This suggests that one of the biggest obstacles to promoting eco-friendly behaviour is a lack of information. So the question is how to convince people that they can contribute to environmental protection – and spread the word globally. Getting across the message that you and your organisation can make a difference is particularly important today: we lead hectic and stressful lives, and many of us are understandably distracted by the need to survive in hard economic times.

“People spend most of their time at the workplace, in the office, having no time and lacking the resources to look for sustainable tools. Therefore, we provide organisations with a simple solution – a ready-made green policy and the basic steps towards implementing it. It could not be simpler than this,” explains Mr. Michele Orzan, the Budapest-based president of the European Chamber (EuCham).

As head of a body representing the interests of national and international companies doing business in Europe, Orzan was well placed to consider ways to assist firms in embracing environmental sustainability without compromising the all-important bottom line. His answer was Greenwill, a non-profit project aimed at helping companies, organisations and public bodies take their first steps towards more environmentally sustainable business model.

Greenwill offers a straightforward, workable framework for implementing eco-friendly practices in the workplace. The guidelines are easy to follow, and provide users with self-assessment tools to help them measure results. Key to Greenwill’s strategy is a recognition of the fact that now, more than ever, organisations are constrained by issues of cost. The project team aims to dispel worries about the possible expense of training staff, or adapting and implementing new policies. Greenwill materials are provided free of charge – nobody can use cost as an excuse for failing to improve their green credentials.

“While recycling paper is basic, buying and renting bikes is more expensive – but the saving effect comes later because of money saved on fuel. Purchasing fully recyclable products is another level of sustainable behaviour – there are many ways to engage in earth-friendly behaviour. People just need to know about them, and that is why we do this for free,” said Orzan.

There is a saying that “charity begins at home”. Greenwill wants to turn this around by encouraging a green way of thinking in the workplace. The idea is that employees will see that individual companies and people can make a difference, then adopt an eco-friendly approach at home, too. “Spreading knowledge is the main point,” Orzan says.

“This is the way to convince the entire world, step-by-step. about the meaning and purpose of green movement. This is how we can begin to repair the damage we have caused through our irresponsible behaviour.”

The Budapest Times