The Etiquette of Thinking Green ….Happy St. Patrick’s Day

As March winds blow away the winter to prepare for spring, it’s time to reinforce thinking green. In our current economy, you may be thinking about good ole green cash, but I am referring to something much larger….thinking green as in global etiquette.

I recently had the opportunity to tour Mercy Neighborhood Ministries in Philadelphia. It is a unique facility that was once a deteriorated 33,000-square-foot warehouse. They began their renovation and followed the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) protocols to achieve the status of the first “green” building in North Philadelphia, and it is a stunning facility. What is so incredible about the building is that its design uses natural resources to maximize their effect.

So what is so good about being green and what does all this have to do with protocol, etiquette and diplomacy? Well, it all has to do with global etiquette and being kind to our planet, ultimately to one another and saving some green in the process. I was impressed to learn that Green buildings that have LEED certification:

• Have less impact on the environment.

• Save natural resources.

• Utilize natural lighting.

• Recycle building and construction waste, where possible.

• Take advantage of highly efficient HVAC systems.

• Can provide health benefits for people with asthma and other chronic breathing problems.

Perhaps you can start thinking green in your business. Here are some ideas that you can use in your own business to be kinder to the planet:

• Recycle paper, cardboard, glass and plastic

• Avoid needless printing of documents

• Turn off lights that are not necessary

• Reduce the thermostat setting by a degree in winter and raise one degree in summer

• Encourage carpooling

The benefits in following these simple steps are two-fold. You impact the environment in a very positive way and you increase the green…as in good ole green cash.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

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