4 Tips for Going Socially Conscious—Affordably

Here are some tactics that can be implemented immediately--some at very little cost—to help your business have a socially conscious angle. “Every positive step should be publicized to customers, clients and colleagues,” says Angela Moore of Starfish PR, a California-based agency.

• Publicize the good. Identify all the things your business does for the environment, publicize it and encourage other business and customers to adopt some of their practices.  This can be done on the website, with tip sheets, challenges, and branding.
  1. Add a side bar to the website outlining what the company does to give back, help the environment, volunteer, donations, etc.
  2. Create a tip sheet to educate customers and other businesses about ways they can make positive changes and make a difference.
  3. If you are using 100% recycled stationary, retail bags or packaging, brand it as such and make sure people know it. 
• Start a campaign. Tie your operations into Earth Day or create your own promotion that ties into your industry.  Make an attempt do go 50 percent paperless in celebration of Arbor Day.
• Volunteer. As the business owner you can volunteer for local/national charities and encourage your team to do so.  Rather than an executive retreat at the Ritz Carlton, for example, take your team to a Habitat for Humanity build site and do some real team building that will help a deserving family live in a safe, affordable home.
• Give Sensible Corporate Gifts. Send plants rather than an engraved “whatever” or make a donation to a charity at the holidays.