IB BOOKS
Issue No. 36 - August/September 2007
It is easy being green
by Pamela Brombal
‘Think global, act local’ is the catch-cry of Adelaide-based environmental biologist and author, Jean Cannon. Her new title, It Is Easy Being Green: Simple Steps To Help Your Business Help The World outlines simple steps to assist small to medium-sized businesses meet their environmental impact targets.
Jean has more than 20 years of experience in management, quality assurance, government advisory and committee planning. Her company Enviro Action helps businesses to implement practical and cost-effective environmental management systems.
The biggest benefit of a successful EMS is the culture change that takes place. There is better communication and a more aware workforce, but one of the biggest cost savings comes from identifying waste and better ways to manage it.
“Waste is not just the rubbish that is put out. It is excess power used; it is paper used on only one side; it is buying too much of something and wasting part; it is wasting time and wasting effort,” Jean says.
“Anything that is not adding value to your product or service is waste. Preventing this waste directly improves your bottom line.”
Certification may offer new business opportunities in marketing advantages or access to markets that are closed to non-certified producers.
EMS also projects a good corporate image and builds awareness of a firm’s environmental concern amongst employees.
Jean works within the guidelines of the ISO 14001 certi...
