“The opposite of sustainability is being unsustainable, vulnerable. Too often companies have fallen, or been greatly damaged, because of events that have taken place in other parts of their supply chain, not necessarily things in their traditional sphere of control. These events have run the range of environmental (products or materials tainted with toxic chemicals), economic (cost spikes of a feedstock), or social (poor or illegal labor practices by a supplier).”
—Paul Anastas, EPA Assistant Administrators
from How to Build Sustainability into your Supply Chain
Ten years ago, using the word sustainability in conversation likely won its speaker the ignoble title tree-hugger. Five years ago, the term garnered friendlier reactions while its institution was more of a “nice to have.” But today, sustainability is not just normal; it’s imperative.
If we don’t locally source materials for our businesses or our buildings, we cannot compete. If we’re not efficient with those resources, the waste is our profits. If those resources are not environmentally sound, our clients are at risk.
Sounds scary, but with careful attention to detail, we can be sustainable. Our clients will benefit and our business will grow. Hug a tree. It’s worth it.
Topics: Sustainability