One of the most influential business leadership organisations in the UK, Business West, representing over 2,000 businesses across the Chambers of Commerce in Bath, Bristol and Gloucestershire, is urging businesses to think about how they can get involved and help bring green issues to the fore.
And not only are they encouraging other businesses to take part, they have devised staff activities every day of Big Green Week. Commenting Phil Smith, managing director of Business West said: “We’re really excited about Bristol’s Big Green Week and inspiring green action amongst our staff with a week of fun-packed ‘green’ initiatives.”
During Bristol’s Big Green Week, each day, Business West staff can take part in one or more green inspired, fun initiatives. They have the opportunity to learn more about the surrounding environment, take part in a swap shop to recycle unwanted items and help reduce waste. There are green competitions, a lunch-time walk in the woods and a ‘wear 'green' to work and donate to charity’ day. The charity is TreeBristol, the city council's tree planting campaign, which planted over 1,000 specimen trees across the city last year and aim to plant a similar number this year.
A Green Gym session will be held at Leigh Court on Thursday where the only energy used by staff is their own. No air con; no machines.
There are also three week-long initiatives. Car sharers will be rewarded with priority parking spaces. The lightest bin competition to reduce paper waste and ‘Know your food miles’ where- delegates attending events at Leigh Court will be told how far their lunch has travelled!
“We have deliberately ensured that all our events this week are light-hearted. But there is a serious aspect and at Business West, we take our environmental responsibilities seriously. Our ISO 14001:2004 Environmental Management Systems certification demonstrates our commitment to the environment and ensures that we effectively manage and improve the environmental aspects of our business activities.
“Of course Business West’s team of environmental advisers, who deliver the “Improving Your Resource Efficiency” service are heavily involved in Big Green Week and are on hand to deal with requests for the free advisory service that helps businesses examine how they can improve their financial and environmental performance. For more information call 01275 376233 or visit www.businesswest.co.uk/iyre
“So, if you’re not already involved in this exciting week-long event which aims to attract visitors from across the country, we urge you to visit Bristol's Big Green Week website now for further information and inspiration.”