One can flippantly say that being environment-friendly is the “in” thing to be today, but to do that is to mock the importance of caring for the environment and saving the planet for the generations to come. Companies that have made serious efforts to be environment-friendly and to promote environmental consciousness should truly be applauded.
The Dell Earth Policy
With Dell, environmental consciousness is something that the company strives to implement on the individual level. All Dell employees are enjoined to do their part towards saving the environment within the Dell premises. Environmental consciousness is also something that the company has sought to integrate in all its business processes, from product design to product end-of-life.
Through the Dell Earth policy, the company aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, to decrease the amount of waste it generates and to conserve the resources that it uses.
One notable program that Dell is trying to push through is its green-packaging strategy. Dell aims to change the way it packages and ships its products to consumers by using recoverable materials in its packaging.
Donation and Recycling Programs
Dell also offers its customers the options either to donate or to Recycle their old computers. The company has struck a partnership with the National Cristina Foundation in the United States wherein the foundation will pick up old computers and equipment from interested Dell product consumers. These old computers will then be refurbished and donated to the disadvantaged members of the community.
Recycling programs are also available to Dell consumers. The company has a take-back program wherein interested consumers can have the Dell people come to their homes to pick up their old computers and used consumables.
Plant a Tree for Me
In partnership with The Conservation Fund and with CarbonFund.org, Dell has invited its customers to participate in its “Plant a Tree for Me” and “Plant a Forest for Me” program. With every purchase of any Dell product, be it computers, printers, dell ink cartridges or consumables, customers can choose the option to take part in Dell’s reforestation projects by donating a small amount, depending on what product they have bought. The funds accumulated from such donations will be used to plant new trees.
The idea behind the “Plant a Tree for Me” and “Plant a Forest for Me” is to encourage customers to offset their own greenhouse gas emissions and to reduce their personal impact on the environment.
Environmental Consciousness through Public Awareness
Part of Dell’s efforts to become an environment-friendly company is to promote environmental consciousness actively. The company has done this through its ReGeneration program and its IdeaStorm program.
In the ReGeneration program, Dell strives to promote awareness of the environment by publishing tips on living an effective green lifestyle. It also features various articles and downloads on green living.