
Green companies
In the past I have been skeptical of companies implementing green policies purely for PR purposes rather than them actually caring about the environment. I'm not a tree hugger but do consider myself to be a 'green' person. I use public transport everyday, the car only once a week, recycle everything I can and rarely indulge in air travel and other high polluting activities.
I have been impressed with Playgroup’s efforts in trying to cut down on paper usage and recycling of materials in particular. So now that I have left Playgroup as a full time employee I thought I would see how my new company shapes up.
I must say I was shocked when I arrived. It soon became apparent that no one is allowed a personal bin, a fan or a heater (the heater I hid under my desk was soon confiscated). There are 5 different recycling bins on each floor and woe betide anyone who puts the wrong item in the wrong bin, as someone on floor 2 found out the other day. A gentle reminder was sent to everyone in the company that Heinz Big Soup cans should be washed before being disposed of.
I thought I was living in a military camp for the first week, but I have to give credit to my new colleagues - everyone seems to follow these processes rigidly and practically everything is recycled. Bins are emptied at least once a day and I'm sure once I get used to the system it will become second nature. I do find having to walk halfway across the office to dispose of a piece of rubbish tedious though.
It is encouraging that companies are taking green policies seriously and I find it makes you as an individual more responsible when you see your company making such as effort.
Posted by Darren on 08 Jul 08, at 9:43 pm
2 comments on this post

And if organisations need more of a motive to get involved and improve their green rating - there are a whole raft of awards out there. The Green Business Awards just one of them: http://www.haymarketevents.com/awardDetail/235/green-business-awards
Rewarding the most innovative and ambitious initiatives that companies undertake to be green.











Right Darren, I'm going to make my mission at Playgroup to make it greener than your new company - any excuse to get rid of those squeaky fans!