Paper and Coal – It’s Not What You Think!

At a recent presentation, Lisa Chothia, The Nutritional Realist, shared a snacking analogy using paper and coal. Her idea was that paper burns quickly, giving off heat instantly – like a foodstuff containing sugar, providing a quick win in raising blood sugar. But this is not sustainable. To maintain a lasting feeling of satisfaction, slower burning foods – the coal – should be eaten at the same time.

What’s This Got to do With the Environment?

It struck me that to make a business truly environmentally sustainable; this analogy is applicable here too. Remember, the aim is to develop an embedded culture where considering ecological impact becomes an integral part of daily activity and decision making.

Paper

These are the ‘quick wins ’which we aim to achieve and can include encouraging (an increase in) recycling or installing energy saving lighting, with a relative short payback period. These ‘wins’ or positive outcomes are very important in terms of employee engagement.

A strong process of communicating the organisation’s achievement is vital to enable the workforce to understand their contribution to reducing environmental impact.

Coal

The slower burning element – (No, I’m not advocating literally burning carbon emitting fossil fuels here) – is the part when a company moves towards an understanding of how its activities impact upon its surroundings.

At this point, motivated individuals, backed by the organisation’s leadership team become willing to examine company specific activities. One example would be reviewing how manufacturing processes can be adapted to integrate a circular loop model rather than the traditional wasteful linear path. Viewing waste as ‘a resource out of place’ and considering its potential as a valuable commodity rather than a cost to the company would be another example. Yet both are encompassed by the circular economy concept coined by William MacDonough in his innovative ‘Cradle to Cradle’ approach.

Once the company moves towards having a sustainable culture internally, it can start examining its supply chain and spread positive influences to a wider audience.

Becoming Environmentally Sensitive

Going back to the paper and coal analogy, as with any genuine desire to change, the shift to an embedded environmentally sensitive ethos is a slow burn, which requires time and commitment.

There are compelling commercial benefits to embarking on this sustainable journey, making it a sound investment into securing the company’s future. Not to mention the tendering prospects and marketing opportunities which can be leveraged.

A Coral Mountain Sustainability Review

...sparks the match to ignite this process. The review provides a comprehensive snapshot into the organisation’s current attitude towards the environment and available skills to respond.

Encouraging your employees to recycle more is just one step to becoming green. There is much more to being truly environmentally responsible. It’s a staged process; Starting with some ‘easy wins’ will motivate individuals to become involved. Growing beyond that point involves strategic input and an implementation strategy, all of which Coral Mountain can help with.

Call (0113) 289 2208 or email me today at [email protected] and ask about Coral Mountain’s FOUR ‘A’ SERVICE. Let’s start talking about how easy it is to take charge of your environmental impact.

If you would like to find out more about practical programmes for eating healthily in the face of our busy lifestyles, contact Lisa Chothia, The Nutritional Realist on 07818 026977 or email [email protected]