USDA Ramps Up Environmental Programs

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is circulating environmental tips to all of its employees  including such common step things as turning off unnecessary lights, using your own reusable containers for drinks, groceries and meals and avoiding travel to meetings when other forms of communication will do the job.  Reduction. Recycling. Reuse, and even using less air conditioning are covered.  See the list: (http://greening.usda.gov/simple_things.htm),

This message is part of a program, called Greening USDA. Its purpose is laudable but – in a department that funds clear-cuts of forests and industrial agricultural practices leading to growing desertification, not to mention promoting pesticide use, genetically-modified crops and mega-factory farms – the focus on the “small stuff” like re-using your lunch bag obscures employee involvement in the department’s big issues.

The USDA Green Team Updates by month are an interesting list of initiatives.

Their "Environmental Programs" section on their website include categories of articles for:

• Energy & Environment
• Hazardous Materials
• Radiation Safety
• Sustainable Operations

You might consider an "internal" and "supply chain" section on your own website to cover topics such as this to focus attention on your sustainable business initiatives.  Spreading the word that you have a policy about more sustainable practices can be a powerful motivator and set the tone for purchasing, waste management and even cost reductions.