Recently, The I.D.E.A. Store made the commitment to begin the Illinois Green Business Association’s certification process. IGBA has been supporting businesses in our state as they make changes which will result in improved conservation of natural resources, reduced emissions of all kinds, and ongoing education opportunities for employees -- and, in our case, volunteers. As IGBA puts it, their service is to “help businesses realize both the environmental and economic benefits of green practices by educating businesses on integrating environmental responsibility into daily operations in a manner that is sustainable as well as profitable!”
The I.D.E.A. Store is billed as “Central Illinois' Premier Eco-Edu-Art Creative Re-use Marketplace.” Earning certification will simply validate what we’ve been doing from the beginning. As I review the IGBA requirements checklist, it is apparent that the store is on the right track. This process will help us identify ways to improve upon practices already in place, and give us even more motivation to spread the green around, starting at Stratton Elementary School in Champaign. The I.D.E.A. Store is a community partner with this school to support their MicroSociety in which the students are citizens, business managers, and civil servants. During my time there each week, I assist the teachers who oversee the “Strattonville Supply Warehouse,” the source of all materials for production raw materials and office supplies the ventures require – like a mini I.D.E.A. Store! This fall, I’ll be sharing the green business concept with each venture’s students so they can do their part to conserve natural resources. It’s just good business.
Contributor: Carol Jo
No comments:
Post a Comment