Choosing environmentally friendly products, reducing resource consumption and acting in an environmentally friendly manner are all considerations each individual should be taking but this isn’t necessarily occurring. It’s all well and good preaching to people to reduce their environmental impact, but without demonstrating tangible benefits it can all appear a bit pointless. What may be perceived to be a small contribution by individuals can actually have as significant impact as an organisation or company. So if you’re thinking “Why Bother?” here are a few reasons why you should think twice………

Benefits to the Environment

Improving the environmental integrity of products, services and people’s way of life generally, can have a clear direct and indirect benefit to the environment. Sustainable products and services have incorporated considerations to minimise environmental impact throughout their lifecycle.

These considerations result in less energy and water consumption, reduction in the use of harmful and toxic substances and less pollution entering the environment. Raw materials procured from a sustainable source can also contribute to minimising deforestation and over extraction. Improving the efficiency of products can reduce the amount of energy required and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

As well as the product and service itself, the type and quantity of packaging can greatly impact the environment. Minimal packaging and the use of reusable and/or recyclable materials reduces the quantity of harmful plastics entering the environment as litter and being disposed in landfill.

Summary of environmental benefits:

• Reduction in harmful/toxic substance use
• Reduction in pollution entering the air, land and water environment
• A reduced reliance on precious resources such as fossil fuels, water and wood from unsustainable sources
• Prevention of unnecessary habitat loss through land use change to meet increasing demand
• Ultimately a cleaner environment

Benefits to the Community

Sustainability doesn’t only incorporate the environment but also how these activities impact on communities and those who reside in them. Cleaner production processes result in less pollution entering the environment, improving its quality. Reduced resource and raw material consumption allow improved access to these precious commodities by local communities. Schemes such as ‘Fair Trade’ allow employees to receive ‘fair’ wages and benefits and this improvement is transferred into local communities.

Summary of benefits to the community:

• Improved quality of working and local environment
• Fairer wages and benefits for employees
• Improved standard of living for local communities and employees

Benefits to the Business

Choosing to purchase and produce ‘environmentally friendly’ products and services gives a clear indication that the environment is a key decider in procurement. Products and services which have been produced efficiently and from sustainable raw materials, contain minimal harmful substances, and have good reusability or recycle ability are generally considered ‘environmentally friendly’ and are desirable characteristics sought by consumers.

A growing consideration taken by customers and suppliers are the environmental credentials of a company or organisation. The ability for a business to demonstrate its environmental credentials e.g. waste reduction and legal compliance can attract new customers and suppliers.

Pressure from consumers and suppliers, legal requirements and regulations concerning activities likely to affect the environment will inevitably strengthen in the future. Those companies and organisations which are proactive towards this likely strengthening are more likely to react positively than those which are not prepared.

Summary of benefits to business:

• Reduced consumption in raw materials
• Ability to attract new customers and suppliers based on environmental credentials
• Cost saving from reduced utility bills
• Compliance with legal and regulatory obligations
• Preparedness for future environmental concerns
• Driving innovation

Benefits to the Individual

Homeowners can also benefit significantly from acting in an environmentally responsible manner. Reducing water and electricity consumption can directly reduce bills and save money. This reduction can be achieved by purchasing products (e.g. fridges, dishwashers etc) based on the efficiency rating, purchasing energy and water saving devices as well as being more aware of unnecessary consumption. Cost savings may also result from waste reduction and its associated disposal.

As a result of consumer power and increasing demand for environmentally friendly products and services, a ‘snowball’ effect may result which increases competition and drives down costs. This increasing demand may also lead to further innovation and efficiency improvements which will continue to benefit customers.

Those individuals who actively incorporate environmental considerations into their everyday life and decision making process are contributing towards a sustainable future.

Summary of benefits to the Individual:

• Improved efficiency of products e.g. washing machines
• Cost saving from reduced utility bills
• Reduction in waste production
• Use of new and innovative products
• Contribution to long term environmental protection