Maybe we think that the only thing green about business is the color of money. This is definitely wrong. We live in a time when corporate responsibility is a household word. Environmental policies of green companies can hold as much importance as advertising campaigns.
As Philippine telemarketing agents, we spend nearly a third of our waking lives at our places of work. Our activities there can have as much effect on the environment as what we do at home, but few of us think much about it. While some of these ideas can and should be instituted at a desk-side level, many require management's buy-in to make them effective, and often even possible.
This can be done by forming a “green team.” A team approach will help ensure the success of your recycling program. Encourage participation and allow input from all staff. Make it fun. Distribute fact sheets, offer incentives, or host promotional events. Keep all staff informed of the results of their efforts.
Provide recycling bins in the photocopy and lunch rooms, and replace workstation garbage cans with recycling bins. Set up an e-filing system and encourage people to e-file rather than print out hard copies of emails and documents. Office supply catalogs aren’t necessary, as most products can be searched and purchased online.
People need to work towards change and sustainability in all walks of life, both at home and at work. Instituting a few green changes at the Philippine call center can be a part of the solution and will help to increase awareness at the very least. Perhaps this increased awareness can carry over into the personal lives of more people.