All companies, large and small have an automatic corporate social responsibility which is part and parcel of running a business in our ever-evolving world.

Corporate Social Responsibility is a series of actions a business owner must take to allow them to incorporate social and environmental factors into the day to day running of their businesses.

CSR used to be an ethical practice whereby a business could choose to reduce their mark on the world. However, as time moves on and the general human population become more aware of their impact on the planet, CSR practices are fast becoming mandatory from a government stance.

There are four main key areas of CSR for business: Philanthropy, Environmental Impact, Volunteerism and Diversity and Labour Practices.

Environmental Impact

There are several elements which fall under environmental impact and it is the responsibility of the business owner to make sure steps are taken to reduce their influence on it. This can be done in a few different ways.

Buying Locally

Buying locally has a host of benefits to the environment including the reduction of fuel costs and providing much needed support to local and often more environmentally friendly smaller businesses.

Buying from a local shop has a better effect on the atmosphere than using larger chains - who often cause larger ramifications to nature from the shipping and transport processes they have in place. A local shop will also encourage more footfall rather than commuting - lowering the overall carbon footprint in the area.

Energy / Water; Emissions

Energy usage and toxic emissions speaks for itself.

The less energy we use has a significantly better impact on the planet by lowering the toxic waste and fumes that come from energy plants around the world. This type of pollution damages the Eco-system and destroys the earths natural resources.

Taking steps to prevent this will provide a positive domino effect and as a result, less manpower will be used further up the energy chain.

Waste Management & Recycling

Having an effective waste and recycling management system in place will lower the amount of waste going into landfill and create a greener world for everyone. This can be achieved by using recycled packaging and environmentally friendly items in a business such as paper straws, Eco-friendly cleaning products and other non-plastic or non-toxic items.

According to Plastic Oceans, more than 8 million tonnes of plastic are dumped in our oceans every year.

The Advantages to Business

Aside from the obvious environmental benefits, becoming Corporately Socially Responsible will improve a business’s reputation and elevate their status as a forward thinking and environmentally conscious company. This will also help to reduce business costs over time.

Over the last decade, a clear trend has emerged and a lot more businesses are marketing their products, service or solutions as Eco-friendly. These actions place the company as a trusted leader in business and provide a better prospect for customers, The Earth and

nature alike.

Plastic Ocean reference