Hoeked on Green
A big THANK-YOU to the 32 Fish Hoek businesses who took the time to complete the Hoeked on Green survey. Click here to comment on Hoeked on Green
With increasing knowledge about the cost to the environment of the `old’ way of doing business, businesses across the globe are rising to the challenge of being environmentally responsible. Where does Fish Hoek stand in this process? The survey gave some pointers. But first a metaphor to demonstrate why caring for the natural environment makes good business sense.
I like to use Fish Hoek beach as a metaphor to make the connection between business and the environment. The beach is undoubtedly one of Fish Hoek’s key natural assets and is a big drawcard with very significant benefits for local business. In spite of this Fish Hoek Beach `suffers’ from environmental impacts generated at both the global and local scale.
The impacts on Fish Hoek Beach of changing weather patterns associated with Climate Change are the result of the global scale impacts to which all consumers and local business contribute – primarily in the form of our carbon footprints. Who will ever forget the Spring day storm of 2008 that caused havoc along the coast resulting in the lengthy and costly closure-for-repairs of the popular Jagger’s Catwalk. Climate Change is predicted not only to bring us an increased frequency of destructive storms, but also to increase the frequency of the South Easter by 7%. Not good for summer season business in Fish Hoek!!!
The local impact to which the metaphor eludes is the poor water quality of Fish Hoek Beach – a key reason why the beach does not have Blue Flag status. The poor water quality is a direct function of polluted run-off from the land. Clearly bad business practice is not the sole cause, but neither is business setting an example or leading a clean up campaign, which would be in their own best interest. All businesses that hose spillages, refuse bins or mess on their property into the storm water system are contributing to an impact in the form of a polluted swimming area and bad publicity, both of which are bad for local business.
I hope this metaphor has connected sufficient dots between business practice and environmental impact to demonstrate that all business is a subsidiary of Planet Earth. If we don’t look after the natural environment, we can’t enjoy the benefits of its natural capital.
The `Hoeked on Green’ Survey:
The survey was a simple one-size-fits-all questionnaire which was quick and easy to complete. The questions were divided into sets based on Energy, Water, Waste and Biodiversity – the idea being that people could link specific actions to these environmental issues. Biodiversity was probably the most difficult for a Main Road business community to respond to. Click here to see the survey form.
Summary of the key findings:
ENERGY:
At least 50% of businesses have adopted energy saving measures including reducing transport costs and installing low energy lights. Increasing fuel and electricity cost are probably a big motivating factor.
None of the 32 businesses surveyed had installed or were considering installing alternative energy systems. E.g. solar geysers, photo-voltaic cells or wind turbines. Possible resistance because of capital installation costs and because many businesses do not own the building they operate from.
WASTE:
1/3 of businesses do some form of recycling of which paper is most commonly recycled. A significant number of the businesses said that they would like to recycle if it was easier or if there was a system in place.
Most businesses believe they can reduce the volume of office paper used.
I find it interesting that 50% of businesses claim not to be able to reduce the amount of packaging they receive or use. An audit process rather than a snap survey is required for businesses who use large quantities of packaging to find solutions. In the meanwhile it is important to put efficient and reliable re-use and recycling inplace.
Here is an opportunity to set up a business district recycling system.
WATER:
Generally there was less interest in being pro-active about water issues. It is possible that for the businesses surveyed, water is not a high cost factor.
2 out of 32 businesses have installed water saving devices.
1/3 of businesses knew where the washing water from their yards flows.
BIODIVERSITY:
1/2 of businesses said they dispose of oil, batteries, CFLs and computer equipment responsibly. This is a good start, but because of the generally toxic nature of these items, it is important that all businesses and consumers dispose of them at dedicated collection points.
While 1/3 of businesses said they use environmentally friendly cleaning products, I found that a number of these simply assumed that the products were environmentally friendly but did not understand the criteria.
1/2 of businesses claim to know what resources are used to make the products they use and sell. As with the cleaning products, I believe that in general businesses responded simply to the question rather than thinking more carefully about the answer.
The last Question asked businesses to Identify one significant GREEN action that they would be willing to implement in 2011 to reduce a negative impact on the environment.
20 of the 32 businesses answered this question. But only 5 were specific about what they were going to do. Their answers included:
Replacing the balance of old fluorescent lighting with energy efficient fittings.
Install an energy meter to monitor energy use with a view to being more efficient.
Making sure every community in SA has access to alternative energy.
Installing a water purifying device so that washing water going into the waste water system will be free of potential toxins.
Selling genuine organic coffee in Fish Hoek
The other 15 businesses identified green actions such as recycling and reducing packaging, saving electricity and reducing their carbon footprint but did not make any specific commitment to implement the action.
THESE ANSWERS DEMONSTRATE AWARENESS BUT NOT THE HOW TO.
Hoeked on Green – Where to from here:
The Fish Hoek Business community needs to place a value on Going Green!!
A number of business people commented that they would do more if it was easier / if they knew how / if someone else could organise it.
Some thoughts to start the discussion:
1. The Hoeked on Green survey gives some pointers wrt common issues – one of these, such as recycling, could be tackled first as a pilot project.
2. Develop a Hoeked on Green vision for Fish Hoek. What does the business community want to achieve and broadly speaking how does it want to get there?
3. Start a forum for sharing info about green business practice (The Scenic South Website could provide an online platform.)
4. Set up a Green Team or Appoint a Green Liaison person.
5. Develop a locally relevant set of criteria for accreditation as a `Green’ business. Use this to promote your business. (Existing models can be adapted)
6. Aim to get F H onto Cape Town’s Green Map as a green business community.
7. Celebrate the Wind and Sun with alternative energy systems.
In conclusion: There is a mismatch between the way we live and do business today and Nature’s ability to indefinitely supply resources and a waste sink. “If we continue with business as usual, we will need two planets by 2030 to keep up with humanity’s demand for goods and services.” Dr Morne du Plessis, CEO of WWF South Africa
On a positive note, everyday I read about more businesses and communities that have changed the way they operate so that they produce zero waste, are carbon neutral, generate their own power or source products locally, etc. These are the businesses and the people who are investing in a sustainable future.
Everyday we hear about Lead SA individuals who are making a difference and demonstrating the power of action.
The Scenic South website launched Courage 2 B Cool to promote earth friendly lifestyles and business practice and to showcase locals who live in a way that is Cool for the Earth. If you are aware of such businesses please let us know. Please Click here to comment on Hoeked on Green.
GET HOEKED ON GREEN
KimK 16 November 2010
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