For the country to be able to move forward with the going green initiative, companies need to understand exactly what the process entails as I believe each firm’s contribution will determine how far we will go with achieving the desired objective.
Our success in “going green” as a country will be measured by the production of goods that use fewer resources, products that shrink the carbon footprint, reduced toxicity, reusability, eco-responsible packaging, recycled content and those that are manufactured with minimal environmental impact among others.
At the moment, many companies, especially in the corporate world have joined in the “going green” campaign that has since seen many of them, most notable among them being Standard Chartered Bank, ZABG, G-Tide, Versapak, Corporate Inventions, TN Bank and Royal Bank among others taking on different social responsibility initiatives.
The initiatives include clean-up campaigns that seek to save our deteriorating environment. Some people have chosen to interpret the environmental initiatives by most companies as nothing more than a marketing gimmick meant to do nothing but up sales.
Whether these allegations are true or not, is not what I think we should be more worried about. What should matter is that there are companies in Zimbabwe that have finally realised that they really have no choice but to join in the important initiative!
In fact, in most countries, many companies have long realised that they can no longer operate in a manner that enriches them while doing damage to the environment.
This is because they have been forced to realise that most of the damage will have an impact even on generations to come. At a time when the whole world is currently in panic over the state of the environment which, after many years of abuse, has seriously degraded with results that will have a major impact on each and everyone’s life, no one can afford to be left out in efforts to make things better.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
LG has since announced its “Life’s Good When it’s Green” initiative that has seen them establishing their global sustainability programme. It is a programme that focuses on sustainability through eco-design and eco-products, reduction of hazardous materials, responsible electronics, recycling and addressing global climate change.
“With Life’s Good When it’s Green, we’re focusing on environmentally sustainable solutions, developing eco-designs and distributing eco-products to help create a safer, cleaner world,” said Dr Paik, LG’s president and chief technology officer.
Furthermore, LG has in place the Take-Back & Recycling initiative, under which it established several take-back programmes and recycling facilities, allowing consumers to return end-of-life products.
Products are recycled in a responsible manner. The programmes have given LG a more global appeal. Zimbabwean companies might do well to follow LG’s commendable path as this will not only make our environment better but will surely enhance their brand appeal on a global level.
The manufacturing industry has a long way to go in catching up on the going green initiative and clearly most Zimbabwean consumers still do not know how to distinguish green products from those that are not.
It is important when making a purchase that the consumer looks at such factors like: where a product is made, what it was made from, how long it will last, if it can be recycled, if it in any way helps to save energy and how much energy was used to get it in store, among others.
For instance, nowadays it is highly recommended that consumers purchase products made from recycled materials as that translates to less litter problems (and God knows we cannot handle any more) and less stress on landfills.
Consumers need to start opting for products that reduce pollution or waste and those that save energy and water. Additionally, the concept of sustainable consumption is one that needs to start getting due attention.
Producers should start seeing a great selling argument in advertising “green” products, as this is the sure way to go as there honestly is no way to escape the trend.
The sooner companies adjust to the new rising need for environmentally-friendly products, the better for everyone.
