5 Steps To Increase the "Power of We"

It's Blog Action Day, and today we're discussing the theme of the "Power of We". As green business women in action, we make conscious choices every day to be more sustainable and respectful of the earth - in our suppliers, choice of customers, product offerings, and the way we run our business.

What can we do - together - to make even more of an impact?

1) Post your preference. 
If you're part of a certification group, a networking group, a sustainability group, or some other consortium, post your badge on your website and in your printed materials - share your mission and values with your associates and customers. Be proud to post that you're a part of the Green Business movement

2) Raise on behalf of charity.
Cause marketing is a great way to support your local community. By "adopting" a charity in your location, you can offer resources, time, or even direct donations to further their mission. There are thousands of causes, from literacy, to women and children's needs, to civic engagement, to health and wellness. Find a cause that aligns with your business mission, then advocate for that cause. Our sister organization http://www.PowerWeShare.com is a great place to start.

3) Urge others to get on board.
Oftentimes, it's one person who starts a trend. Encourage your staff, customers, and friends to bring their own bag, utensils, and mug. Start a clothing and shoes drop-off center. Switch to recycled paper. Reduce printing costs. Sub out your windows with more efficient glass. By sharing your incremental steps, you set a positive example and encourage others to at least consider doing the same.

4) Be a hero. 
It's not chumpish to think of great causes and to establish a bold vision for the future. In fact, it's heroic - the hero's journey requires us to struggle over seemingly insurmountable obstacles in search of a greater future. Whatever we can imagine, we can accomplish. Eleanor Roosevelt shares with us that "the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." Establish a beautiful dream, and let's walk together on a hero's path towards achieving that dream.

5) Make demands.
Political will bends to the people. If we raise a collective voice for clean air, fresh water, healthy communities, physical and mental wellness, and an end to poverty, enslavement, and violence, then our representatives will comply. Be firm, vote, get involved, and speak up.

Sometimes, simply by speaking out, in your own way, you can influence the world. By blogging, tweeting, posting, sharing, "liking", or commenting - each of us, working together, can collectively move reality in our desired direction: it's the "Power of We" in action.

Photo by Robert S. Donovan