Move your Business Beyond Compliance & discover New Markets

Many organisations spend a large amount of time and effort in establishing,developing and maintaining extremely close ties with their clients. With the advent of sustainability and the fact that its adoption is being accelerated, due to the likes of Wal-Mart and others investing in SA, organisations need to reassess their positions with their clients and customers.

Obviously it is vital to stay close to your market, but service and good relationship will give way to something bigger. Green Credentials. You see, it is really about re-inventing your position and moving into strategic supplier partnerships, as opposed to being just close. In this new age of Sustainability, the door will open more readily for your organisation with a redefined progressive approach. Align yourself with your clients systems, metrics, IT & Carbon monitoring solutions and understand their way of thinking.

Amalgamated Appliance Holdings CEO, Alan Coward, points out that “Walmart’s entry to the market — has shaken up SA’s supply chain” and has forced both suppliers& competitors alike to assess their offering & position in the marketplace, in order to remain competitive.

ACSA (Airports Company of South Africa) recently concluded an international deal with Brazil to manage their airport/s. Should ACSA have had demonstrable Green Credentials, their bid would have been far more easy to obtain. If the successes of other sustainable companies around the globe are anything to go by, ACSA’s proposed operating margin would have been protected or even improved by their ability to demonstrate their Green achievements.

Both South Africa and Brazil, rank extremely highly amongst countries posing as high risk of corruption. Any organisation demonstrating its commitment to the “Triple-Bottom-Line”and one that subscribes to ethical trading practices such as the likes of FairTrade, is really positioning themselves strategically, to become the obvious choice in tenders, even should their pricing not be in line.

So while you may still enjoy the unreliable position of “preferred Supplier”status with several or many of your clients, use your time wisely and rethink how to reposition yourself as the obvious choice for a strategic partnership, based on sustainability.

Sustainability is fast becoming the most vital focus area of businesses seeking to remain competitive and remain "Ahead-of-the-Curve".

Being solely product or marketing focused, this will certainly prove to be a disadvantage to organisations choosing not to enter the sustainability space!

Those Progressive businesses seeking ways to introduce and ultimately embed sustainability into their new & improved cultures, it becomes absolutely vital, that organisational capacity is in place.

By ensuring that sustainability pricinciples are properly employed, employees are fully engaged and that the sustainability strategy is relevant & material, the organisation can be assured of its successful implementation.

Edu-Tech proudly presents its Corporate Sustainability Mentorship Program which has the incredible advantage of bringing Sustainability Training right to your organisation wherein your key staff will learn about sustainability principles and apply them into developing an organic sustainability plan for your organisation.

Take a look at our courses at http://www.go-green-consult.com/sustainabilitytraining.htm 

To find out more about the Edu-Tech Corporate Sustainability Mentorship Program, please click on the button below and complete the webform and we will arrange a no-obligation meeting with your organisation to demonstrate the power of this cutting edge program.

We look forward to asisting you and your organisation on the path to a sustainable future.

Sustainability has travelled many roads over the past 2 decades, from being seen as being an nice thing to do, to that of meeting compliance, to more recently, short term defensive mechanisms aimed at protecting bottomline erosion or blocking a competitor’s market entry or expansion plans.

However, what is happening today is that organisations areusing sustainability as a long term tactic forming offensive positions. Thoseprogressive enough to use sustainability in its entirety are seeking tostrengthen their business models through cross-industry partnerships, andmergers & acquisitions that capitalise on, sustainability strengths of others.This approach ultimately places them in far stronger positions in the market.

The likes of 2 fiercely competitive motor industrymanufacturers, Toyota and BMW, “recently announced joint research on nextgeneration lithium-ion battery technologies and BMW will begin supplying“clean” diesel engines to Toyota in 2014”.

We have long preached that industry and not government willdrive sustainability and if you are interested in reading about howsustainability is finding its new gear, read on…..

In a study recently concluded by Robert G Eccles, a professor of management practice at Harvard Business School, the overriding evidence indicates - most certainly.

The study divided 180 US organisations into "two virtually identical sets of firms in terms of size, financial performance and growth prospects, over the period from the beginning of 1993 to the end of 2010". The two distinct groups were defined as High Sustainability firms and Low Sustainability firms. Read More....

Legislation and Compliance seem to be leading the Green Movement, albeit not driven by Government. In many instances across the globe, progressive countries take the lead role instead of waiting for government to take action. Governments by their mere form are notoriously slow and it is therefore the organisations and lobbyists with the foresight who will and are driving the green revolution.

Mervyn Kings GRI has attracted yet another body into the sustainability reporting arena. The Code for Responsible Investing in South Africa (CRISA) was launched last July and became effective at the beginning of Feb 2012. Whilst not legislation, CRISA  encourages all institutional investors to integrate sustainability and triple bottom line principles into their investment decisions. There are basically 5 principles which guide the Investment industry and summary can be found at http://www.asisa.co.za/index.php/info-centre/responsible-investment.html

The consumer will become more an more influential in how organisations produce package and deliver their products and it is very interesting to witness the shift of power back to the consumer.

The future is Green!

Whether or not the SA economy is being driven into the Green Sector as a result of mainstream acceptance of the theory of man-made greenhouse gases causing environmental destruction, or finally by the understanding of the fact that there are too many of us consuming too many resources too fast, the reality is that the Green Economy is now in play!

If you are committed to personal growth in 2012, and believe that you can make a positive difference to society, business and to our most precious yet abused resource, EARTH, then you will need a selection of advance thinking, backed by tools and solutions to help you get there.

By simply understanding the balanced systems approach - knowing that  Earth, Climate and Mother Nature all work in an equilibrium, and that a small part can affect the whole, is an important starting point. No longer can we afford to live with the short term (ignorance) mentality of "I am okay, so everything is okay", instead we need to understand, accept and practice the 3BL approach (Triple Bottom Line) especially when it comes to people.

Better still, when you understand and apply William McDonough © 2002 approach of: "How do we love all the children, of all species, for all time" you will begin to see just how vital the systems approach is. This is not just about humans on the planet but instead about co-existence of all creatures on the planet. Many of the world's oceans are already over-exploited some more than 80%, so how will this affect the whole food chain? How will this effect industry, jobs, security and eventually us? We can no longer ignore these issues and for this reason more and more green ambassadors trained in green ideologies are needed as urgent catalysts of change.

In the Systems approach, the demise of one species will impact the existence of another.

Do you see yourself as wanting to help people and businesses who are struggling to find a sustainable balance, improved ethics, compassion, meaning or well-being in their lives? Do you want to make a good living and also do work that you are passionate about, and a career that makes a positive contribution to the world at large?

The world is changing at an alarming rate. In 2011 the world changed in so many ways from the floors of the stock exchanges, banking, economic, social, political and not to mention the technological changes. What opportunities and threats have these changes brought about? How do these translate into Green?

Many of us, organisations and institutions are stuck in the old ways of thinking & doing business and therefore by you training as a Certified Green Consultant / Coach / Mentor / Change Agent, you will become a vital conduit who can bring about real change, sustainable change, to any organisation.

So if you are seeking an extremely rewarding, yet challenging career in sustainability, you have passion for the environment and firmly believe that you are a good steward of the earth and aren't afraid to demonstrate it, then 2012 is the time to make the change.

Your next steps are: to get educated, get informed and get connected to a significant Green  Network who is passionate about Greening South Africa, who have the tools and systems to do so. For more info Please visit

http://www.go-green-consult.com/thegreenopportunity.htm and you can be soon on your way to making your dreams and passion a lucrative source of income, whilst saving the environment and more importantly, mankind.

We look forward to welcoming you on-board The Green Path Consultant Network!

So you're thinking about how to Go-Green this Christmas.

This is not your usual run-of-the-mill top 5 or top 10 tips to Go-Green, instead it is about making real and permanent changes that really do count.

This Christmas source organic, free range and where possible animal products from farmers who support CIWF (Compassion in World Farming). Consider supporting your local farmers so as to avoid unnecessary transport of goods from distant markets, which have incurred horrendous carbon emissions to get product to your local store.

We know that it is a massive task to feed the whole world, but at least, where possible, let's support farmers who rear their livestock on farms and not in factories.

Be sure to consider this when buying your milk, eggs, chicken, beef, pork or whatever protein it is you chose!

Here's a Kind Food Guide provided by the caring folks at CIWF - SA  http/www.animal-voice.org/images/stories/pdf/kind_food_guide.pdf

to help guide you to retailers who are making a difference in the way animals are reared for our consumption. With compassion! 

Should you need any more motivation to enjoying a "compassionate" Green Christmas this year, then take a quick moment and visit

http/www.ciwf.org.uk/your_food/default.aspx

Not gruesome. Simply thought provoking!

If the oldest amongst us are the wisest, then here are the wisest words you may ever hear….

“Our task must be to free ourselves... by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and its beauty”.

(Albert Einstein)

Remember that the real price of the goods is not in the price you pay. It’s in the price you don’t pay!

Consider the LIFEcycle of the things you buy this Christmas, and chose your retailer carefully. There are retailers who really do care!

See Kind Food Guide above.

Paying a small premium to support a compassionate farmer, really is an effective way of Going-Green this Christmas.

On behalf of Go-Green Consulting, and The Green Path, we thank you for your interest in Going-Green this year and we look forward to making a difference in your life during 2012!

Have a wonderful, Green & Compassionate Christmas

&

a fantastic but safe New Year.

Believe it or not, Barbie has become the most recent environmental activist to join in and support Green Peace's drive to save the rainforests.

Some may never have thought that Barbie had it in her to Go-Green and perhaps without the strong "encouragement" from Green Peace, she may have never done so.

About a year ago Green Peace began a campaign that targeted the toy industry as they make use of considerable volumes of cardboard packaging, a lot of which is produced by paper and pulp manufacturers sourcing raw materials from unsustainable sources, such as Indonesian rainforests.

In fact it is the power of greening a supply chain that did the trick.Green Peace has been applying pressure on Asia Pulp & Paper (APP), to refrain from destroying the Indo rainforests and procure raw materials from sustainable sources such as FSC sources. Not only are rainforests the lungs of the earth but they are home to numerous endangered species and extremely fragile ecosystems.

Extremely unwisely, APP decided to ignore these requests and continued to conduct business as usual. Working through APP’s supply chain, Green Peace has managed to pressurise several of  APP’s main customers, to refrain from contracting with providers of goods from controversial sources.

In 2010 Green Peace began targeting Mattel, the world's largest toy manufacturer,and the manufacturer of the famous Barbie Doll. Green Peace activists scaled the side of Mattel’s 15 floor Head Office building and displayed a banner depicting Ken Doll, Barbie’s long-standing & loyal boyfriend, stating “Barbie, it’s over. I don’t date girls that are into deforestation.”

Just last week, Mattel agreed to revise its procurement policy and made the decision to move its business away from controversial suppliers (APP) to those who understand that Green is Good for Business.

Mattel joins the ranks of Home Depot, Staples, Lego and Hasbro who have implemented policy changes and moved away from APP. One major toy manufacturer who still has not responded with any change is Disney. For some companies, they just cannot manage to see the way forward and instead position themselves and their brands in extremely precarious positions.

To join in the movement to get Disney to conform, follow this link to see what is transpiring http/understory.ran.org/2011/06/10/disneys-ties-to-rainforest-destruction-exposed-again/ . The site also has an email link to Disney companies CEO.

Watch this space to see what else Barbie does for the green movement now that the first step has been taken!

However let’s not lose sight of the fact that she is still made of PLASTIC!

Mesothelioma, is more commonly known in South Africa as Asbestos Lung Disease, although not technically correct.

“Mesothelioma is a rare incurable cancerous disease usually caused by exposure to asbestos, in which malignant cells form a tumour in the mesothelium (the outer lining that protects the body’s major organs such as the stomach, heart, and lungs) - the most common site is the pleura (the outer lining of the lungs and chest cavity).”1

Mesothelioma is well promoted in other parts of the world but sadly not so here. Back in the mid 70's around some 20,000 people were employed on our asbestos mines. In fact it’s no small surprise that with the highest rate of mesothelioma diagnosis on earth, South Africa has been called the "Mesothelioma Capital of the World".

In the USA, 26th September is known as National Mesothelioma day. To support this day, organisations such as mesotheliomaSymptoms.com are spreading awareness by educating as many online communities about the dangers of asbestos exposure and how it can lead to this terminal disease.

“Asbestos is a carcinogenic, fibrous mineral, which was once widely used in construction, usually for insulating purposes. Asbestos fiber has been used in everything from building materials, car parts, roads, and school playgrounds to clothing, bedding, and even tampons.”1

However even after the bans have been placed on asbestos mining & production, it poses a real threat today for workers and homeowners making green improvements to their surroundings, through the removal and disposal of old asbestos products.

Although to date there is no proven cure for the disease, early detection can result in a physician being able to halt the spread of tumours and literally add years onto the life of patients.

“Patients with mesothelioma generally do not demonstrate symptoms of this disease until 20 to 50 years after their initial exposure to asbestos. Fibers that embed in the tissue surrounding the body’s internal organs, the mesothelium, usually must be present for many decades before the development of cancer. These fibers gradually accumulate and cause scarring, which leads to inflammation and cancer. Although these fibers are most often introduced into the body through inhalation, the material can also be introduced through ingestion as well. Initially, symptoms may be mild and an individual might not find them cause for alarm. However, as the cancer spreads, these symptoms become more severe and debilitating.”2

Should you know or suspect anybody who has been exposed to asbestos please do encourage them to find out more about its effects.

With regards to understanding the effects of Mesothelioma, including tons of free advice, you will find it extremely worthwhile to visit www.mesotheliomasymptoms.com

1/ www.southafrica.to/people/disease/Mesothelioma/mesothelioma-South-Africa.htm

2/ www.mesotheliomasymptoms.com

They say that Rome, wasn't built in a day and many would state that its because there wasn't a woman in charge or at the helm!

.... and for those of you males who are reading this shaking your head, here are a few Q&A's for you, which are certain to stop you head shaking and rather cause your jaw to drop:

Q/ What is a LOHAS

A/ LOHAS is an acronym for Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability. This a market segment focused on health and fitness, the environment, personal development, sustainable living, and social justice. Quite frankly, the market segment of the future, in many respects.

Q/ Which gender leads the LOHAS segment?

A/ You guessed it, Woman. Recent studies have shown that globally, woman make up more than 60% of the LOHAS segment, and their percentage is growing steadily.

Q/ Which gender accounts for the biggest segment in the US consumer market?

A/ Right again. Woman and they account for 85% of purchasing decision and in a recent survey of of the US, woman dominated the purchasing decisions by far:

* 91% of New Homes

* 66% PCs

* 92% Vacations

* 80% Healthcare

* 65% New Cars

* 89% Bank Accounts

* 93% Food

* 93 % OTC Pharmaceuticals

Q/ Which gender controls most of the wealth in the USA?

A/ So guys know the answer to this one because its common knowledge that the big shots of Microsoft, Berkshire Hathaway, Walmart, Google etc. are all males. Well here's the best kept secret, "Senior women age 50 and older control net worth of $19 trillion (in the US) and own more than three-fourths of the nation’s financial wealth". – MassMutual Financial Group–2007. Well you may say that this is SA not the USA....well watch this space!

Q/ So if 85% of the purchasing decisions are made by woman, how come only 3% of the advertising agencies' creative directors are woman?

A/ No logical explanation is to be found????

Q/ Who is making the green purchasing decisions?

A/ Just over 70% of the green consumers tend to be women.

So whats the deal guys? Is it an silent stigma that real men can't go-green? Or is it that real men simply don't have the Green X-Factor which women have?

It is becoming evident that women seem to have the right balance between vision & values coupled with the Green-X-Factor which I can only state as "Environmental empathy".

Well with that line of thinking, I hold out hope that the women of the world step up and apply the much awaited fix for the environmental decay the world is facing today.