Prosperity doesn’t have to come at the expense of people and planet Prosperity doesn’t have to come at the expense of people and planet. The following pages contain verbiage, tips, a printable poster and other articles and resources about how we can make our limited resources a first priority, leading us to prosperity.

What and Why Sustainability means something much different these days. Global trends indicate that the traditional business model of growth is being increasingly challenged. The 20th century approach is no longer good enough. Companies are reimagining the future of business by honoring sustainability and resource limitations and leveraging those concepts to drive performance, competitiveness, enable innovation, empower their teams and stimulate growth. This can be applied beyond the office to how we live and play. This month, let’s explore ways to conserve, use more wisely, and be better off for having done so.

Ideas for activities Run a recycling awareness day - Implement a comprehensive recycling scheme to recycle cardboard, plastics, glass, CDs, batteries, fluorescent tubes, IT equipment etc. Share power tools and other appliances - Share power tools and other appliances. Get to know your neighbors while cutting down on the number of things cluttering your closet or garage. Go online to find new or gently used secondhand products - Whether you've just moved or are looking to redecorate, consider a service like craigslist or swap sites to track down furniture, appliances and other items cheaply or for free. Check out garage sales, thrift stores and consignment shops for clothing and other everyday items

Resources Articles Use Less Plastic in Your Home Recycling & Disposal Guide Videos Why We Need to Think Differently About Sustainability Why I Live a Zero Waste Life

25 Tips When making copies, set your machine to use both sides of paper and cut your consumption in half. Color printing generally uses more ink, so print in black and white when you can. Instead of printing out memos for distribution, email them and let employees decide whether they wish to print them. Whenever possible, try to videoconference instead of traveling to meetings. Encourage employees to shut down and unplug copiers, printers and other equipment when they leave the office every evening. Cell phones, computers, printers and other equipment can often be recycled. If you know your employees aren’t going to be in the office, create a setting that conserves more energy during these hours. Be sure to allow an override function so that it can be changed if someone decides to come in to work.

MORE Tips Provide reusable dishes, silverware and glasses for luncheons. Instead of bottled water, provide employees with filtered drinking water and reusable cups. In lieu of sending a holiday gift to clients, plant a tree in their name. Drive the speed limit, and combine all your errands for the week in one trip. Support your local economy and shop at your farmers’ market. Pay your bills online. Not only is it greener, it’s a sanity saver. Reuse scrap paper. Print on two sides, or let your kids color on the back side of used paper. Wash laundry in cold water instead of hot.

More tips Carry a mug with you wherever you go for take out beverages. Reuse envelopes, wrapping paper, the front of gift cards (as postcards) and other paper materials you receive wherever possible. Read books, magazines and newspapers from your local library or online. Wherever possible, replace disposable products with reusable ones (i.e., razor, food storage, batteries, ink cartridges [buy refill ink], coffee filters, furnace or air conditioner filters, etc.). Pack your lunch in an insulated lunch bag instead of paper or plastic bags. Keep inexpensive reusable to-go containers or washed food containers on hand so you can send dinner guests home with packed goodies. Make sure to recycle your old newspapers – 69% of the newspapers printed in the U.S. are thrown away every day.

More tips Plastic carrier bags are not biodegradable, nor are they recyclable. Use a stronger, reusable bag. Coffee stirrers are wasteful and bad for the environment. Use a spoon to stir your coffee, then simply wash and reuse it. Items that have a short usage period due to growth, for example, a child’s bicycle, can be picked up second hand in fantastic condition and also at a fraction of the price. This saves you money and helps to cut down on the amount of incorrectly disposed of packaging materials.

Appendix We can’t take all of the credit. In compiling this information, we referenced the following organizations and websites: Sciencealert.com TheArtofSimple.net GlobalStewards.org SheKnows.com 50waystohelp.com