This archive report was first published on 26 October 2019.
As we enter the final quarter of the year, many corporates are preparing for their corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects. While some may opt for the traditional approach of visiting children's homes or donating food, others are beginning to think outside the box and explore more creative ways to make a positive impact on the environment.
According to Purity Wanjoji, founder of Mazingira Safi Initiative, the environment is a big deal, and more people are demanding better environmental protection. This is particularly true among young people, who are increasingly making consumer decisions based on a company's environmental track record.
Wanjoji emphasizes that great environmental CSR projects build trust, improve company commendations, and brand image, but most importantly, they make an impact. She suggests that corporates can start by making small modifications, such as setting up recycling bins, contracting service providers that mind their waste, and replacing plastic stationery with eco-friendly options.
Other creative ways to make a difference include adopting roads for annual cleanups, setting up bins for the public to use, and participating in litter removal projects throughout the year. Corporates can also sponsor children's environmental education, which is crucial for creating well-equipped and informed problem-solvers for the future.
As Wanjoji notes, 'The environment isn't always about planting trees. We need to be creative.' By adopting a more creative approach to environmental conservation, corporates can not only make a positive impact but also differentiate themselves from their competitors and attract customers who share their values.
Ms. Wanjoji is the founder of Mazingira Safi Initiative, mazingirasafiinitiative.org.
