I’ve implemented a lot of green practices into both my life and my business. tcg: The Communication Group is one of San Francisco’s first 50 certified Green Businesses, and we got that way by making a number of simple choices that have transformed our workplace. Here are some of the ways we’ve created a culture of sustainability and chosen to green our business.

1. We’ve become more cost efficient. I’ll use our hiring practice as an example. We only hire someone after we’ve worked for them for 90 days on a project and determined that their chemistry and skill set match our needs and expectations. After all, how much can you really tell about a person after a few rounds of interviews? This is not to say that we’re a homogeneous crew over at tcg. It’s quite the opposite—we’re an innovative, eclectic bunch, with origins spanning 7 countries. Though we’re as diverse as they come, we share some very common philosophies. But that’s another story.

2. Our office materials are created from salvaged and refurbished products. Desktops? Made out of old doors. The legs of our desks? Unused scaffolding. We purchase warranted refurbished Macs instead of buying brand-new ones. We do the same with telephones and white boards. In fact we estimate at least 90% of our infrastructure is refurbished, and the place still looks funky and fabulous. Just like any cool agency should. There are so many products that are on their way to being discarded and yet are perfectly useful. It’s saved tcg plenty of money, not to mention avoiding the waste generated by disposing these items and manufacturing new ones. They look great in the office, too. Salvaging and sustainability can be incredibly stylish.

3. We’ve created a culture of sustainability at tcg to the point where no one thinks twice about turning off lights, printing double-sided, recycling their paper coffee cups, or fixing things versus throwing them out and buying new ones. It’s all about changing old habits and thinking twice about how our actions affect things on a larger scale.

4. We encourage social progress, helping our clients and partners to become more ‘green’ aware. Our printing company, Streamline, has gone through our Green Prepare program and has made a lot of progress in the realms of conservation and waste production.

Here are some other ways you can make your workplace more eco-friendly and cost-effective:

• Use biodegradable cleaning products such as Borax, sea salt, baking soda & vinegar.
• Purchase energy star monitors and appliances.
• Use recycled paper towels, toilet paper, office paper, trash bin liners, etc.
• Set your printer to print double sided – re-set it to print single-sided only when necessary.
• Use energy efficient light bulbs such as CFLs and LEDs.
• Establish clearly labeled recycle bins for paper, glass, plastic, cardboard & metal.
• Recycle used ink cartridges & batteries.
• Ensure your used technology is handled by legitimate recyclers and not just shipped off to another country and dumped.
• Eliminate junk mail by contacting the sources and having them remove your name.
• Place reminder notices near light switches, water faucets, etc., encouraging employees to “turn off.”
• Promote internal green awareness through emails, newsletters, commuter incentive programs, etc.

Sustainability is not just about changing light bulbs, separating your trash, and measuring energy conservation. All of those things make a difference, but it’s just as important to encourage ecological balance and social progress. There are countless ways to green your life and your business practice, and I’d be interested to hear some of yours.

Bookmark This

One of the things that tcg, an agency full of multifaceted, complicated people, does best is simplify a client’s green story. Yes, we’re all unique and complex here, yet we have the same goal when it comes to green: That it’s a simple methodology and philosophy that you can incorporate into your life and business. It has to be practical. It also has to make one feel good, and hopefully it has to save cents.

To me, Sustainability means Simplicity. Period.

When someone comes to us to help them tell their green story, we integrate both marketing and sustainability, tailoring the strategy to the organization’s specific objectives. We help them create an effective green marketing plan that will help them build their business, all within a sustainable framework.
I’m not surprised that many businesses are intimidated by the prospect of going green(er)—they don’t realize how easy it is, and how it can save them money and benefit their bottom line.

Sustainability Development means:
Economic Growth
Ecological Balance
Social Progress

All three are interesting to businesses. A business case and then the long term foundation has to be built. And all has to be anchored in integrity.

Initiating change in any sense is challenging, especially when it comes to “greening” your lifestyle and/or business. It’s something many people think about doing and yet—for one reason or another—don’t do. It’s like anything you mean to accomplish but constantly put off. You don’t do it because you don’t look forward to the process. You think it’s going to be difficult, confusing and complicated.

But here’s some news for you. Greening is simple. It’s rewarding and makes sense and cents. It means incorporating sustainability into the small details of your daily routine. Becoming an eco-citizen. And it’s far easier than you might think.

Bookmark This