As the world grapples with the effects of climate change and environmental degradation, many companies are beginning to take steps to promote environmentally friendly projects and structures. This can range from introducing sustainable practices in their operations to supporting environmental initiatives. In this way, companies are utilising their resources and strengths to make a positive impact on our environmental awareness.
Whilst some of these efforts are already well known – such as reducing CO2 emissions or using environmentally friendly packaging – there are also some unusual and alternative implementation strategies to promote green initiatives.
Eco-friendly hair
A Belgian non-profit organisation, Dung Dung, is leading the so-called Hair Recycle Project, in which human hair is used to absorb environmental pollutants.
The project aims to support a circular economy through the development of waste utilisation systems. Hairdressers deliver hair waste from around the country to be fed into a machine, which in turn forms matted squares that can subsequently absorb oil and other hydrocarbons known to pollute the environment.
These squares can also be used to make bio-compost bags. These mats can also be placed in drains to prevent water pollution, but can also be used to clean up large areas of oil spillages caused by flooding.
Ikea removes milk from the menu
IKEA, the Swedish furniture giant, recently announced its plan to ban milk from its menus. This plan is part of a company-wide initiative to eliminate dairy products over the next seven years.
The company’s sustainability plan, ‘People and Planet Positive’, sets out further initiatives to reduce IKEA’s negative impact on the environment, including a focus on more plant-based foods in its restaurants. The Group’s aim is to offer its customers sustainable, healthy and delicious food.
One of the core tasks of this endeavour is to reduce food waste. This is to be achieved through the implementation of various strategies, such as the use of regional products and the donation of surplus food to local charitable organisations. The company is also committed to sourcing ingredients from sustainable sources, particularly organic farming.
The company plans to source all animal products from farmers who meet the highest animal welfare standards by 2025. IKEA’s efforts have prompted the United Nations to officially recognise the company. The Swedish furniture manufacturer was honoured with the UN Global Climate Action Award in 2021, as the company was classified as a leader in sustainability.
Online casinos that offer environmentally friendly rewards
An animated argument is going on among gambling enthusiasts on whether e-casino is indeed greener than its conventional version. However, in terms of this question, the difference is not substantial as you may imagine. This comes about from high energy usage by most of the online casinos each day.
However, amidst this debate some online casinos are even making efforts towards a healthy environment. Simple searches online show that greener actions have been taken for the gambling industry. For example, some gambling houses provide additional services such as a free casino bonus with no deposit as gratitude for contributions towards an ecologically friendly world through donations. Another reason why one should prefer environment friendly modes of payment is that it leads to free spins in the long run along with other benefits.
The practice of some online casinos has been similar towards “green” initiatives. However, RateIt gives insights on how you can access sustainable games that resonate with an individual’s values. Go to https://www.richardcasino3.com/ and find out how to have fun online in an environmentally-friendly atmosphere.
Green steps
How much energy is contained in one million steps? This has prompted UK-based start-up Pavegen to develop a process that generates clean energy from heavy foot traffic in public spaces.
Founder and CEO Laurence Kemball-Cook had the idea while studying at Loughborough University in England. Realising that conventional renewable energy sources are not always suitable for urban environments, he began investigating ways to harness the kinetic energy generated by pedestrians in busy areas.
Each step on a “Pavegen tile” generates about five watts of energy, which is enough to power a night light. This may seem small, but when multiplied by thousands or millions of steps, the energy generated can be enormous.
Abu Dhabi Airport has taken up this challenge. Two million passengers a month pass through its various floors, an energy potential that could indeed generate a lot of energy. But this international airport is just one of 250 different Pavegen installations currently in use in 36 countries. Energy is generated primarily at airports, shopping centres, parks and concert halls.
To top it all off, pedestrians can download the company’s “Pavegen Go” app to get real-time information about their steps, and the app also rewards them with discounts or donations to charity.
Bill Gates’ fight against cow intestinal winds
Bill Gates is investing in an Australian climate technology start-up called “Rumin8”, which is developing a cattle feed additive made from algae to reduce methane emissions from cows.
This is because global agriculture is responsible for around 32% of man-made methane emissions, with the majority coming from the burps, farts and manure of livestock. Seaweed naturally suppresses methane production in cows and other livestock by targeting a specific enzyme responsible for methane production during digestion.
“Volta Greentech” and “Irish Sea Solutions” have also developed algae-based food supplements. By feeding just 100 grams of red algae, Volta Greentech found that enteric methane emissions from cows could be reduced by up to 80 per cent. The Gates-backed company has raised AUD 25 million in seed funding to date and hopes to be backed with even more capital soon.
What can you do?
Let’s talk about making the world a better, greener place. We all can do small things that add up to a big difference. It’s not hard, and it’s kinda fun! Whether you’re new to this or already like helping the Earth, this guide will show you easy things to do. Let’s start a journey to make our world healthier and happier for everyone!
Take advantage of smart technology
Technology in the workplace offers a variety of resources to help you reduce your environmental impact. From sensor devices to smart plug sockets and automated building systems, modern technology has made it easier to reduce your energy consumption and carbon footprint. Sustainability measurement tools are also a great solution for analysing your economic, social and environmental KPIs (Key Performance Indicators).
Switch to digital working
Digitalisation not only reduces paper waste, but also makes it possible to work remotely without restrictions. Flexibility gives people the opportunity to work from home or a third workplace more often, reducing the environmental impact caused by commuting. This means you need to rethink your office space planning, which can help you save energy and make sustainable improvements.
Become a paperless office
Our planet’s resources are not infinite, as we all know. For this reason, it is important to reduce our paper consumption as much as possible. Solutions such as digitising the office using tools like an interactive flipbook or paper alternatives like erasable notebooks made from stone paper help to minimise waste and conserve forest and water resources.
Reduce the brightness of your screen
According to a Harvard University professor, reducing the brightness of your screen from 100% to 70% can save up to 20% of your monitor’s energy. This is a simple green idea that you can incorporate into your sustainable strategy. Your employees can adjust the lighting settings or switch to dark mode. In addition, the dark mode options help to minimise the eye strain that can occur during daily online work.
Switch to a green kitchen
Depending on the size of your business, you may have a cafeteria or dining room. And here are some simple steps you can take to go green. Firstly, introduce zero-waste kitchen initiatives (reusable cups, cutlery, towels), including reusable coffee pods and loose tea. Secondly, promote local and organic produce and offer more vegetarian and vegan options.
Choose clean products for a clean office
Using cleaning products that are not harmful to health or the environment is a basic rule in a green office. Although it is a good alternative to chemical solutions, we are not suggesting that you should make your own cleaning products. However, you can opt for products with eco-friendly certifications and labels. Also promote sustainable practices such as using reusable products like reusable cleaning cloths.
Introduce zero-waste and energy-saving bathroom solutions
Small changes can go a long way to minimising our impact on the planet. For example, stop using paper towels and introduce automatic hand dryers. Many companies are also switching to water-saving washbasin taps to reduce their water costs and consumption. The same applies to lighting. Installing sensors will help you save energy. Or you can also use recycled bin liners. These are just a few ideas for a more environmentally friendly bathroom.