Businesses For 350

As a business owner, why should I care about climate change?

We need to generate a sustainable global economy and a secure clean energy future, but traditional activists can't do it alone. If runaway climate change continues, it will have a devastating impact not just on the environment, but on our economy and the business community as well—that's why we need all hands on deck to move the planet in the right direction.

The opportunity that this challenge presents is enormous. More than ever, businesses are positioned to change the way that clean energy policies are made They have a profound influence on politics, the economy and consumer choices, and with business owners like you on our side, we will have a stronger collective voice and a better chance of passing effective clean energy legislation worldwide.

Will clean energy legislation and regulating carbon hurt my business?

We've all heard our politicians say, "regulation kills jobs!" and, considering the state of the global economy, it's no surprise that some people believe it. But when you lift the curtain on that tired old rhetoric, you'll find the fossil fuel industry—home to the wealthiest multinational corporations and biggest carbon polluters on the planet—and the fact is they don't want to have to pay to clean up their mess. They lean on politicians to tell the public that regulation is bad for the economy, and we end up shouldering the financial and environmental burden.

The truth is that regulation is good for the environment and for the economy, and businesses around the world are already rising up to challenge the assumption that environmental protection and economic prosperity can't go hand-in-hand. If you want to see what we mean, read this letter from the sustainable business community in the U.S. asking President Obama not to approve the dangerous Keystone XL pipeline, which would transport tar sands crude oil from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico if approved.

A Testimonial from our friends at Clif Bar:

"As a food company, Clif Bar & Company understands that we have a responsibility to our planet and communities. That's why we are working to understand the impact of everything we do from the field to the final product—from our commitment to organic ingredients; to engaging with people who make, package and transport our food; to partnering, supporting, and collaborating with people and organizations who share our vision. We support the climate action work of 350.org. In fact, we are hosting an in house challenge during the 350 hours leading up to the International Day of Action to encourage employees to be mindful of their impacts and to make changes wherever possible—be it riding their bike to work, eating organic foods or reducing their energy use at home."

You are not alone

By taking a stand against climate change, you will be allied with thousands of other sustainability-minded businesses worldwide. Though each business is different in scale and purpose, the common thread is the same—you care about the economy, your community and the climate.

Check out how other companies have gotten involved with 350.org during past global days of action:

On the Move Organics, a local independently owned London, Canada business supports the 350.org movement during the October 24, 2009 Global Day of Climate Action.

The owner of Christy's Catch in St. Francis Bay, South Africa with employees during the October 24 Global Day of Climate Action.

Ways to get your business involved:

• If you live in the U.S., add your voice to "The U.S. Chamber Doesn't Speak for Me" campaign.
• Make a product with a 350 logo and educate people on the science of 350—check out how Camelbak did it.
• Follow 350.org on Facebook and Twitter and share your stories/photos with us.
• Visit the 350.org homepage to find out about our next big global day of action, and find a local 350 event to help with.
• Use your business presence to educate your community by having fact sheets available for customers.

Employee engagement

Consider having a climate work party... at work! Retrofit your work space to be more energy efficient, brainstorm ways to make all your operations more sustainable. Or, have a service/action day—think beach clean-ups with a political impact, arrange the trash into a 350, hold a competition, throw a party, invite a speaker or government representative to talk to your staff, etc.

Media engagement

Boost the movement by being heard loud and clear—write targeted op-eds as business leaders on the need for getting to work, utilize the 350 movement in your sustainability plans and publicize, invite media to cover your 350 event, etc.