The Green Recovery: Book Review

Andrew Winston, author of Green to Gold, has a new book out called the Green Recovery. In his new book he offers a case for why businesses should use this ‘recession’ time to create a green strategy. He cites a number of success stories from Fortune 500 companies such as Wal-Mart, Disney, Microsoft, Toyota and others. The book is short and easy to read. Great book for managers and business owners who haven’t yet started a green and sustainability strategy. Here are a few of Andrew’s recommendations cited in his book:

1. Start with the cheapest option and encourage behavior change from employees such as turning off lights and computers and reducing waste in the office.
2. Automate when possible. If the behavior change is too difficult or cumbersome, automate the process such as with light sensors.
3. Don’t reinvent the wheel.  Review what other companies and competitors are doing.
4. Provide data to employees. Tracking and sharing data to employees has proven to have strong affect.
5. Be Innovative. The companies that move to solve the world’s problems will be prepared for the future.
6. Engage your employees. Give employees a base of knowledge on environmental issues and their implications for the business and their personal life.