In a blog post written by Valere Tjolle titled - Cost Saving a Reality of Sustainability - Carbon Consultancy Chief Speaks Out, he writes about Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and its differences to that of sustainability and sustainable practices as a cost savings measure.

The article stresses the fact that CSR may simply be “writing a cheque” and donating it to your favourite charity. While the economy lags and is working on rebuilding, CSR donations are being cut from corporate budgets as a cost savings matter.

However, the argument arises, that with an increased focus on implementing sustainable practices, your business will be better off in the long term and as such, will be your cost savings practice. In simpler terms, if your water bill decreases, your bottom line increases and you are left with the flexibility of spending or saving that extra lint in your pocket to do good things – eg: donating to your favourite local charity.

Let us look into this a little further from an operational point of view and ask the question, as a tourism business-

What can we do to implement sustainable practices at no cost?

First, let us define ‘sustainable practices’ as, actions that provide long-term benefits and viability for the environment, people, culture and economy.

Second, let us define ‘no cost’ as free.

Below, we listed four easy to use and implement actions that any tourism business can do:

Check your waste at the door -Limiting your waste, limits the need for your garbage pick up. You may be able to cut costs by simply cutting a weekly pick up to a biweekly pick up. Remember the saying of reuse, reduce and recycle? Add into the mix “compost” and you’ll notice the difference and lack of smell (in the garbage) right away.

Support your community -There’s always a way to support your community. What you don’t want to do is gate them off. Welcome the community with open arms, some coffee and your set. Remember, you want to be inclusive and not exclusive and out of reach. Perhaps there is room enough to offer them a community meeting space? Support those that support you and build relationships with likeminded businesses and organizations.

Watch your water – Full loads of laundry and not selling plastic bottled water are two ways to increase your aqua karma. Check with your areas heath codes if you’re allowed to use cold water only cycles for your commercial washers and dishwashers.

Educate – Never lose a chance at educating others but remember, to educate through action. As you start implementing sustainable practices throughout your operation, invite this as an opportunity to educate your staff. A binder full of the information that’s easily accessible to your staff works fine. Your employees are the lifeblood of your business, what better way to educate guests, than to have educated staff that are well informed, knowledgeable and champions of change. Better yet, invite staff to implement their own practices.

Knowledge is power and knowledge is FREE!

For more information follow the links below:

Sustainable Business Practices

Green Your Business: Toolkit for Tourism Operators

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