Strong typhoons and other natural disasters have become more frequent in recent years. In the Philippines alone, it’s no secret that 20 typhoons visit annually. As the typhoons get stronger, businesses face bigger losses. According to Business Mirror, almost 12,000 farmers lost more than 350 million pesos in earnings due to two typhoons in 2022 alone. It’s clear that when the environment bites back, businesses are in danger.

Discover how your business can help in slowing down climate change in 2023 and in the coming years in this article. 

Climate Change defined

Climate change is a series of long-term changes in climate patterns and temperature. While this is normal, man-made actions such as deforestation, waste mismanagement, mishandling of natural resources, and burning of fossil fuels contribute to the abnormal weather changes. Harmful gasses like carbon dioxide get released and trapped into the atmosphere which makes the world hotter. Increases in temperatures are causing wildfires anywhere in the world. The melting of ice caps gives rise to sea levels; thus, flooding coastal areas and communities. 

More devastating effects might come sooner than expected if we don’t act now. Climate change could take away lives and homes. It could affect businesses and throw the whole world in a crisis, especially in food and water. There’s no better time to act than now. 

What businesses can do

As a business establishment, take these actions to combat climate change in 2023 and beyond.

Conserve your resources

Conserving any resources you use for everyday operations will save you more money. Turn off lights that you don’t use. Turn off the faucet when not in use. Give your employees refillable water bottles instead of plastic bottled water. Go paperless with most of your business transactions. The paper and plastics you use and throw everyday will end up occupying landfills. 

Abide with the laws on sustainability in business

Currently, our country has two laws on sustainability. The Republic Act No. 10771 also known as the Philippine Green Jobs Act of 2016 ensures that workers are trained for jobs and services that are beneficial to the environment and conservation of natural resources. Another is the Republic Act 11898 or the Extended Producers’ Responsibility where big businesses will implement programs to minimize plastic waste. These laws put the environment first above anything else. Following them will save your business from trouble. 

Implement a sustainable supply chain

Review the current entire process of your supply chain. Make all the necessary changes in turning your supply chain into a sustainable one. Identify your goals and create a plan in achieving them. Implement policies for your vendors, suppliers, and customers. These policies extend to storing and transporting products and waste management. 

Companies like Apple committed to have a 100% carbon-free supply chain and products by 2030. Nike uses recycled polyesters as part of its sustainable products line. When you start to work sustainably in your supply chain, you’re making work more efficient while conserving all your available resources. 

Switch to renewable energy sources

Renewable energy sources like wind, geothermal, and solar power get replenished at a faster rate as you’re using them. These sources emit far less carbon dioxide than burning fossil fuels. Switching from coal to renewable energy is a good investment to save your money as these generate more than enough power to keep your business running. 

Continually spread awareness

Climate change is an urgent matter. Spreading awareness that tackles its deadly effects is not a one-time task—it’s a long-term work. You can start within your organization. Launch in-house contests related to climate change where all employees can participate. 

Collaborate with the local government, non-government organizations, media, and the advertising industry to create campaigns that discuss climate change in the simplest terms. Post infographics about the devastating effects of climate change on social media. Public response will always differ, but what’s more important is you’re getting the message out. 

Let Oikos Help Your Business Become Sustainable

Businesses can do a lot in mitigating the effects of climate change. Executing your plans to go green takes a lot of work, but it will be rewarding knowing you did your part for the environment. 

Explore ways to use biodegradable packaging as an eco-friendly business with Oikos Sustainable Solutions! As the leading manufacturer of plant-based and sustainable packaging in the country, our products like cassava starch bags contain zero plastic. Your business can help in lessening the impact of single-use plastics to our environment by purchasing our corn and cassava bags. Our non-customized products are perfect for rebranding for your business. 

Be a sustainable business in the Philippines with us. Learn more about our products here.