The key to success for Ranablue Earth is to have business and industry buy into the concept that every additional step we take towards re-use or reduction is good for the planet and that is good for business. As a result, we have made helping businesses our second key program area.
How do we do that? Simple, we find solutions for businesses that are low-cost/high impact and we provide the seed money to get them started.
What do we mean? Here are a few examples of ways we want to help businesses improve their efforts within our Focus Areas:
Recycling
A chain restaurant produces several hundred pounds of trash that can be recycled easily and effectively by their customers. We work with the chain to set up "recycling sorting stations" within the restaurants so customers can sort their glass, plastic, paper and trash more effectively. We then help the restaurant organize collection/transport of the recycled materials to a recycling center. Our micro-grants help off-set some of the set-up costs and first few months of collection/transport. They can then promote the effort to customers as part of their desire to be more green.
Implementation of Alternative Energy Sources
A business wants to install a solar array or "tree" on their business premise to help reduce consumption of energy from the power grid, use an alternative energy source, get tax credits and save money on energy costs. But the business has no idea where to begin. Ranablue Earth will work with the business to establish the relationships needed for them to implement the technology and gain approval from the appropriate utility, regulatory and taxation entities needed. All of this is done at no cost to the business and, if the business qualifies, Ranablue Earth will provide a micro-grant to help fund some of the effort.
Education
A business wants to do more to make their business "green" without spending a fortune on expensive consultants. Ranablue Earth is poised to provide an assessment of a business and what it can do to re-use and reduce. At no charge to the business entity, our efforts will not only help the business go "green," it will also help save money. That money can be used to hire more staff and expand.
Innovative Solutions
What we see lacking in the current debate about improving the planet is a willingness to think outside the box. Many environmental non-profits stand on one end of the argument and say, this should be mandated. Many business entities stand on the other end of that argument and claim these efforts will be bad for business. We can provide innovative solutions that can help business thrive and also meet environmental impact efforts. How? Here are some of our Innovative Solutions ideas:
- Work with "big-box" retailers to establish online ordering and drop-off locations for products so customers do not need to drive as far to get what they need.
- Work with retail establishments or mall-like facilities to create priority "parking" for fuel-efficient vehicles. Thereby encouraging the use of more fuel efficient vehicles for customers to have better access to facilities.
- Encourage large companies to work with small commercial office space providers to provide alternative "tele-work" environments to reduce commuting times.
- Work with small municipalities to support businesses that want to recycle more and throw-away less.
These solutions take money, relationships, planning and coordination. The Ranablue Earth methodology puts us in a unique position to meet this need.