Environmental Issues in United States and Around the World

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Environmental Issues

The earth- an embodiment of matter and organisms- is constantly experiencing various changes which are mostly due to anthropogenic or human activities. Human being, initially oblivious of his roles in causing these changes is faced with batteries of questions as regards the mother earth. Being curious about solving the earth challenges, scientists came up with various propositions and experiments to identify the perceived problems facing the earth. These problems, which are not only detrimental to human health and the environment, but are also ubiquitous. Transgressing boundaries, space, regions and countries, the USA is also faced with the same problems.

The earth- an embodiment of matter and organisms- is constantly experiencing various changes which are mostly due to anthropogenic or human activities. Human being, initially oblivious of his roles in causing these changes is faced with batteries of questions as regards the mother earth. Being curious about solving the earth challenges, scientists came up with various propositions and experiments to identify the perceived problems facing the earth. These problems, which are not only detrimental to human health and the environment, are also ubiquitous, transgressing boundaries, space, regions and countries. The United States of America (USA) as well as all countries of the world are faced with various problems or environmental challenges.

In the USA, environmental issues ranges from climate change, energy issues, species conservation, invasive species, deforestation, mining, nuclear accidents, pesticides, pollution, waste and over-population. Despite the intervention of different bodies in solving this issues, the rate of environmental issues is substantially increasing instead of reducing.

For instance, the United States is among the most significant emitters of greenhouse gasses in the world. In terms of both total and per capita emissions, it is among the largest contributors.^[1] It has also been reported that the climate policy of the United States has big influence on the world.^[2]

It is therefore necessary to analyze the various environment issues in the USA and other regions of the world, the roles of the government and different organizations in solving these issues.

Climate Change:

Climate change is one of the key environmental issues in the USA. According to a report^[3] the climate of the United States is changing in ways that are widespread and varied. Between a period of 2010 and 2019, the United States experienced its hottest decade on record.^[4]. Different regions experience widely different climatic changes. However, changes in climate in the regions of the United States appear significant. For example, drought conditions appear to be worsening in the southwest while improving in the northeast^[5].Generally, states in the USA that emit more carbon dioxide per person and prevent climate action are suffering more.^[6]

It should not be surprising that the U.S. has emitted a larger share than any country of the greenhouse gases causing current climate change, with some 20% of the global total of carbon dioxide alone. ^[7]

According to an article, ^[8]the emissions per person for the US citizens are among the largest in the world. In the year 2021, the USA set a target of halving its annual greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. ^[9]

Climate change has also been seen as a national security threat to the United States that needs to be addressed.^[10]

Energy

Fossil fuel represents about 26% of all types of energy used in the United States alone and its prevalent is closely linked to greenhouse gas emissions. ^[11].

A fossil fuel is a hydrocarbon-containing material formed underground from the remains of dead plants and animals that humans extract and burn as fuel. The main types of fossil fuels that are in use in the USA are coal, petroleum and natural gas, ^[12]which humans extract through mining and drilling. The energy policy of the United States is determined by federal, state and local public entities, which address issues of energy production, distribution, and consumption, such as building codes and gas mileage advancements. The production and transport of fossil fuels are also tied to significant environmental issues. According to ^[13]

Fossil fuels are the main source of greenhouse gas emissions causing global warming and ocean acidification. Additionally, most air pollution deaths are due to fossil fuel particulates and noxious gases: it is estimated that this pollution costs over 3% of global GDP and that phasing out fossil fuel would save millions of lives each year ^[14]

Mining

Mining in the United States has been active since the beginning of colonial times, but became a major industry in the 19th century with a number of new mineral discoveries causing a series of mining rushes. The value of coal, metals, and industrial minerals mined in the United States was US $109.6 billion in 2015 alone. Also, about 158,000 workers were directly employed by the mining industry. ^[15]

Even with that, the mining industry has a number of impacts on communities, individuals and the environment. Mine safety incidents have been important parts of American occupational safety and health history. Mining has a number of environmental impacts. In the United States, issues like mountaintop removal, and acid mine drainage have widespread impacts on all parts of the environment. As of January 2020, the EPA lists all the 142 mines in the Superfund program^[16] and 5th largest producer of oil in the world ^[17]

Nuclear

The most notable accident involving nuclear power in the United States was Three Mile Island accident that take place in 1979. Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station has been the source of two of the top five most dangerous nuclear incidents in the United States since the same year. ^[18]

Nuclear safety in the United States is governed by federal regulations and continues to be studied by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). The safety of nuclear plants and materials controlled by the U.S. government for research and weapons production, as well those powering naval vessels, is not governed by the NRC.

The anti-nuclear movement in the United States consists of more than eighty anti-nuclear groups which have acted to oppose nuclear power and/or nuclear weapons in the USA. The movement has delayed construction or halted commitments to build some new nuclear plants, ^[19] and has pressured the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to enforce and strengthen the safety regulations for nuclear power plants. ^[20]

Pesticide

Pesticide use in the United States is predominately by the agricultural sector, which in 2012 comprised 89% of conventional pesticide usage in the United States.^[21]

The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) was first passed in 1947, giving the United States Department of Agriculture responsibility for regulating pesticides. In 1972, FIFRA underwent a major revision and transferred responsibility of pesticide regulation to the Environmental Protection Agency and shifted emphasis to protection of the environment and public health.

As with many countries, pollution in the United States is a concern for environmental organizations, government agencies and individuals.

Pollution

Pollution from U.S. manufacturing has declined massively since 1990 (despite an increase in production). A 2018 study in the American Economic Review found that environmental regulation is the primary driver of the reduction in pollution.^[22]

Air pollution is the introduction of chemicals, particulate matter, or biological materials into the atmosphere, causing harm or discomfort to humans or other living organisms, or damaging ecosystems. Air pollution can cause health problems including, but not limited to, infections, behavioral changes, cancer, organ failure, and premature death. These health effects are not equally distributed across the U.S population; there are demographic disparities by race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and education. Air pollution has affected the United States since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution.

Analyzing data from 2016–2018, the American Lung Association found major declines in air quality, including increases in ground-level ozone.^[23] Water pollution in the United States is a growing problem that became critical in the 19th century with the development of mechanized agriculture, mining, and industry, although laws and regulations introduced in the late 20th century have improved water quality in many water bodies^[24]

Extensive industrialization and rapid urban growth exacerbated water pollution as a lack of regulation allowed for discharges of sewage, toxic chemicals, nutrients and other pollutants into surface water. ^[25]

Many solutions to water pollution in the United States can be implemented to curtail water pollution. This includes municipal wastewater treatment, agricultural and industrial wastewater treatment, erosion and sediment control, and the control of urban runoff. The continued implementation of pollution prevention, control and treatment measures are used to pursue the goal of maintaining water quality within levels specified in federal and state regulations. However, many water bodies across the country continue to violate water quality standards in the 21st century^[26]

Plastic pollution

The United States is the biggest creator of plastic waste and the third largest source of ocean plastic pollution, e.g. plastic waste that gets into the oceans. Much of the plastic waste generated in the United States is shipped to other countries.^[27]

Solid waste

At 760 kg per person the United States generates the greatest amount of municipal waste.[75] In 2018 municipal waste totaled 292.4 million short tons (265.3×106 t), or 4.9 pounds (2.2 kg) per person per day.^[28] Electronic waste or e-waste in the United States refers to electronic products that have reached the end of their operable lives, and the United States is beginning to address its waste problems with regulations at a state and federal level. Used electronics are the quickest-growing source of waste and can have serious health impacts.^[29]

The United States is the world leader in producing the most e-waste, followed closely by China; both countries domestically recycle and export e-waste^[30]

Only recently has the United States begun to make an effort to start regulating where e-waste goes and how it is disposed of. There is also an economic factor that has an effect on where and how e-waste is disposed of. Electronics are the primary users of precious and special metals, retrieving those metals from electronics can be viewed as important as raw metals may become scarcer^[31]

Under United States environmental policy, hazardous waste is a waste (usually a solid waste) that has the potential to cause, or significantly contribute to an increase in mortality or an increase in serious irreversible, or incapacitating reversible illness; or pose a substantial present or potential hazard to human health or the environment when improperly treated, stored, transported, or disposed of, or otherwise managed. Under the 1976 Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), a facility that treats, stores or disposes of hazardous waste must obtain a permit for doing so. Generators of and transporters of hazardous waste must meet specific requirements for handling, managing, and tracking waste

Population

The total U.S. population crossed the 100 million mark around 1915, the 200 million mark in 1967, and the 300 million mark in 2006 (estimated on Tuesday, October 17)^[32].The U.S. population more than tripled during the 20th century — a growth rate of about 1.3 percent a year — from about 76 million in 1900 to 281 million in 2000. This is unlike most European countries, especially Germany, Russia, Italy and Greece, whose populations are slowly declining, and whose fertility rates are below replacement.

Population growth is fastest among minorities, and according to the United States Census Bureau’s estimation for 2005, 45% of American children under the age of 5 are minorities.[89] In 2007, the nation’s minority population reached 102.5 million.[90] A year before, the minority population totaled 100.7 million. Hispanic and Latino Americans accounted for almost half (1.4 million) of the national population growth of 2.9 million between July 1, 2005, and July 1, 2006

Based on a population clock maintained by the U.S. Census Bureau, the current U.S. population, as of July 2021 is about 332 millions.^[33] A 2004 U.S. Census Bureau report predicted an increase of one third by the year 2050. ^[34]

A subsequent 2008 report projects a population of 439 million, which is a 44% increase from 2008.

Solving Environmental issues in the United States involves governmental actions at the federal, state, and local level to protect the environment and conserve natural resources. Environmental protection is balanced with other public policy concerns, such as economic growth, affordable energy, and the rights of businesses and individuals. Debates over state and federal environmental policies often involve discussions of the trade-offs associated with environmental laws.

Environmental policy can include laws and policies addressing water and air pollution, chemical and oil spills, smog, drinking water quality, land conservation and management, and wildlife protection, such as the protection of endangered species.

Environmental policy in the United States

Environmental policy in the United States involves governmental actions at the federal, state, and local level to protect the environment and conserve natural resources. Environmental protection is balanced with other public policy concerns, such as economic growth, affordable energy, and the rights of businesses and individuals. Debates over state and federal environmental policies often involve discussions of the trade-offs associated with environmental laws.

Environmental policy is aimed at balancing environmental protection and the conservation of natural resources with other policy goals, such as affordable energy as well as economic growth and employment. Federal and state environmental rules cover air quality, water quality, waste management, land conservation, chemical and oil spills, and drinking water quality. Some environmental policies regulate the actions of private individuals, organizations, or businesses. For example, a factory that must discharge wastewater as part of its daily operations may need to hold and maintain a federal permit. The factory would be required to follow a set of rules and requirements within its permit to comply with environmental laws.

Environmental rules and regulations vary in their requirements depending on the issue involved. Environmental policy and energy policy are also interconnected. For example, energy production and consumption can produce environmental effects. As a result, environmental policy can involve restrictions or regulations on energy production such as oil and natural gas operations or solar energy development.^[35]

PREVIOUS ACTIVITIES BY THE US GOVERNMENT

1970s

President Richard Nixon (R) signed the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), which established the Council on Environmental Quality. The council became the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1971. During the 1970s, amendments to the Clean Air Act and the Water Pollution Control Act, which became the Clean Water Act, went into effect. The Endangered Species Act, which requires the listing of animal and plant species as endangered or threatened, was passed in 1973. These environmental laws were meant to address air and water pollutants like sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, suspended solids and toxic metal substances. Additionally, sources of these pollutants, such as industrial facilities, automobiles and municipalities, came under federal regulation.^[36]

1980s and 1990s

The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) was passed by Congress on December 11, 1980. The act allowed the EPA to regulate contaminated waste sites. The act also permitted the EPA to hold individuals or companies liable for contaminated sites as well as site cleanup. The program aimed at cleaning up abandoned waste sites is known as the Superfund program.^[37]

President Ronald Reagan (R) signed a 1982 budget bill reducing the EPA’s budget by 30 percent. Reagan’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB) conducted a cost-benefit analysis for every proposed federal regulation, including environmental regulations. Each proposed environmental regulation had to be submitted to the OMB before taking effect. President Bill Clinton (D) signed the Kyoto Protocol, an international treaty aimed at greenhouse gas reductions in an effort against human-caused climate change. The treaty was rejected by the United States Senate. Additionally, Clinton designated approximately 3 million acres of federal land as national monuments and signed an executive order directing the federal government to consider environmental justice concerns in federal decision-making.^[38]

2000s

President George W. Bush (R) proposed the Clean Skies Initiative, a program to establish a market-based system for companies to buy and sell pollution credits. The initiative would have replaced the regulatory structure of the Clean Air Act for sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions with a market system. The initiative did not pass Congress. Bush did not sign the Kyoto Protocol, the international treaty aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions as a response to human-induced global warming. During his tenure, President Barack Obama (D) authorized federal regulations aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from automobiles and power plants. In addition, Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (2009), known as the stimulus bill, to authorize federal funding for solar energy projects.^[39]

Federal legislation

The Clean Air Act (CAA) was passed by Congress in 1963 and amended in 1967, 1970, 1977, and 1990. The Clean Air Act is aimed at reducing air pollutants and their sources. The EPA enforces the Clean Air Act. The law authorizes national air quality standards for ozone, lead, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter, which are regulated as part of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards.^[40]

The Clean Water Activities (CWA) was passed by Congress in 1972 as an amendment of the 1948 Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Under the act, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) establishes wastewater standards and administers the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), which makes it illegal to discharge a pollutant into navigable waters without a federal permit. For more information about the implementation of the Clean Water Act. ^[41]

The Endangered Species Act (ESA) was passed by Congress in 1973. The act authorizes the listing of species as endangered or threatened. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries Service enforce the law and manage species conservation programs. Under the ESA, the federal government may not take any action that would result in the destruction or adverse modification of any federally listed species or its habitat. The law further prohibits an action that causes the taking of any listed species.

The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) was passed by Congress in 1980. It established a federal program aimed at reducing hazardous pollutants at uncontrolled or abandoned waste sites. These waste sites experienced accidents, spills, and/or the emergency release of pollutants. The federal program aimed at listing these sites is the Superfund program, which is administered by the EPA. The EPA initiates cleanup projects at these sites and can require responsible parties to pay for cleanup costs.

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act was passed by Congress in 1976 and amended in 1984 and 1986. The law allows the EPA to engage in hazardous and non-hazardous waste management. The EPA oversees the generation, transportation, treatment, storage and disposal of waste. The 1984 amendments required that waste be minimized and disposed of in contaminated lands The EPA also oversees underground storage tanks for petroleum and other potentially hazardous substances as part of the agency’s storage tank program.^[42]

The Safe Drinking Water Act was passed by Congress in 1974 and amended in 1996. Its aim is to maintain water quality for above ground water and underground drinking water sources. The EPA sets minimum standards for tap water and requires the owners and operators of public water systems to comply with federal standards. Public water systems include municipal water suppliers and any other system that delivers drinking water to a population of 25 or more people for most of the year. The 1996 amendments required the EPA to perform cost-benefit analyses for drinking water standards and adhere to the best available scientific evidence. State governments receive approval from the EPA to implement federal drinking water rules while the federal government is responsible for establishing minimum drinking water standards^[43]

Federal agencies

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is a United States agency formed in 1970 “to protect human health and the environment.” ^[44]

The U.S. Department of the Interior is a United States executive department established in 1849. The department was formed to manage natural resources. ^[45]

It oversees land agencies that administer federal land policies, such as the regulation of energy development on federal land and land leasing for offshore energy development. ^[46]

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is a United States agency formed in 1940 “to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.” ^[47]

The FWS operates programs for the conservation, development and management of fish and wildlife.^[48]

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is a United States agency formed in 1946 to manage more than 245 million surface acres of federal land. Its stated mission is “to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.” The bureau is a division of the U.S. Department of the Interior.^[49]

The United Nations launched its sustainable development agenda in 2015, ^[50] reflecting the growing understanding by Member States that a development model that is sustainable for this and future generations offers the best path forward for reducing poverty and improving the lives of people everywhere. At the same time, climate change^[51] began making a profound impact on the consciousness of humanity. With the polar ice caps melting, global sea levels rising and cataclysmic weather events increasing in ferocity, no country in the world is safe from the effects of climate change.

Building a more sustainable global economy^[52] will help reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change. It is, therefore, critically important that the international community meet the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals –^[53]and also the targets for reducing emissions set in the Paris Climate Agreement of 2015.

Sustainable development and climate action are linked – and both are vital to the present and future well-being of humanity.

The Sustainable Development Agenda

MDGs — Close to 40 per cent of the population of the developing world was living in extreme poverty only two decades ago. Since then, the world has halved extreme poverty, with the UN’s Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) greatly contributing to this progress.

2030 Agenda —Recognizing the success of the MDGs, and the need to complete the job of eradicating poverty, the UN adopted the ambitious 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which includes ending poverty; zero hunger; good health and well-being; quality education; gender equality; clean water and sanitation; affordable and clean energy; decent work and economic growth; industry, innovation and infrastructure; reduced inequalities; sustainable cities and communities; responsible consumption and production; climate action; life below water; life on land; peace, justice and strong institutions; and partnerships for the goals.

Paris Agreement — While these goals were being formulated and approved, the United Nations supported the climate change negotiations, which led to the Paris Agreement on climate change in 2015. The central aim of the Paris Agreement is to strengthen the global response to the threat of climate change by keeping the global temperature rise well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, or even below 1.5 degrees Celsius. Additionally, the Paris Agreement aims to strengthen the ability of countries to deal with the impacts of climate change. In order to reach these goals, financing, new technology and an enhanced capacity-building framework will be put in place. The Agreement also provides for enhanced transparency of action and support through a transparency framework.

2019 Sustainable Development Summit

In September 2019, Heads of State and Government gathered at UN Headquarters in New York for the Sustainable Development Summit to follow up and comprehensively review progress in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The event was the first UN summit on the SDGs since the adoption of the 2030 Agenda in September 2015.

After the summit, the President of the 74th session of the General Assembly, Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, summarized its results, stating that “the commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development remains steadfast”, but “the world is not on track to meet the SDGs by 2030.”

In their Political Declaration, Member States said “We recognize the many efforts at all levels since 2015 to realize the vision of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals.” But, they said, “we are concerned that progress is slow in many areas. Vulnerabilities are high and deprivations are becoming more entrenched. Assessments show that we are at risk of missing the poverty eradication target. Hunger is on the rise. Progress towards gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls is too slow. Inequalities in wealth, incomes and opportunities are increasing in and between countries. Biodiversity loss, environmental degradation, discharge of plastic litter into the oceans, climate change and increasing disaster risk continue at rates that bring potentially disastrous consequences for humanity”.

2019 Climate Action Summit

At the Climate Action Summit in September 2019, 65 countries and major sub-national economies, such as California, committed to cut greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050, while 70 countries announced they will either boost their national action plans by 2020, or have started the process of doing so.

Over 100 business leaders delivered concrete actions to align with the Paris Agreement targets and speed up the transition from the grey to green economy, including asset-owners holding over $2 trillion in assets and leading companies with combined value also over $2 trillion.

Many countries – and over 100 cities, including many of the world’s largest, announced significant new steps to combat the climate crisis. Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries were among those who made the biggest pledges.

Secretary-General António Guterres, in closing the Summit, said “You have delivered a boost in momentum, cooperation and ambition. But we have a long way to go.”

Comparism of US with other developed countries

US ranks 24th in the world on environmental performance. The US is far behind other industrialized nations on environmental performance and now ranks 24th in the world, according to a new analysis by Yale and Columbia universities.

Denmark came in first place, followed by Luxembourg and Switzerland. The United Kingdom ranked fourth.

The findings come as the Trump administration has continued ^[54]to weaken environmental protections in a quest to relax rules on industry and expand fossil fuel development which threatens to put the country even further behind its peers.

The index ranks 180 countries on 32 performance indicators across 11 categories covering environmental health and ecosystem vitality. The US is near the back of the pack for developed nations. China, which is plagued by poor air quality, has made investments that have helped it climb to 120th place, ahead of India’s 168th-place ranking.

Green growth and sustainable development

Sustainable development provides an important context for green growth. Green growth has not been conceived as a replacement for sustainable development, but rather should be considered as a means to achieve it (OECD, 2011b). It is narrower in scope, entailing an operational policy agenda that can help achieve concrete, measurable progress at the interface of the economy and the environment. It provides a strong focus on fostering the necessary conditions for innovation, investment and competition that can give rise to new sources of economic growth, consistent with resilient ecosystems.

Green growth strategies need to pay specific attention to many of the social issues and equity concerns that can arise as a direct result of greening the economy – both at the national and international level. To achieve this they should be implemented in parallel with initiatives centring on the broader social pillar of sustainable development.

The goal for many developing economies is to achieve diversified and sustainable growth over time, which leads to poverty reduction, increased well-being and major improvements in the quality of life of its citizens. This is achieved by taking into account the full value of natural capital and recognising its essential role in economic growth. A green growth model promotes a cost-effective and resource efficient way of guiding sustainable production and consumption choices. Put simply, green growth will help developing countries to achieve sustainable development.Green growth benefits for developing countries

Many developing countries face different and more difficult policy choices than developed countries in defining and implementing green growth strategies. Choosing not to bring more land under cultivation because of the high environmental costs will be difficult for a country with high levels of rural poverty. Though, options for increasing the productivity of existing cultivated land should be explored. Evidently, systems to pay poor countries for ecosystem services and increase the economic and welfare benefit
accruing to them and their citizens from maintaining environmental assets will be critical for the political
feasibility of green growth strategies. Emerging evidence has reiterated that green growth activities can
offer both short term and longer term benefits and opportunities to developing countries (Box 1.2).
Payment for ecosystems services in Costa Rica, sustainable natural resource extraction in Azerbaijan,
social enterprise to promote organic waste treatment in Bangladesh have demonstrated the economic

opportunities from investing in natural resources and promoting sectoral sustainability. In the short run, green growth policies are most likely to deliver local benefits in improved environmental management through sustainable waste treatment, better access to water and energy and more desirable health outcomes from controlled pollution. However, these short run benefits should be examined against the immediate costs of identified policies. Phasing out fossil fuel subsidies will trigger higher energy price which will burden both consumers and producers; air pollution controls will affect competitiveness and the prospects of specific sectors, potentially threatening jobs; providing fewer incentives for agricultural fertiliser usage to boost soil productivity and promote sustainable agriculture could decrease the income of many small-scale poor farmers. There are certainly trade-offs in the policy implications although the scale varies according to the nature of the economy and the implementation of the green growth measures. In many cases the poor are potential losers as a result of shifting to green growth. In some cases, powerful actors, including political parties, unions, and the private sector face disadvantages from shifting away from their country’s current development plan (Resnick et al., 2012).

Hence, the short-term benefits can become more visible if appropriate and targeted social complementary policies are implemented hand in hand with green growth measures. In the longer run, the recognised infrastructure deficits to support economic activities are considerable, but there is potential for technology leapfrogging and climate-resilient implementation. Severe shortages of electricity supply and high urbanisation rates demand more efficient energy and public transportation systems in cities. There may be potential job creation, for instance, through sustainable management of natural resources which could on one hand release the tension of urban migration given most of these opportunities are available in rural areas; on the other hand to preserve local livelihoods from environmental impacts, in particular of climate change

Economic development, most often aims to improve quality of life, and, to some extent, most often partially achieves this aim. However, economic development has also frequently resulted in changes in physical and social environments with concomitant adverse impacts on the health and safety of people. Poor planning and regulation of urban growth have led to the overloading of urban infrastructure and services such as shelter, water, sanitation, energy, wastes and transport. Modern practices in agriculture, mining and manufacturing have introduced new chemical and physical health hazards to both the workplace and the general environment. This has resulted in a new set of illnesses that have increased lifestyle-related and psychosocial health problems such as cardiovascular diseases, obesity, hypertension, alcoholism, tobacco and drug abuse, and violence at homes, schools, and workplaces.
The industrial age, starting in the early twentieth century, was the time that toxic exposure first started becoming apparent. With the rise of new inventions, exciting technology, and newly discovered chemicals, the environment started losing the cleanliness and purity it once had. John Ashton, an environmental researcher, wrote: “A hundred years ago, the poisoned vegetation around copper smelters and related industries aroused little cause for concern. In recent times, environmental tragedies have forcefully borne witness to the price paid in terms of human health from the production of the chemical wares of progress.” Because safety and chemical awareness in the early 1900s was ignored to make room for technological advancement, society now in the twenty-first century is now reaping the consequences of its ancestors’ mistakes.

2. Economic implications

Economics should play an important role in public policies about environmental pollution. Empirical information regarding the quantitative impacts and economic losses from environmental pollution can help bring attention to the extent of specific pollution events. Economics is a key method in the evaluation of trade-offs between pollution and Economic development, most often aims to improve quality of life, and, to some extent, most often partially achieves this aim. However, economic development has also frequently resulted in changes in physical and social environments with concomitant adverse impacts on the health and safety of people. Poor planning and regulation of urban growth have led to the overloading of urban infrastructure and services such as shelter, water, sanitation, energy, wastes and transport. Modern practices in agriculture, mining and manufacturing have introduced new chemical and physical health hazards to both the workplace and the general environment. This has resulted in a new set of illnesses that have increased lifestyle-related and psychosocial health problems such as cardiovascular diseases, obesity, hypertension, alcoholism, tobacco and drug abuse, and violence at homes, schools, and workplaces. The industrial age, starting in the early twentieth century, was the time that toxic exposure first started becoming apparent. With the rise of new inventions, exciting technology, and newly discovered chemicals, the environment started losing the cleanliness and purity it once had. John Ashton, an environmental researcher, wrote: “A hundred years ago, the poisoned vegetation around copper smelters and related industries aroused little cause for concern. In recent times, environmental tragedies have forcefully borne witness to the price paid in terms of human health from the production of the chemical wares of progress.” Because safety and chemical awareness in the early 1900s was ignored to make room for technological advancement, society now in the twenty-first century is now reaping the consequences of its ancestors’ mistakes.

2. Economic implications

2.1. Economic losses

With the development of society and technology, large amounts of toxic pollutants were introduced into the environment. In some cases these contaminants have caused enormous economic losses. For example, economic losses related to marine pollution consist of obvious reductions in daily beach attendance, and subsequent reductions in user-days or number of beach trips (either being appropriate), lost expenditures, as well as decreases in satisfaction and enjoyment derived from beach use (i.e. net economic value). Much of the shore-based economy is linked closely to marine activities and is dependent upon tourists spending their leisure time and money at the shore during the summer months. Economic losses from recent marine pollution events associated with recreational activities are enormous. During the 1987 and 1988 summer season, marine pollution and debris wash-ups occurred almost simultaneously in New York and New Jersey that resulted in beach closures, decreases in beach use and decreased sportfishing. Aggregate economic losses of the 1988 pollution and washup events to New Jersey were conservatively estimated to range from $379.1 million to $1597.8 million (1987$). In addition, the Hudson River Estuary and New York Bight have been exposed to long-term contamination by toxic substances (PCB, DDT, etc.) that have been detected in finfish from these waters. Effects from eating contaminated fish can result in sizeable economic losses and can provide justification for public policy regarding toxicants in seafood and in the marine environment.

2.2. Economic benefits

From the recent scientific findings on the appearance of the ozone holes during the Antarctic spring, and over the Arctic, and those of the Ozone Trends Panel, concern is mounting that emissions of man-made pollutants like CFCs and halons can lead to significant depletion of stratospheric ozone. Depletion of ozone will increase the UV-B at the Earth’s surface and will have many adverse effects on people, animals, plants, aquatic life, air quality and materials. CFCs are still increasing in concentration in the background atmosphere. This is in spite of a ban, under the Montreal Protocol, on their production in the developed world since the mid-1990s. Emissions of some kinds of CFCs continue from their large stocks (fixed fire-fighting systems, old refrigeration and air conditioning units) in the developed world and from legal use in an expanding market in the developing world. A review of the Protocol measures requires an appraisal of the costs of substitution of CFCs and halons and the benefits of avoiding ozone depletion. Reducing the use of ozone-depleting substances could have enormous beneficial impacts on human health and the environment in both developed and developing countries. The current state of scientific knowledge makes it very difficult to quantify the magnitude of many of these impacts. Nevertheless, the scientific evidence is mounting that predicted stratospheric ozone depletion will cause increasing1evels of skin cancers, cataracts, immune suppression, and other human health impacts, plus additional effects on plants and animals, among others. This difficulty in economic quantification does not change the basic conclusion of the economics panel that, on a global basis, the monetary value of the benefits of safeguarding the ozone layer is undoubtedly much greater than the costs of CFC and halon reductions. However, developing countries are less able to pay the costs of reducing or phasing out CFCs and halons, and may have other, more immediate concerns such as food supply and economic development. Given the fact that a global CFC reduction is essential for the protection of the ozone layer, diffusion of CFC and halon replacement technology, including recovery and recycling, is necessary and is in the interest of both developed and developing countries alike.

For decades, mounting pressure to reduce carbon dioxide emissions has elicited both minor and major adjustments in business practices. However, global warming and climate change are not the only environmental concerns companies face. Business activities cause direct environmental impact when carried out within host communities and indirect environmental impact through supply chains. Resource consumption and waste production can bring about excessive collateral damage on natural habitats. Some of these effects of industrial growth have already proven to be irreversible. The ability to identify these impacts even before the planning stage is critical in crafting timely and effective mitigation measures. Below are the Top 4 Environmental Concerns that require society’s urgent attention.

1. Loss of Biodiversity

Biodiversity ensures that the entire food chain gets its share of sustenance. The following food web illustrates the importance of biodiversity within ecological communities:

The ocean’s copepods feed on microscopic phytoplankton to survive.

Bigger fish (as well as other species) feed on copepods.

Nearly half of the human population gets a substantial part of their protein intake from these bigger species (seafood.)

Biodiversity loss is essentially removing links from the food chain. When this happens, organisms that are dependent on extinct species will feel that loss and strive to adapt or perish as well. This domino effect presents serious food security concerns.

Anthropogenic activities such as overfishing or land conversion (affecting terrestrial ecosystems) pose critical threats to biodiversity. Shortages in the food chain put all of society at risk – whether individuals, businesses, or host communities. Clamour for “net-zero” natural capital consumption has been the global response to this problem.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has spearheaded efforts to craft guidelines for businesses to manage biodiversity risks in key areas. An accredited observer to the United Nations (UN), the IUCN actively engages in meaningful discussions with the members of the UN General Assembly to push for environmental conservation.

As the biodiversity discourse gains stronger international participation, ESG standards will be an increasingly necessary foothold for businesses. Seeking expert guidance and utilizing environmental management tools that standardize and streamline their mitigation processes are the first steps for any business attempting to correct its impact on biodiversity

2. Rising Sea Levels

Increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide leads to global warming, which in turn results in rising sea levels. To save the environment and avoid major financial losses, businesses must curb carbon dioxide emissions that trigger the following processes:

Glacial melting

Warmer temperatures trigger glacial melting at a much faster rate than snow can replenish in the ice sheets. Every year, huge volumes of water are released into the ocean.

Thermal expansion of water

Cold water is denser than warm water. As the global temperature continues to rise, the ocean is expanding. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, thermal expansion contributes half of the overall rate in sea-level rise.

Coastal regions have been slowly drowning from increasing global temperatures. Through the business lens, this goes beyond ruined reputation and potential risk to their social license to operate. More frequent and intense tidal flooding because of sea-level rise means complications in transportation infrastructure, higher maintenance and equipment costs, and decreased distribution to coastal regions.

In the U.S. alone, up to 60,000 miles of roadways are vulnerable to tidal flooding, and roughly 100 million vehicle hours are lost annually on the eastern coast. These numbers are expected to worsen in the coming years, as would their financial implications.

Climate change-related business disclosures may be a relatively new legal necessity, but industrial efforts to slow down global warming are long overdue. The consequences of climate change have moved past being pessimistic projections to being an active element of our new reality.

3. Waste Production and Pollution

Businesses produce huge volumes of waste–the subsequent treatment and processing of which may be difficult, costly, and harmful to the environment. The world is currently producing more waste (i.e., fertilizer residue, textiles, food wastes, hazardous chemicals, plastics, etc.) than it can manage.

Mismanaged waste pollutes and reduces the quality of our air, soil, and water. Pollution has already wreaked havoc on ecosystems and inflicted mild and serious health concerns on micro and macro-organisms (including humans.) Businesses do not only rely solely on manmade infrastructure, but also on the substantial contributions of ecosystem services. Mismanaged waste leads to the destruction of ecosystems, which in turn disrupts supply chains. Attention to the amount and types of waste produced benefits both the environment and businesses. Switching to both more sustainable raw materials and processes significantly helps address the waste problem.

4. Water Scarcity

More than a billion people live in areas with extreme water scarcity. Climate change is bringing prolonged droughts, increasing water-scarce regions, and pushing water-stressed regions to the brink of freshwater depletion.

The United Nations, through SDG 6, highlights that “clean water and sanitation” are basic human rights and urges the private sector to make proactive strides to ensure water security. Many water-scarce locations are hubs for water-intensive commercial activities. Acknowledging this, investors are integrating water stress mitigation measures and initiating valuation discounts on shares of companies that put minimal effort into confronting threats to water security. Water scarcity is an urgent concern, and without serious interventions, more of the world will share the suffering that results from this crisis.

The rapid exhaustion of the world’s natural capital is partly attributable to business activities. Declining biodiversity, rising sea levels, excessive waste production, and depleting freshwater resources are all leading factors causing collateral damage to corporate progress. These ramifications must be addressed. Businesses depend on both manmade and natural systems to maintain efficient production. Environmental disruptions, therefore, are more than just logistical difficulties through the business lens. Damaged corporate reputation from mismanaging resources and negatively impacting the environment can also result in the loss of social license to operate and valuation discounts from investors. Businesses’ proactive management of their environmental footprint is of utmost importance to profitability. Consulting with experts and equipping your business with environmental management tools are the next step for any business endeavoring to embrace the changes today’s industry requires.

Individuals advert impact on environment

Human activity has had an effect on the environment for thousands of years, from the time of our very earliest ancestors. Since Homo sapiens first walked the earth, we have been modifying the environment around us through agriculture, travel and eventually through urbanization and commercial networks. At this point in earth’s physical history, our impact on the environment is so substantial that scientists believe “pristine nature,” or ecosystems untouched by human intervention, no longer exist.

washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2016/06/06/theres-basically-no-landscape-on-earth-that-hasnt-been-altered-by-humans-scientists-say/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.9f2d44e5dd06

In ways both positive and negative—and likely in more ways than you’d even think—human civilization and technology have affected our earth, altering our planet forever. Consider these five tangible impacts our species has had on the environment, and whether you’re one who will advance their effects or intercede to halt them.

Pollution Prevention (P2)

Pollution can occur in the air, water, or soil. Pollution prevention, sometimes referred to as P2, refers to reducing or eliminating waste at the source. Goals such as waste reduction and reducing carbon footprint ultimately support a much broader objective of pollution prevention.

Examples:

Modify your production processes to emit less waste or emissions
Use non-toxic or less-toxic substances
Implement conservation techniques (use less energy and water at your facility)
Reuse materials, such as production scrap or shop towels, rather than putting them into the waste stream
Reduce packaging
Resource Conservation
Resource conservation refers to the practice of using resources such as water, energy, and raw materials efficiently and ethically.
Install low-flow faucets and water efficient toilets
Reduce landscape water use
Engage employees to be more conscientious
Install automatic light shut off
Use energy efficient light bulbs
Reduce scrap material during production

Real World Examples:

Bosh: According to the Bosh website, they have a goal to reduce waste and water consumption by 2% every year^[55]

Graphics Packaging: Graphics Packaging has a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce the use of non-renewable energy, reduce water effluent at mills, and increase recovery of paper and paperboard by 2020.^[56]

Zero Waste to Landfill

Having a zero waste to landfill goal means you plan to eliminate all discharge to landfill. It means you are not shipping any wastes for treatment at a landfill.

While zero waste and zero waste the landfill are often used interchangeably, zero waste to landfill is a component of zero waste. When a facility acquires the zero waste to landfill (ZWTL) status, it means that absolutely no manufacturing waste from the facility goes to landfill sites.

Some issues with a zero to landfill goal is that a company could incinerate their waste and still claim zero landfill. Unfortunately, Waste to Energy (WTE) can produce large amounts of ash that must still be landfilled.

Real World Examples

New York City: OneNYC 2050 is a strategy to secure the city’s future against the challenges of today and tomorrow. With bold actions to confront our climate crisis, achieve equity, and strengthen our democracy, their goal is to build a strong and fair city. Many cities and even states also have zero waste goals, such as Minneapolis, Washington DC, Washington, San Francisco, San Diego, Dallas, and Austin

Nestle: According to their sustainability site, Nestle has a goal to reach 100% Zero Waste by 2030.

Waste Minimization / Waste Reduction

Waste reduction is the method used to achieve zero waste.

According to the EPA, waste minimization refers to the use of source reduction and/or environmentally sound recycling methods prior to energy recovery, treatment, or disposal of wastes. If zero waste is too ambitious of a goal, you can start with a goal of waste reduction or waste minimization.

Example: Switch to a laundering service for your shop towels, mops, gloves, oil absorbents, and filter bags.

Real World Example

Amcor: In January 2018, Amcor announced a commitment to develop all packaging to be recyclable or reusable by 2025. They also pledged to significantly increase their use of recycled materials and drive more recycling of packaging around the world.

Zero Discharge

Zero discharge means to eliminate discharge pollutants from a point source (such as a building or processing plant) to local waterways.

Zero discharge can refer to a plant eliminating all pollutants (for example, Gold Inc. has zero discharge from their processing plant) or a specific pollutant (for example, Bronze Inc. has zero copper discharge into receiving water from their operations).

Part of zero discharge includes being a good water steward. According to the Water Council, good water stewards understand their own water use, watershed context and shared risk in terms of water governance, water balance, water quality, and important water-related areas.

Examples

Recycle industrial wastewater by treating any reusable water or other material from wastewater and transferring any potential pollutants to a solid phase (sludge).
Reduce the amount of water needed during production
Real World Example

Levi Strauss: To help preserve fresh water supplies for drinking and other necessary uses, Levi Strauss & Co. developed a standard to encourage the preservation of fresh water through water recycling.

Zero Emissions

Reducing your carbon footprint is to reduce your carbon dioxide emissions, which contribute to global warming.^[57]

Examples

Reduce waste (this is one way you can reduce your carbon footprint)
Buy energy efficient items with the ENERGY STAR® logo or items that are EPEAT registered for the office.
Consider using EPA’s Waste Reduction Model (WARM), which was designed to help solid waste planners organize and track greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Invest in renewable energy
Purchase flexible fuel fleet vehicles, or low emissions vehicles

Real World Examples

GM: According to their 2017 sustainability report, GM has an unwavering commitment to an all-electric, zero-emissions future, regardless of any modifications to future fuel economy standards. They are investing in multiple technologies that offer increasing levels of vehicle electrification. They have committed to using 100 percent renewable energy by 2050.^[58]

Komatsu Mining: As part of their Environmental Sustainability Program, they are continuously reviewing all of our facilities’ operations to reduce our global carbon footprint.^[59]

Ball Corp: Ball Corp’s goal is to cut the carbon footprint of their beverage cans by 25 percent^[60]

Lean Manufacturing

Lean manufacturing is a systematic method for waste minimization within a manufacturing system without sacrificing productivity. These wastes refer to defects, excess processing, overproduction, waiting, inventory, moving, motion, and non-utilized talent.

A reduction in excess processing and defects, in particular, can have a substantial impact on environmental sustainability.

Real world example

Viking Plastics:^[61]

In 2011, Viking Plastics embarked on a journey of continuous improvement and culture transformation, following the “2-Second Lean” model. They educated all of their employees — in all job descriptions — on the “eight wastes” targeted for elimination by lean manufacturing organizations.

Alternative / Renewable Energy

Alternative energy refers to all non-fossil-fuel-based energy sources and processes. Examples include solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, wave power, nuclear, hydropower.

Real world example:

Toyota:^[62] According to their sustainability website, Toyota is evaluating applications of solar, geothermal and stationary hydrogen fuel cells, as well as the purchase of green power either directly from a utility company or through renewable energy credits. They are also experimenting with other types of renewable and alternative energy, such as geothermal systems and landfill gas.

Responsible Consumption

Responsible consumption means using our resources and energy efficiently. Responsibility lies in the hands of everyone – manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and consumers.

Examples

Encourage carpooling or riding a bike to work
Utilize rerouting and logistics to minimize fuel consumption
Use less packaging in your product
Responsible Waste Management

Responsible waste management falls into the hands of every person, and company, that generates waste. It means that waste is properly segregated and handled accordingly. According to the EPA’s waste management hierarchy, source reduction and reuse are the preferred methods, followed by recycling, energy recovery, and finally, treatment and disposal.

Examples

Designate colored recycling bins for different wastes and make them accessible to all employees

Evaluate all waste, and find a way to move it up the waste hierarchy. ^[63]

Reuse & Recycling

Recycling means turning an item into raw materials which can be used again, usually for a completely new product. Reuse, in contrast, refers to using an object as it is without breaking it down.

Reuse is preferred over recycling because recycling consumes more energy.

Examples

Switch to launderable, reusable oil absorbents. Oil Absorbent Reuse.^[64]

Using a towel rental service instead of one-time-use wipes.^[65]

Advocacy

Advocacy is the act or process of supporting a cause or proposal. Advocacy can be a powerful way for companies to effect real change in environmental sustainability.

Examples

Educate peers about corporate sustainability
Educate consumers about responsible consumption
Lobby for new policies or regulations
Donate to non-profit organizations that support sustainability

Innovation

Innovation can accelerate and even revolutionize environmental sustainability initiatives. It can come in the form of product or process innovation and is a key part of achieving sustainability goals.

Examples

Upgrade to new equipment that results in fewer defective parts (and, therefore, less waste)

Modify product packaging so that it can be easily recycled.

PEER

Whereas LEED refers to the building sector, PEER refers to the power sector. PEER stands for Performance Excellence in Electricity Renewal. It’s a rating system that evaluates a power system’s performance for reliability, safety, efficiency, grid service, innovation, and regional priority.

TRUE

TRUE (Total Resource Use and Efficiency) helps organizations understand how materials flow through their facilities and identify redesign opportunities so that all products are reused.

TRUE-certified projects must meet a minimum of 90 percent waste diversion for 12 months from landfills, incinerators (waste-to-energy) or the environment.

TRUE is administered by GBCI and serves as a compliment to the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design green building rating system created by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

Six Sigma

Six Sigma is a set of tools and techniques to help improve processes within an organization.

The primary goal of the Six Sigma certification is to validate individuals who possess the skills to identify errors or defects in a business process and eliminate them.

The Six Sigma certification comes in various skill levels: Yellow Belt, Green Belt, Black Belt, and Master Black Belt. These certifications can be obtained through an accreditation body like the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

LEED and Green Buildings

If your focus is on energy efficiency, waste reduction, and water conservation, you may want to consider LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. LEED is a widely used green building rating system. LEED applies strictly to a building or neighborhood, not a company. LEED buildings save energy, water, resources, generate less waste and support human health.

Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) is the exclusive provider of third-party certification and professional credentials for LEED.

Real World Example

Colgate Palmolive: LEED buildings helps reduce Colgate’s environmental impact and overall exposure to water and climate change related issues.

ISO 5001:2018

ISO 50001 supports organizations to use energy more efficiently, through the development of an energy management system.

ISO 14001

ISO 14001:2015 specifies the requirements for an environmental management system that an organization can use to improve environmental performance. ISO 14001:2015 helps companies manage environmental responsibilities in a well-defined, systematic approach.

Real-World Example

ITU AbsorbTech: All of ITU AbsotrbTech’s production facilities are registered to the ISO 14001:2015 standard. ITU AbsorbTech is committed to dynamic change and improvement and holds all facilities to the same high standard.world is witnessing dramatic changes in the environment, in technology, in the economy and in society. ‘Business as usual’ is no longer acceptable, and the question is how long the world can continue pursuing consumption and growth predicated on ever-increasing efficiency. The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified concerns about the highly interconnected and vulnerable state of the global economy, the relationship with nature and the prospects for each living being on this planet, including people, to survive and to thrive.This concern is not new. For decades, science has pointed out the problems associated with material, linear, fossil-fuel-based economic growth. The overwhelming evidence from the GEO-6 report, published in 2019, [2] is that human beings are already putting people’s survival at risk. Not only are we driving catastrophic climate change and increasing pollution, but we are also driving an unprecedented loss of biodiversity, the rich variety of life that is essential for the stability and resilience of all ecosystems. This scientific consensus has also been translated into high level political commitments, including the Paris Agreement, ^[66] leading up to a Global Deal for Nature

^[67] and the Business Ambition for 1.5°C.^[68]

Use sustainable packaging

For businesses that sell and ship products, packaging is a major part of the operation. From the packaging that each unit is sold in to the mailers and boxes they are eventually shipped out in, this material adds up quickly.

A survey done by the shipping service Sendle found that 64 percent of consumers would be more likely to make a purchase from a retailer that offered compostable packaging (especially if it didn’t cost more).

Recycled paper and cardboard are tried and true sustainable packaging options, but there have also been strides toward creating completely compostable packaging that results in zero waste at the end of its cycle.

Make energy-efficient upgrades

Becoming energy efficient doesn’t only help to shrink carbon footprints, it also helps to reduce a company’s energy bill.

Many simple things can be done: use energy-efficient appliances; move to LED lights; automate lights with sensors; use smart thermostats; take advantage of natural light; and supply staff with laptops instead of desktop computers.

Saving money and saving the planet are not mutually exclusive.

Use green web hosting services

Websites use energy, too. The servers that host a website’s data are constantly on, using up copious amounts of energy.

Luckily, companies can choose where their data is stored. More and more, eco-conscious companies are offsetting that energy usage to go carbon neutral.

Google has done a lot to decarbonize its data centers and claims that its cloud services produce zero net carbon emissions. And the largest cloud computing provider out there, Amazon, has promised to achieve the same by 2040 through wind and solar farms.

Do business with green businesses

Web hosting isn’t the only way businesses can go carbon-neutral with the companies they choose to operate with.

From software companies and food and beverage brands to apparel labels and shipping carriers, carbon-neutral vendors can be found across every major industry. For many small businesses, their supply chain also will have a big impact on their own footprint.

Again, becoming a sustainable business depends on the companies they support.

Buy carbon offsets

Finally, for whatever portion of a company’s carbon footprint that can’t be reduced through changes, the purchase of offsets can move the needle to carbon neutrality. Businesses can use a variety of carbon marketplaces to both calculate and offset their emissions. When choosing, it’s important to search for third-party certification and the projects the investments are made in. Here are a few reputable carbon offset organizations to start the carbon-neutral journey with. Despite recent progress and growing momentum, the global community, including business and governments, has failed to take the transformative actions necessary for human survival. Dominant responses remain focused on the pursuit of short term financial and economic recovery, and growth as a driver for progress, even if this growth comes at the expense of the planet’s natural resources and long-term well-being. With this well-being now

1. Business at a time of transformation dramatically and perhaps irreversibly undermined, there is need to question the thinking and systems that got the world to this point. It is clear that a resilient economy must be one that prioritizes and supports the well-being of nature and people. The brief will show later how communities, countries and businesses around the world have been exploring and developing nature positive models in energy, food, transport and resources. This emerging movement is a source of hope and inspiration, as it might help guide business toward a new type of economy. But for businesses stuck in conventional economic thinking and locked into linear, fossil-fuel-based practices, this transformative change towards a positive relationship with nature poses existential challenges. To navigate and survive the coming decades of transformative change, every business will need to harness all the ingenuity, creativity and imagination they can muster. We will need CEOs and entrepreneurs to steer the economy and their businesses away from relying on the exploitation of nature and people and towards a new model of prosperity, based on green and regenerative principles. It is time for leaders in business to overhaul their purpose, plans and strategies for this new context and explore different futures, engage with new partners and create space for experimentation. With so much at stake, clinging to business-as-usual is not just risky, but a narrow and irresponsible approach. The only way to prepare for the future is to explore how companies can take on a nature positive approach, starting today ways to make your business more sustainable

Each business has its own particularities, so the steps one company takes won’t necessarily be the same as the steps others may take. Here are several ways for small businesses to reduce their environmental impact.

1. Offer remote work

As more work gets done online, there is less need for people to be in a physical office. Remote work has taken off over the past few years, allowing employees to have work-life flexibility and substantially reducing their time spent commuting. This is great for the environment. Fewer cars on the road, idling in traffic, equates to less carbon dioxide (CO2) being emitted into the air. This small change can help reduce traffic and a business’s overall carbon footprint. Further, with fewer people in the office, companies can save money usually spent stocking, lighting and heating the workplace.

2. Provide public transit commuter benefits

When employees do need to be in the office, how their commute contributes to greenhouse gas emissions still can be influenced. Public transportation (buses, trains, vanpools) is the greenest way to commute, and companies can encourage employees to take advantage of these transport options. Small businesses can provide employees with public transit benefits that help the environment, either directly or through their human resources (HR) software. To provide these benefits directly, many city transit agencies offer subsidized passes for businesses. Alternately, these benefits may be available to add through HR software that centralizes all benefit programs.

3. Use sustainable products

The items companies purchase to ensure their workplaces function well — be it printer paper, cleaning products or to-go containers — can be deleterious to the environment due to the processes that go into making them. For all those paper items commonly used, such as rolls of toilet paper and reams of printer paper, office managers can look for labeling that says it is made from post- or pre-consumer waste. Recycled products such as these maintain a circular economy and reduce overall waste. For cleaning products, there is a whole cottage industry of green cleaners that don’t include toxic chemicals, opting instead for natural ingredients that work just as well. Using these products keeps toxic ingredients out of the streams and their waste out of landfills.

4. Make use of secondhand finds

Decking out the office doesn’t have to mean paying top dollar for brand-new furniture. It takes a lot of energy and raw material to make all those new tables, chairs, couches and desks. Companies can go the green route instead by finding beautiful vintage pieces to fill out their offices or opting for recycled furniture. This ensures that fully functional furniture won’t be tossed into landfills in favor of the newest styles. Who wouldn’t want some incredible mid-century furniture in their office?

5. Reduce, reuse, recycle

The best way to keep waste out of landfills is by never sending it there in the first place. The order of the Rs is important. First, companies should endeavor to reduce usage where they can. Instead of disposable cups, plates and utensils (not to mention coffee pods), they can opt for real glass and ceramic alternatives. Reuse items whenever possible. In the warehouse, instead of throwing out structurally intact boxes, they can go another round. In the office, employees should be encouraged to use both sides of the printer paper. When reducing or reusing aren’t possible, recycling is the next best thing. Many cities helpfully provide bins for this and have made the recycling process less complicated, so it’s much easier to leave the trash can entirely empty these days.

6. Compost

Another way to divert waste from landfills is to compost. An increasing number of cities are capable of composting just about any organic matter. The difference between that banana peel in the compost and that banana peel in the dump is what it becomes. In the dump, it slowly decays and off-gases methane, a much more destructive greenhouse gas. In the compost, it decays quickly and becomes soil for gardens and parks.

The workplace is a perfect place to implement a compost program. All those lunch leftovers can be turned into soil instead of methane

7. Use sustainable packaging

8. Make energy-efficient upgrades

Becoming energy efficient doesn’t only help to shrink carbon footprints, it also helps to reduce a company’s energy bill. Many simple things can be done: use energy-efficient appliances; move to LED lights; automate lights with sensors; use smart thermostats; take advantage of natural light; and supply staff with laptops instead of desktop computers. Saving money and saving the planet are not mutually exclusive.

9. Use green web hosting services

Websites use energy, too. The servers that host a website’s data are constantly on, using up copious amounts of energy. Luckily, companies can choose where their data is stored. More and more, eco-conscious companies are offsetting that energy usage to go carbon neutral.

10. Do business with green businesses

Web hosting isn’t the only way businesses can go carbon-neutral with the companies they choose to operate with.

Again, becoming a sustainable business depends on the companies they support.

11. Buy carbon offsets

Finally, for whatever portion of a company’s carbon footprint that can’t be reduced through changes, the purchase of offsets can move the needle to carbon neutrality.

Businesses can use a variety of carbon marketplaces to both calculate and offset their emissions. When choosing, it’s important to search for third-party certification and the projects the investments are made in.

Here are a few reputable carbon offset organizations to start the carbon-neutral journey with

How can you measure a company’s sustainability? There you have the 5 main indicators for evaluating the environmental, social and economic impact of your company, making it truly sustainable and fighting against greenwashing

It is important to be eco-friendlier, for every aspect of our lifestyles, including our work. But how can we measure the environmental sustainability of your company? What are the corresponding indicators that must be taken into account?

Firstly, it is necessary to underline the fact that for defining a company as sustainable, it must respect three different criteria on sustainability:

Economic
Environmental
Social

So, please notice that the term “sustainable” is not only about the environmental impact but also about the economic and social effects that the company should hold

Measuring sustainability using indicators

Some aspects of sustainability are not easy to be measure as some data are considered to be “latent”, not immediately measurable.

For this reason, it is important to identify the indicators, called KPI (Key Performance Indicators), that produce data that can be measured through specific tools and clear systems.

However, having said this, let’s find out about these 5 main indicators (given by recent scientific research on the magazine GreenTire in collaboration with the Bocconi University of Milan) to measure the sustainability of your company.

1. Conformity

The first indicator for a company’s sustainability is about respecting the rules and the national or international standards. For example, a measurable indicator (KPI) can be the quantity of fines for infractions.

2. Use of materials and Performance

The second KPI introduces by the GreenTire measures the number of resources and raw materials that are used, the amount of waste and the emissions that they generate. An indicator that evaluates both the environmental and economic part of a company for defining it as “sustainable”.

3. Effects

What are the effects that your company produces? What about its utter environmental impact? What kind of regulation do you have for protecting the employees? How many accidents at work have you had in your organization? Just ask these questions and you will have a clearer idea of the social and environmental effects of your company.

4. The supply Chain and the Product Life Cycle

This indicator underlines those aspects that are about the company itself. For defining a company as “sustainable”, it is important to take into account the whole product life cycle, from the choice of raw materials to the final disposal. For this reason, it is important to acknowledge if the suppliers use renewable energy sources; the amount of carbon dioxide produced by moving the products; if the product may be recycled or reused

5. Sustainable system

The last indicator represents how the company acts in the social context. It evaluates national or international relationships and the impact on the local territory. This indicator also shows the impact on the life quality of the employees and the local community.

By considering these sustainability indicators, through accurate analysis, we can develop a critical point of view towards the sustainability of our company and identify the aspects that have to be improved for reaching a good balance among the three areas of action of sustainability (social, environmental and economic).

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS OF GOING GREEN

No matter what industry a business is in, any company can take advantage of going green. Businesses can get benefits that include tax breaks, subsidies, savings, and increased popularity as they meet the demands of their customers and employees. Here are the financial benefits of corporate sustainability.

Increased Profits

With more people caring about sustainability, consumers are demanding natural products from responsible vendors and suppliers who use green practices. Many consumers are willing to pay more for brands whose values align with their own. Most important to these consumers are:

Goods made from natural and organic ingredients

Eco-friendly brands and products

Brands with social values

Environmentally friendly packaging

Tax Benefits

The government understands the demand and need for sustainable business practices. To support environmental friendliness, it offers tax advantages to green businesses. You can use these tax benefits when filing your taxes with professional tax software to get:

Rebates

Tax breaks

Monetary enticements

Financial incentives such as these are offered at the state and federal levels. For example, you can receive business deductions for installing energy-efficient appliances in your business, such as HVAC and hot water systems.

Government Subsidies

Tax breaks are a significant advantage of going green, but businesses may also qualify for government subsidies. For example, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides grants for qualified programs for businesses that use environmentally friendly approaches in their business operations.

In addition, the Small Business Association (SBA) offers financing to businesses that support green solutions in a variety of industries.

Increased Savings

Environmentally responsible businesses can save money in a variety of ways, including using organic and natural resources and making the switch to smart energy. Your business can reap these rewards by:

Recycling

Water-saving appliances

Energy-efficient equipment

Solar power

Reduce waste

Easier Hiring Process

When many businesses consider the types of business operations that cost them the most money, the human resources department typically doesn’t make the top of the list. However, recruiting and hiring employees can be expensive. Not only does having a vacant position for too long disrupt business operations and make teams less efficient, ultimately costing you more money, but the process of recruitment and hiring can be costly.

By finding top talent and making them want to stay with your business, you can save tens of thousands of dollars. While becoming environmentally friendly likely won’t be the main reason an applicant is interested in your open position, it can make your offer more attractive than your competitors. By hiring top talent, your business can earn more money and not have to worry about turnover.

Healthier Employees

When you have a corporate sustainability plan, you can make sure your workers are at the forefront by focusing on their health and safety. By providing organic, healthy foods in the lunchrooms, better air quality systems, and choosing safer cleaning chemicals, you can keep your employees healthier, which means there will be fewer sick days.

Appease and Attract Shareholders

If your business needs investors, then you’ll need to make your business more attractive than your competitors. Investments in fossil fuels are decreasing while investments in sustainability are increasing. Not only do shareholders want to work with companies whose values align with their own, but sustainability can promote economic growth, which puts more money in their bank accounts.

Not only that, but investors want to add more sustainability elements into their portfolios to reduce risk exposure and improve resilience. By incorporating an investment model that includes ESG-optimized opportunities, you can ensure higher returns for your investors.

OTHER BENEFITS OF SUSTAINABILITY FOR BUSINESSES

While many business owners only care about their bottom lines, others care about improving all aspects of their business. Sustainability offers these other advantages for businesses:

Drives innovation
Makes businesses consider long-term solutions
Fosters collaboration

YOUR BUSINESS REPUTATION

While there are financial implications in going green, one of the biggest benefits you’ll have is an improved reputation. Using eco-friendly practices will make your business more appealing to customers, clients, and even employees. You can expect more sales, happier employees, and build an ethical company culture with a better reputation. Not to mention, you will be helping save the environment one step at a time.

Remember, corporate sustainability has three pillars that all businesses must consider before executing a plan to become green. First, it’s best to strategize how you can make small improvements in your business so you don’t disrupt major operations while you make the shift to a business that focuses on sustainability efforts. As a business owner, make sure you include other decision-makers in the process of implementing a corporate sustainability plan.

How is ESG transforming packaging in the beverages sector?

The beverages sector has already been re-shaped by increasing corporate and consumer consciousness of environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues around packaging. Now, amidst a raft of new regulations, those who get ahead of the curve may find new opportunities. Brands are increasingly using packaging as a means of addressing ESG concerns and communicating with consumers. Access GlobalData’s new whitepaper, ESG in Packaging, to examine the challenges faced by companies, and understand how adapting to regulation around packaging, as well as appealing to ESG-conscious consumers, presents opportunities. The white paper covers:

Which regulations are governments looking to introduce?

How can beverage manufacturers get ahead of regulations?

How can packaging manufacturers help and how will consumers react?

What packaging and recycling innovations are required and what are the barriers to consumer engagement?

Zero in on how the industry operates in the EU and USA, exploring conclusions that remain relevant for other markets too, including Brazil, Canada, Russia and Turkey.^[69]

Green Business Certification List

LEED^{^[70]}

LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a certification meant specifically for buildings. If your business location has a sustainable design or other features, you can earn points to achieve different levels of certification, including Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum.

USDA Organic^{^[71]}

If your business raises or processes food products, you can apply to a USDA-accredited certifying agent to get your products certified organic. You’ll need to provide information about your growing or production process. Then you can include the USDA Certified Organic seal on your products to appeal to customers that prefer to buy organic.

Green Business Bureau

GBB is an online green business certification program. To enroll, you need to complete an initial assessment, make a corporate sustainability vision statement, display an Environmental Compliance Poster, organize an office Green Team and conduct a kick-off meeting to review the GBB Assessment results and recommendations.

Safer Choice^{^[72]}

From the Environmental Protection Agency, Safer Choice is a certification and labeling program that shows consumers which products perform well and are safe for human health and the environment. There are various qualifications and labels you can apply for, from fragrance-free products to safe chemical products..

WELL^{^[73]}

The WELL certification focuses on building projects and their impact on health, wellness and the environment. There are a few different levels, and each has its own set of preconditions. And pricing varies by project as well.

Green C Certification^{^[74]}

From the American Consumer Council, the Green C Certification program is for businesses that promote environmentally responsible practices in a variety of different industries. Businesses that operate or do business in the U.S. and have five or more employees are eligible to apply. You must also pay for a site visit, which starts at $2,500.

Energy Star^{^[75]}

Energy Star is a fairly recognizable certification symbol for appliances, lightbulbs, electronics and other similar products. But you can also earn Energy Star certification for buildings or plants. The EPA has a free online tool that you can use to measure energy use and emissions. Scores are given out between 1 and 100, and those that get a score of over 75 are eligible to apply for certification.

EDGE^{^[76]}

EDGE, or Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies, is a certification aimed at new building projects. So for builders, developers or similar businesses, looking into this certification could be worthwhile. Pricing starts at $2,250 and goes up based on the square footage of the building.

The Institute for Green Business Certification^{^[77]}

A Canadian organization, the Institute for Green Business Certification provides certification and promotion for businesses that meet environmental standards, including compliance with environmental regulations and implementation of measures to save energy. Cost varies by year.

Fair Trade USA Certified^{^[78]}

Products that are Fair Trade Certified show customers that the company uses equitable trade practices at every level of the supply chain, ensuring fair treatment, prices and environmental impact. Certifications are available for a variety of different product categories, and quarterly fees vary based on the type of business.

PEER^{^[79]}

PEER is a certification program made to measure and improve sustainable power system performance. PEER looks at different factors like efficiency, effectiveness and reliability. The certification can help facility owners ensure power quality to clients or potential customers.

Green Seal^{^[80]}

Green Seal is a non-profit organization that certifies and promotes environmentally friendly products and services. The organization has different standards for different industries. You can find your specific application process on the organization’s website.

SITES

SITES is a certification system for landscapes, so it could apply to businesses that have a lot of land or outdoor space to work with. Certification is based on a points system and includes a few different levels. Registration starts at $2,500

Forest Stewardship Council^{^[81]}

For forest managers or companies that utilize forest resources, the Forest Stewardship Council offers certification to show which companies responsibly manage their forests and resources. FSC certification can lead to benefits like the ability to access new markets.

GRESB^{^[82]}

GRESB is a certification that assesses the sustainability and ethical impact of real assets, including real estate and infrastructure. The organization provides information about assets and real estate portfolios to investors who want to better understand the impact of their investments.

WasteWise^{^[83]}

From the EPA, WasteWise is a certification recognizing businesses, governments and organizations that demonstrate how they’ve reduced waste. Those who join get benefits like discounted waste disposal costs and recognition in the WasteWise publication and on the EPA’s website.

Bay Area Green Business Program^{^[84]}

For businesses in the Bay Area of California, the Bay Area Green Business Program partners with local environmental agencies to support businesses that minimize waste and otherwise shrink their carbon footprints. Businesses that meet government regulations and other qualifications can apply for the program online.

Parksmart^{^[85]}

Parksmart is a certification that recognizes sustainable practices in parking structure management, programming, design and technology. So for parking management facilities or any business that utilizes parking garages, it could be a program worth looking into. The registration fee is $250 and certification fee is $6,500.

BioPreferred^{^[86]}

From the United States Department of Agriculture, the BioPreferred Voluntary Labeling Initiative allows companies that make biobased products to show that they meet or exceed the minimum biobased content percentage in their industry. Standards vary by product type.

WaterSense

WaterSense is another EPA program applying to manufacturers, retailers, distributors and more. Partners get accesses to resources and tools specific to their needs. And WaterSense products are independently tested and certified to meet the EPA’s criteria for efficiency and performance.

Animal Welfare Approved^{^[87]}

Animals and the environment often go hand in hand. So for businesses that also want to express that their products are animal friendly, there’s the Animal Welfare Approved certification. Farmers, food producers and more can apply for certification online.

Certified Humane^{^[88]}

Certified Humane is another certification system for farmers and food producers that can show consumers which food items are humanely created. You must meet specific standards for the care and handling of farm animals in order to be considered.

Green America^{^[89]}

Green America is a nationwide organization certifying companies that use business as a tool for positive social change and that employ environmentally responsible processes. Businesses must apply to earn the Green America seal, which comes in two different levels with different standards for business certification.

Green Plus

From the Redwoods Group Foundation, Green Plus offers a third-party certification program for green businesses. To get involved, you need to first take a diagnostic survey. And those that earn a specific score can enjoy benefits like access to branding and marketing strategies for green businesses.

EPEAT^{^[90]}

For companies that manufacture and sell electronics, EPEAT is a program of the Green Electronics Council. There are different criteria that businesses must meet depending on what types of products they sell.

Why Organization Should Invest in Sustainability

Over the past few years, research^[91]has shown that environmentally friendly behavior among consumers has increased. The public is modifying behaviors around such activities as transportation patterns, household energy and resource use, and consumption of food and consumer goods, in order to minimize the effect on the environment.

A 2010 article entitled ‘Backing your Beliefs’^[92] highlighted the recent growth in “socially responsible investing” (SRI). “The global phenomenon of environmentalism and social justice is starting to grow, so people realize there is money to be made by investing in companies that cater to those industries or companies that are on the cutting edge of those philosophies.” So just these two quick examples show us

(1) consumers are increasingly considering the environment as a factor in their buying decisions, and

(2) investors are paying attention to corporate behavior.

The practice of sustainability varies as widely as our globe is varied by nationalities, corporations, non-profits, individuals, and geographies. So how does a business leader consider sustainability among all the other competing priorities of the organization?

First, you have to have a clear understanding of the terms and then define what it means for your business. The most common definition of sustainability comes from the 1983 United Nations Bruntland Commission.^[93] In their report, they cited:

“Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

Organizations have used this framework to focus on issues that are critical for continuation of their business, such as energy management, water quality and availability, diversity and gender equality in the workforce, reduced waste in production and/or supply chains, and compliance with environmental regulations, particularly those that require measurement and management of greenhouse gas emissions.

Next, you need to approach the management of sustainability in the context of those organization-specific focus areas. And for each one, apply the right business analytics to drive real change.

This is the four step model that I usually review with customers to give perspective on the phased implementation of business analytics to support sustainability initiatives.

1. MEASURE performance. Establish a set of key performance indicators that are aligned with initiative and programs. These indicators should not only be interesting, they should be important. Business analytics play an important role in ensuring quality of the data integration process. Analytic rules can flag data that is outside of statistical norms, incomplete, or erroneous. SAS has seen a rise in sustainability reporting,^[94] as organizations communicate performance according to industry-accepted or organization-specific standards. Once current performance is identified, trend analysis and correlation analytics can be applied to identify areas for improvement.

2. REDUCE consumption /cost/emissions /waste. Answer the question of “why” and model the alternative scenarios that may produce a measurable improvement on performance. Some organizations, even public sector, have set emissions reductions goals. The Municipality of The Hague,^[95] for example, is ambitiously planning to be “climate neutral” by 2050. Over 670 universities in the U.S. have pledged ^[96]to reduce their impact on the environment. Business analytics applied to the practice of energy and emissions management ^[97]is the best way to determine how your organization will meet those goals. In particular, what-if forecasting is a valuable decision support tool in this phase.

3. OPTIMIZE processes to increase efficiency without impacting environmental or social performance. Particularly for resource-intensive organizations (industrial manufacturers, transportation, power generation, etc), business analytics can enable strategic growth in demand for products and services while balancing resource consumption.

4. EXTEND sustainable practices throughout supply chain, data center, and financial markets. Lessons learned in data capture and analysis can be applied to specific areas of the business that may pose a larger risk profile or have a more significant impact on sustainable performance. Business analytics can be applied to understand supplier’s sustainable performance or the future value at risk ^[98]of carbon credits on the market. Particularly for high energy consumers such as the data center, forecasting future energy needs based on predicted levels of demand is a critical decision input when considering consolidation, virtualization, or expansion.

I have found that this framework is useful in thinking about how to systematically approach the management of sustainability practices within your organization. However, each organization must decide how much to tackle and how quickly. For a consumer products company who wants to bring an eco-widget to market, it might be very important to get to the “Extend” activities rapidly. For an organization with voluntary carbon reduction goals, your corporate objectives may be met within the “Reduce” phase. In fact, some companies have perfected their reduction analyses within their own operations before offering them as a service to others.

How the US government can be convinced?

The Environmental Performance Index (EPI) ranks 180 countries on 32 performance indicators across 11 issue categories covering environmental health and ecosystem vitality. The 2020 EPI features new metrics that gauge waste management, carbon dioxide emissions from land cover change, and black carbon emissions – all important drivers of climate change. It is so disheartening that the U.S. ranks 24th in the 2020 Environmental Performance Index.

https://envirocenter.yale.edu/2020-environmental-performance-index

As a first world country with the mission to solve environmental challenges both at home and outside the country, it is high time the US government prioritizes environmental sustainability in the country. The benefits of environmental sustainability for the US are:

protection of ecosystems
Continued enjoyment of nature as it is
Protection endangered species
Less pollution in the cities will result in better respiratory health for all US citizens
It could halt or reverse the effects of global warming
Reduced environmental degradation and lots more.

[1] https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/global-greenhouse-gas-emissions-data

[2] https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_issues_in_the_United_States#cite_ref-3

[3] https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_issues_in_the_United_States#cite_note-Climate_change_in_the_United_States_Heidari_2020_e2020EF001657-8

[4] https://www.epa.gov/climate-indicators/climate-change-indicators-us-and-global-temperature

[5] https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geophysical_Research_Letters

[6] https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-019-00327-2

[7] https://www.carbonbrief.org/analysis-which-countries-are-historically-responsible-for-climate-change

[8] https://www.climatewatchdata.org/ghg-emissions?calculation=PER_CAPITA&end_year=2018&start_year=1990

[9] https://climateactiontracker.org/press/new-momentum-reduces-emissions-gap-but-huge-gap-remains-analysis/

[10] http://www.atlanticcouncil.org/publications/reports/climate-change-and-us-national-security-past-present-future

[11] https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_issues_in_the_United_States#:~:text=Environmental%20issues%20in%20the%20United%20States%20include%20climate%20change%2C%20energy,increasing%20rapidly%20instead%20of%20reducing

[12] https://www.sciencedaily.com/terms/fossil_fuel.htm

[13] https://web.archive.org/web/20200406173555/https://energyandcleanair.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Cost-of-fossil-fuels-briefing.pdf

[14] https://psmag.com/environment/air-pollution-is-killing-more-people-than-smoking-and-fossil-fuels-are-largely-to-blame

[15] http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/mcs/2016/mcs2016.pdf

[16] https://www.epa.gov/superfund/abandoned-mine-lands-site-information

[17] https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2021/mcs2021-copper.pdf

[18] https://www.nrc.gov/reactors/operating/ops-experience/vessel-head-degradation/news/2004/09-16-04-ml0426005320.pdf

[19]https://books.google.com/books?id=Kn6YhNtyVigC&pg=PA44&lpg=PA44&dq=shoreham+nuclear+power+plant+protests&source=web&ots=rmz3LVr6tR&sig=sHGK4uiUQ8KKAynuBqZa7NWqYzo

[20] https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rinaldo_Brutoco

[21] https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_issues_in_the_United_States#cite_note-63

[22] https://doi.org/10.1257%2Faer.20151272

[23] https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/21/health/air-quality-2020-report-wellness/index.html

[24] https://nepis.epa.gov/Exe/ZyPURL.cgi?Dockey=20004CXI.txt

[25] http://www.sewerhistory.org/articles/whregion/urban_wwm_mgmt/urban_wwm_mgmt.pdf

[26] https://ofmpub.epa.gov/waters10/attains_nation_cy.control

[27] https://www.ecowatch.com/world-plastic-waste-leader-us-2648607158.html

[28] https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_issues_in_the_United_States#cite_note-77

[29] https://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/america-e-waste-gps-tracker-tells-all-earthfix/

[30] http://www.electronicstakeback.com/resources/facts-and-figures/

[31] https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_issues_in_the_United_States#cite_note-83

[32] https//www.census.gov/prod/2005pubs/06statab/pop.pdf

[33] https://www.census.gov/main/www/popclock.html

[34] http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/tables/08s0010.pdf

[35] http://nationalaglawcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/assets/crs/RL30798.pdf

[36] https://ballotpedia.org/Environmental_policy_in_the_United_States#cite_note-majorlaw-1

[37] http://www.epa.gov/agriculture/lcla.html#Summary_of_CERCLA

[38] http://www.nytimes.com/1989/01/02/us/reagan-and-environment-to-many-a-stalemate.html

[39] http://www.nytimes.com/2002/07/30/politics/30AIR.html

[40] http://www.epa.gov/air/caa/requirements.html

[41] https://ballotpedia.org/Environmental_policy_in_the_United_States#cite_note-15

[42] http://www2.epa.gov/laws-regulations/summary-resource-conservation-and-recovery-act

[43] http://www2.epa.gov/laws-regulations/summary-safe-drinking-water-act

[44] http://www2.epa.gov/aboutepa/our-mission-and-what-we-do

[45] http://www.doi.gov/whoweare/orgchart.cfm

[46] http://www.interior.gov/whoweare/orgchart.cfm

[47] http://www.fws.gov/help/about_us.html

[48] http://www.fws.gov/help/about_us.html

[49] http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/info/About_BLM.html

[50] https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/development-agenda/

[51] https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/climate-change/

[52] https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/economic-growth/

[53] https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/

[54] https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/may/10/trump-environmental-blitzkrieg-coronavirus

[55] https://www.bosch.com/our-company/sustainability/strategy/vision-and-targets/

[56] . http://www.graphicpkg.com/NA/EN/Sustainability/Pages/Vision.aspx?x=39

[57] https://www.levistrauss.com/sustainability/planet/

[58] https://mining.komatsu/company/social-responsibility/environmental-programs

[59] https://mining.komatsu/company/social-responsibility/environmental-programs

[60] https://www.gmsustainability.com/aspire/strategy.html

[61] https://www.vikingplastics.com/our-lean-journey/

[62] https://www.toyota.com/usa/environmentreport2013/operations.html

[63] https://www.epa.gov/smm/sustainable-materials-management-non-hazardous-materials-and-waste-management-hierarchy

[64] https://ituabsorbtech.com/disposable-vs-reusable-towels-get-facts/

[65] https://ituabsorbtech.com/disposable-vs-reusable-towels-get-facts/

[66] https://advances.sciencemag.org/content/5/4/eaaw2869

[67] https://advances.sciencemag.org/content/5/4/eaaw2869

[68] https://sciencebasedtargets.org/business-ambition-for-1-5c#start

[69] https://www.packaging-gateway.com/sector/esg-in-packaging/

[70] http://www.gbci.org/certification#leed

[71] https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/organic-certification/faq-becoming-certified

[72] https://www.epa.gov/saferchoice

[73] https://www.wellcertified.com/well

[74] http://americanconsumercouncil.org/greenc.asp

[75] https://www.energystar.gov/buildings/about-us/energy-star-certification

[76] https://edge.gbci.org/

[77] http://www.gbcertified.ca/

[78] http://www.fairtradeusa.org/certification

[79] http://peer.gbci.org/

[80] http://www.greenseal.org/

[81] https://ic.fsc.org/en/certification

[82] https://www.gresb.com/

[83] https://www.epa.gov/smm/wastewise

[84] https://greenbusinessca.org/

[85] http://parksmart.gbci.org/certification

[86] https://www.biopreferred.gov/BioPreferred/faces/Welcome.xhtml

[87] http://animalwelfareapproved.org/

[88] http://certifiedhumane.org/

[89] http://www.greenamerica.org/greenbusiness/certification.cfm

[90] http://www.epeat.net/

[91] http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/greendex/

[92] http://www.dailyfinance.com/story/investing/backing-your-beliefs-socially-responsible-etfs-on-rise/19388604/

[93] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brundtland_Commission

[94] http://www.sas.com/solutions/sustainability/reporting.html

[95] http://www.sas.com/success/thehague.html

[96] http://www.presidentsclimatecommitment.org/

[97] http://www.sas.com/solutions/sustainability/energy.html

[98] http://www.pwc.com/za/en/press-room/archives/emission-reductions-projects-risk-selling-their-carbon-credits-at-less-than-fair-value.jhtml

Environmental Issues in United States and Around the World

Environmental Issues

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Population

Environmental policy in the United States

Federal legislation

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The Sustainable Development Agenda

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Comparism of US with other developed countries

Pollution Prevention (P2)

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The Environment and Our Business

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Charitable Organisations in the UK Problems Hindering Success and Recommendations

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