Climate change and health
Recent studies show that up to 80 percent of Americans believe that global warming is happening and that it’s time to act. Climate change can impact the health of our planet as well as our own health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that “Some existing health threats will intensify and new health threats will emerge.” The CDC also says that a person’s age, current health, economic resources, and where they live and work all affect how climate change impacts their health.
Good for the environment — good for business
A Nielsen study reported that about 70 percent of people prefer to work in an organization that is eco-friendly. More than half of consumers would pay more for products made by eco-friendly organizations.
While going green means different things to different people, most people agree that it includes making environmentally friendly choices to reduce, reuse, and recycle.
4 ideas to green your workplace
- Reduce carbon emissions by encouraging your employees to telecommute, bike, walk, or carpool. Spread the word to your employees about the 2021 Earth Month Commuter Celebration in April from local nonprofit Commuter Services.
- Provide composting and recycling options and information, whether at work or at home.
- Reduce energy use by setting computers to energy-saving modes and completely shutting down at the end of the day (consider providing information on how to do this at home too).
- While this year’s official Earth Day focuses on three days of climate action from April 20‒22, every day can be Earth Day. Read and share 51 Ways to Restore Our Earth, including ideas ranging from organizing group cleanups to reducing food waste.
For more ideas, check out this online article on how small businesses can reduce carbon emissions, or watch this brief YouTube video.
Need help going green? Don’t miss this opportunity!
Hennepin County is offering two types of grants in 2021 to assist businesses in recycling and waste prevention:
Bin and compostable bag grants
Hennepin County is providing free resources and assistance for small businesses and nonprofit organizations to start or improve recycling and organics recycling. Applicants may select up to $3,000 worth of containers and compostable bags from the county's product list.
Waste prevention grants
Hennepin County has created a new grant program to fund projects that prevent waste in the business sector. Areas of focus include replacing disposables with reusables, food waste prevention, and innovative projects around research and development (to prevent waste). This year $300,000 is available for business waste prevention grants.
Click here for grant information (along with free printable posters).
Don’t forget to share this month’s E-tips Who cares about climate change? with your employees (below).
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