The Chamber of Commerce wants businesses to have an environmental rethink. After it became the seventh organisation to receive the Keep Guernsey Green award, president Mark Trenchard wants others to follow suit.
‘Business is responsible for a major share of waste and therefore we must collectively not only support the concept but also fundamentally change the way we operate,’ he said.
‘Interestingly, it is not only beneficial for the environment - it often increases efficiency as we challenge the way we work. Those practices may well be outdated.’
The accolade is given to companies that promote good waste management and recycling.
Chamber, which has a staff of four, now recycles all its paper, cardboard, plastic and glass.
‘It’s all about educating people,’ said director Mike Collins, who has been leading the initiative in the office.
‘It’s amazing how simple it is to organise and the difference that it makes.’
Chamber, which represents more than 600 companies from sectors including retail, hospitality, professional services and the media, is keen to advise other businesses how to get involved with the scheme.
Environment board member Deputy Chris Brock hoped other firms would follow suit.
‘I’m thrilled that they have received this award because we look to them to shape the future,’ he said.
Mr Trenchard added that while it was important to have initial enthusiasm for the project, it was equally important that it be maintained.
For a business to receive an award, it must show commitment to waste-management issues. This can include taking steps to reduce packaging, encouraging staff to recycle and reducing the amount of rubbish that goes to landfill.
Environment carries out regular checks on companies to ensure they are still meeting the criteria.
Since the scheme’s launch last summer, seven businesses have received an award, 10 have signed up and a further 12 have expressed an interest.
Article posted on 21st May, 2007 - 12.00am
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