Submitted by: Amy Bellcourt, Vice President of Communications, SCA

“Victory is not won in miles but in inches.” This well-known quote comes to mind as we celebrate Earth Day on April 22.

For some companies, like SCA, sustainability is second nature because it is part of our core business strategy and an integral part of our culture. You may be part of a company that hasn’t yet embraced the ‘green movement.’ Are cost, time or knowledge keeping you from this commitment? Do concepts like LEED certification, reengineering production processes, reducing emissions and renewable energy seem daunting?

Even if you can’t take these larger projects on, there are simple actions every business and individual can take that contribute to a healthy and sustainable environment. 

The theme of this year’s Earth Day is “A Billion Acts of Green” – spotlighting the power of individual acts. With 140,000 businesses and nearly six million residents in the Philadelphia area, just imagine how substantial our collective contribution could be.

According to Pennsylvania Leaders for a Clean Energy Economy, recent analysis by leading U.S. academic institutions finds that comprehensive, forward-looking federal climate and energy policy could create up to 78,000 jobs in Pennsylvania, increase household incomes by $1,092 and grow the state economy by $4.3 billion.

In the second annual global sustainability study – issued earlier this year by the MIT Sloan Management Review and The Boston Consulting Group – nearly 60 percent of the companies reported increasing their sustainability investments in 2010, despite the economic situation. It’s clear that companies have learned the direct and positive economic impact yielded by proactive environmental activities.

Below are five simple activities your organization can undertake to benefit the planet and your bottom line:

  • Turn off anything with an on/off switch when not in use. Computers, monitors, copiers and lighting waste energy when the building is empty, even in standby mode. Shut down and switch off at the end of the day.
  • Create a waste system featuring clearly identifiable bins for recyclables and trash. Sounds simple, but many companies have not taken this basic step.
  • Be aware of vampire energy. Cell phone and mp3 player chargers and desk radios are consuming energy even when you are not using them. Plug them into a power strip and turn it off at the end of the day.
  • Say no to the bottle. In addition to being expensive, bottled water contributes to the waste stream (generally more plastic is collected than can be recycled). Make free tap water an option for employees by adding a filtration system to faucets for a clean, fresh tasting bottled water alternative. Provide employees with a reusable water bottle, featuring your company logo. 
  • Consider the consumable products in your business. Are you purchasing bath tissue, paper towels and printer paper made from recycled content and rechargeable batteries?

Collectively we will inch closer to victory with efforts not only good for the planet, but also for our economy. All it takes is action by each of us achieve a “Billion Acts of Green.”

Amy Bellcourt is the Vice President of Communications for SCA in the Americas.  SCA is a global hygiene and paper company with U.S. headquarters in Philadelphia. In the United States, SCA produces the Tork® line of napkin, towel and tissue products and TENA®incontinence care products.  SCA has been ranked one of the world’s most ethical companies by the Ethisphere Institute and has been recognized by the Global 100 for its sustainable practices. Visit SCA at http://www.sca.com/us, or call 800-328-9043.