Merging ecological principles into day to day business practices remains one of the most challenging hurdles to overcome for any company of any size in any sector. Yet every organization, public or private, large or small, in developed and emerging economies are affected by the environment and have an effect upon the environment in return. The decisions and actions taken by organizations is a composite of individuals. Success in merging ecological and economic concepts together comes from individual efforts, over and over and over again, all added together.
Recognition that ecology and economics are interrelated is not an invention of the nineties. The Greeks understood the connection. The root word "eco" comes from the Greek name "oikos" meaning house. Economics is the body of knowledge governing the management of the house. Ecology is the science covering the interrelationships of the components of the house. Combining these two together is just a common sense approach to managing our house, the planet. Logically, no house will remain standing for long if the building is not maintained.
Merging ecological and economic concepts together in practice is still an underdeveloped management skill. If we were really incorporating the realities of ecology with economics, the planet would be healthier. However, evidence abounds that in using her wares, Mother Nature's contract requirements have not been met. Air pollution, garbage, littered beaches; these are a few of the results of not respecting Mother Nature's rules, despite her very generous continued product and service offerings. Many arguments about environmental issues are still argued over dollars - "Who pays?" The fact is we all pay, whether as taxpayer, consumer or business owner. The real question is how.
How should businesses really carry out a contract giving equal weight to economic and ecological realities? What should a contract with Mother Nature Inc. include? Glass Works interviewed Mother Nature and got her to share her standard contract with us.
GW: Mother Nature, before we get into contract
details, can you give us a little history on your
organization?
MN: Certainly. My organization is literally the first on the planet. And contrary to the rumours on the street, I hold the title for having the oldest profession. This company has been providing service, product and process since the dawn of time.
GW: What prompted you to write this contract? Is it new?
MN: No, in fact this contract has always been in place, but I found it was being ignored by far too many. So I am making everyone aware of their professional and personal responsibilities as politely as I can. It's either pay attention to the contract or I will have to fall back on the consequences of breach of contract.
GW: Oh, what are the consequences?
MN: The standard recourse I have are plagues, pestilence, floods, hurricanes, and the odd earthquake just to shake up the countryside. My latest is global warming, it's going to be hot stuff.
GW: Is there something you can share with us that will help readers understand the principles behind your standard contract?
MN: Certainly. If you take the top five principles and use them in any decision making process, it will lead to a marked improvement. These principles are my laws that are true regardless of where you are or who you are. The closer you align to natural flows the more likely you are to also improve your efficiency and, as a result, costs are reduced. I know about the fiscal pressures that many are experiencing but ignoring me is not a solution, nor is it an option. To do more with less, people will have to think differently. Hence I am sharing my standard contract to foster continuous improvement. Adopting these will lead to a win-win for all concerned. Naturally.
GW: (Click here for contract.)
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