At a time when the environment is becoming more important in our culture, I'm wondering what actions I can take as a businesswoman for the environment. And I'd like, secondly, for the cleaning industry to ask itself the same question. I believe our industry actually has a lot of steps to take for the environment. Already, most companies and organizations working in hygiene and sanitation are more aware of the use of ecological and even organic products. It's now less common for me to come across an organization that still uses old-generation cleaning products. But it still happens too often to me to see janitors who are stubbornly attached to their highly acidic toilet cleaner! So, to start, I'd like to look at what I can do, as a businesswoman.

Environmental actions for business people

• I admit I encountered resistance at the beginning of my business. I wanted pay all my suppliers by bank transfer to completely eliminate the use of checks. But I can confirm that it's now done! I sometimes have to convince my supplier, but it's not a big deal. Plus, I save on buying checks and time, as the payment process only takes a few minutes.
• Similarly, I no longer go to the bank to make a bank deposit. Everything is done from the bank's app on my cell phone. Of course, at first I had to get used to it, but now it's well integrated. I save gas and time too!
• Of course, I could take notes on my computer... but that might take a lot longer for me to get used to. I love writing on paper with a real pencil. I enjoy writing and I actually take a lot of notes! It's not at all the same effect on the computer for me.
• To read a text, I try to get used to read articles on the computer. But I like reading a good book or a paper article 100 times better. I admit that I waste a lot of paper because I prefer reading on paper to on a computer. I see that I have improved in this area, but I can still make efforts in this direction. But if I really have to print, I print double-sided.
• My Advertising is largely done on social media or the internet now. Which is a big improvement for me. Previously, all marketing activity was done by mailing.
• As a businesswoman, I'm regularly on the road. And out of habit, rather than bringing myself a coffee from home, I stop at Tim Hortons on the road. So I'm looking for a cup that I can use to fill and that I would like. Already, for the cold drinks, I have a few bottles that I use when I go walking or running. And increasingly, I am aware of no longer taking disposable containers.
• For the specialized recruitment service in housekeeping, interviews are done by telephone and by computer viewing. Which reduces the transport of both.
• As for the recovery, I participate in it. But I recently learned that you shouldn't put the cap on milk or juice containers, for example. So I've already corrected that. We must take care to rinse our containers well before putting them in the recycling.
• Inasmuch as vegetarian For years, I have not eaten meat and I favoruse of kitchen utensils rather than disposable ones.

Think before you buy

I now ask myself the question much more frequently: Do I really need it? And often the answer is no, it's just a little desire for coquetry or wanting to own this or that item. I realize that I'm becoming much more responsible now. And also, I reuse more easily what I systematically threw away before. On the other hand, companies selling objects, products rather than services, cannot close their doors… This concerns me as a businesswoman.

My challenge starting in December: I commit to writing one blog post per month

talking about concrete environmental actions that WE can take for the environment. This will force me to educate myself and become more knowledgeable in this field. Currently, I am far from being a PRO in this field! And I do not claim to be able to revolutionize the environment in housekeeping! However, I am aware of my responsibility and I will try to be helpful to business people and those involved in the housekeeping field.

The environmental actions for business people that I'm currently implementing or will implement in the future are just a few ideas. Writing these blogs will be a big challenge for me. If you'd like to share your environmental actions with me, don't hesitate. And don't judge me if you see that I don't always have the right environmental reflexes: I'm learning.

Some tools to better equip us in our environmental actions as business people

• RECYC-QUÉBEC's What to Recover Charter or even this version in the form of a pamphlet what to recycle very well done.
• Or have yours recycled paint?
• Find where to wear your batteries and batteries
• THE CFER centers are training centers that contribute to the establishment of business schools in support of sustainable development, in addition to helping young people in difficulty.
• Staples:  recycle claser and inkjet printer cartridges, computer hardware (computers, laptops, monitors, peripherals), electronic components, cell phones

Please note that I will update this article regularly.

To reread all the challenges already published:

• January HEALTH
• February What if we changed the world?
• Mars PLAY
• April Nature
• May: Peace of mind
• June: Say YES to life, to yourself and to others
• July: Breathe, savor and focus on your goals
• August:
• September: How to overcome a bit of business blues
• October: The best gift, health!
• November: What if we had our own hygiene and sanitation conference in Quebec?
• December:  Environment and business