Another day, yet another IPCC Report warning that if we fail to take action on climate change now, it might be too late to avoid catastrophic change. Yet, there's something about this report that's different. This time the experts say, is our last warning.

There are now only a dozen years left for global warming to be kept at 1.5C or less. That means if we don't act right now, the effects that we are already seeing are only going to get worse. For us here in Australia that means longer droughts, hotter fires, more frequent floods. It means a transformation of the way we live and run business in Australia.

Absolutely the most important players in this scenario are governments and big business. But for those of us who are neither, we can still play our part. Small business in Australia accounts for the employment of over 4.7million people, so collectively, that's a big impact. If every small business commits to climate action it puts even more pressure on the government and big business to come to the table.

So what can you do in your business? Here's my list of 7 actions you can take TODAY.

1. Delete Data

 

According to Greenpeace, technology is responsible for 7% of the world's energy consumption. While some companies are moving towards renewable energy sources for data storage, it's on all of us to keep the demand low. We're all guilty of thinking that we can save everything forever. But the reality is we can't, and we really don't need to. Aside from the annoyance of running out of storage space, holding on to redundant files - especially when they're backed up on the cloud and external drives - is a massive energy suck.

Try and build a routine of deleting old stuff into your work practice. I try and do half an hour a week, either if I'm slow waking up, or tired at the end of a hard day. Delving into a downloads file or an old email folder and seeing what's there. If it's junk, trash it. You never know, you might find interesting useable archives!

 

2. Check your suppliers

Some businesses are great at committing to climate action, some are doing the opposite. So an easy way for you to commit to climate action is to make sure the businesses you give money to are as well. Everyone from banks, to power companies to caterers have a role to play so make sure you're doing business with the best.

If you do decide to change a supplier, let them know why you're leaving. Let the new company know why you're joining them too. If companies are learning that their climate policies are gaining them customers, they're more likely to strengthen them even further.

 

3. Buy second hand

 

Consumerism is another major contributor to climate change. It's not just the energy it takes to produce new products but the resources it takes to move them around the planet. Then think about how many items are produced for single use. We're digging ourselves a giant hole and filling it with broken plastic.

Next time you have to buy something be it furniture or technology, ask yourself if you could source the product second hand. In many cases you can get better quality stuff second hand. I love my antique work desk!

One of my favourite social enterprises is Green Collect who collect unwanted stationary from offices around town and repack it to sell for reuse. They even upcycle some old products into new products. I buy all my office supplies from them and it's cheaper than any of the cheap chain stores. They also take your old office supplies so if you're cleaning out your office and not sure what to do with all of your old drop files, they're your people.

 

4. Preference public transport and cycling

 

There are some jobs that require people to be on the road in a vehicle. But for those of us without those jobs we should use public transport or cycle where ever possible. Some businesses are getting really good at creating initiatives to encourage sustainable transport use.

Do you have staff who cycle? If not why not? Do you have a suitable place to shower and get changed? Somewhere to securely park bikes? There are so many positive reasons to have your staff ride to work. It makes sense to invest in happy, healthy staff and planet.

What about public transport? Do your staff regularly use public transport? If not, what are the barriers? Can you make a contribution to the costs? Some jurisdictions make this tax deductible. Paying for an annual train pass for a staff member will make a positive climate impact and make a great contribution to your workplace culture.

 

5.Understand your waste

Every business has waste so be thoughtful about yours. What are the by products created by your business? Is it a resource to another business nearby? As landfill levies increase waste is absolutely a cost to try and reduce so if you can give your waste to someone who uses it, that's fantastic!

What about the waste created by your employees? Have you got easy to use recycling systems? What happens to green waste in your workplace? Bokashi buckets are a great, easy to use way of managing food waste.

 

6. Take action

It doesn't matter what sort of business you have, there will be some form of appropriate political action you can take. Here's a few ideas: visit or write to your local MP about how climate change impacts on your business, make a tax deductible donation to a climate action organisation, join a local business campaign to lobby government.

 

7. Make a carbon action plan

 

Imagine the impact it would have if every business on the planet had a carbon action plan! If you haven't got one, make today the day that changes.

Start with an assessment of your current climate impact. Include all aspects of your business including the life cycle of materials to make products, transportation, employee travel to and from work, energy consumption. Also include the positive work your business is doing - like the steps above.

Next step is to set some achievable goals for the next year to reduce your carbon impact. Make sure the whole business is involved and on board with your plan.

Finally, set dates for review. For most businesses, annual will be sufficient. Make sure it's a time that will work for your business. It's important that everyone involved in the plan supports it, so if you put an annual review at a time when everyone is about to go on holiday, or has a regular major deadline, they'll learn to resent it pretty quickly.

 

Start today

The most important challenge is not doing nothing. Because it's too late for that. It doesn't mean we can't still do business. Climate change means we have to do business smarter.

 

This article is part of Ground Up Creative's ongoing series about applying permaculture principles to your business. Get these great, free articles delivered straight to your inbox and subscribe today!