A couple of weeks ago I contributed a guest post to The Metropreneur, one of Ohio’s leading resources on all things entrepreneurial. Below is a small snipet of the article; follow the link below to read the full write up!
Throughout March, The Metropreneur has focused on local organizations that offer programs designed to help small businesses be more environmentally friendly, businesses with exceptional green policies, and busiensses that offer green products or services.
Sara Rampersaud is the president and CEO of Eco Assist Consulting, a Central Ohio firm founded on the belief that every business, community, and individual has the potential to become a leader in sustainability. So who better to be the subject of our “Frequently Asked Questions” feature this month?
Herewith, the Columbus State graduate shares the questions she is asked most about sustainability-and her answers, of course.
1. How did you get started in this line of work?
It started with shampoo. I have been involved in issues relating to sustainability for about 10 years, but after my kids were born, I became more aware of the direct relationship between my family’s health and the environment. That turned intangible threats, like the link between my kids shampoo and hormone disruption, into very real problems that affected my family.
After becoming frustrated trying to understand and navigate the sea of eco-labels, I founded a website whose mission it was to highlight responsible companies and products while verifying, to the extent possible, “sustainability” claims. While that is still a passion of mine, my focus is now with Eco Assist Consulting. I love my work and the people I get to work with.
2. What is sustainability?
This is always a tough question to answer. There is no single definition of sustainability but in general we’re talking about the need to balance economic, environmental and social wellbeing. Businesses often refer to it as “the triple bottom line.” Unfortunately, sustainability is often thought of as a means to simply lessen environmental impacts. But a really great “green” product isn’t very impactful if nobody buys it and a business that invests large amounts of money into dead-end projects isn’t financially sustaianble. We’re really aiming to optimize all three priorities-people, planet and profit-instead of trading one against another.
3. Isn’t this just another trend?
When social media emerged, it was largely believed to be some kind of passing fad, yet in the span of a few short years it fundamentally altered the way we do business. Companies who fail to respond quickly enough to changing technology, markets, and business models tend to stifle where they could be innovating. Scott Lee, [former] CEO of Wal-Mart, has called sustainability the “greatest opportunity of the 21st century.” The forces driving this shift aren’t going away and they’re impacting the way businesses create value, regardless of size or industry.
Today, some of the largest corporations in history are evaluating their entire supply chains, creating C-suite positions for sustainability officers, and giving more shelf space to those with superior environmental or social performance. I think it begs the question: “Why?”
I don’t think it’s likely they had a sudden attack of conscience; they’re doing it because they have to if they want to remain relevant, leading companies. The ripple effect from this example alone is sweeping.
Businesses today have the option of becoming a first mover or tying to play catch-up when their competitors already have.
…Continue reading the rest of the article here via The Metropreneur