Measure What Matters Part 2: Planet

In last week’s post, we talked about a disruptive approach to business; one that embraces social and environmental factors along with economic ones. 

Why do we measure these things? Because at Prosper for Purpose, we are all about impact. Impact that enables us to do well by doing good. We measure impact in four areas: people, planet, prosperity and purpose. We call it our quadruple bottom line.

This week, we look at planet. 

Walk into our office and the first thing you may notice is the absence of trash containers. No wastebaskets under desks. In fact, there is only one wastebasket in the entire office and it’s at our print and coffee station. We fill and empty it only once a week. How? Well, we work towards a goal of being a paperless office. We share and store our files online. We print contracts for signatures and documents for meetings and that is, essentially, it for printing. 

But that’s not all. Here are some other things we do to measure our impact on, and stewardship of, our planet. 

The Prosper for Purpose Planet Strategy:

• We recycle. Our single garbage can contains two bags: one for trash and one for recycling. Nearly every Friday, both are emptied, meaning our recycle to trash ratio is roughly 1:1. We’re working to improve that ratio.
• We use a programmable thermostat.
• We work at desks and tables made from reclaimed wood.
• Each desk has a high-end LED desk lamp that uses minuscule amounts of energy.
• Our main walls are made of glass, allowing for natural light throughout the day. Not only is natural daylight a free source of lighting for the office, it has been proven to improve worker productivity and satisfaction (as well as boost sales in retail settings). 
• Our flexible environment helps minimize our carbon footprint. 
• We’re working with B Corporation to incorporate an environmental management system. 
• We became a member of 1% for the Planet!

Because we believe that health and wellness come from the environment, that business is responsible for positive change and that we can leave this big blue planet better than we found it, we joined an organization that is based on these beliefs. As a member of 1% for the Planet, we commit even more to our mission of doing well and doing good. After recently becoming a certified B corporation, this partnership will allow us to amplify our positive environmental impact. 

Stay tuned as we share more about our work with B Corporation to create an environmental management system, and our developing relationship with 1% for the Planet. 

Next week, we will look at prosperity.