the situation is getting worse.

Political and environmental activist Naomi Klein has claimed that this disastrous impact on the world climate will continue so long as capitalism continues unfettered. Whencash is concerned, according to Klein, the dollar will ignore the environmental impact.

Yet, big business is also providing a light at the end of the carbon-filled tunnel.

Companies like Tesco, B&Q, DuPont and Asda have all made pledges to cut carbon – and their profits have increased as a direct result of their efforts.

Is this enough? Will vague alterations in the name of profit save the planet? Only time will tell, but making changes within your small business can put your mind at rest.

So, what can your business do to lift its head above the parapet of smog tainting your profits?

Stay up to date

Does your workplace have the carbon emissions of a Victorian chimney stack? Do your employees cough through their day from the soiled air? Then it’s time to get up to date.

Every business has holes in its energy efficiency, especially those operating from older buildings. And while you don’t have to stick a windmill atop your roof, even something as simple as a new gas connection can help clean up your act.

With improved gas connections, your fossil fuels will flow more easily, leading to cheaper bills and a smaller carbon footprint.

And if you want to take the big leap into renewable energy, it’s not as expensive as you might imagine.

Solar panels have been dropping consistently in price for years, moving from impractical ideal to attainable and useful.

In dear old Blighty there isn’t always enough sunlight to create a backlog of power, but even a few solar panels added to your company’s roof could take the strain from your energy bills.

Get your employees on board

An attempt at cleaner air shouldn’t be confined to the boss of the company. It’s a communal effort, and you need to make sure your employees are on the same page as you.

Keep your staff posted about eco-progressions in your company, concoct a few energy efficiency schemes and ensure everyone on the team understands the advantages of recycling and lowering your carbon footprint.

As the smog grows denser, we can only hope governments will wake up and strengthen regulation. No matter what happens you’ll be safe in the knowledge that your business has tried all it can to stem the stresses of the environment