Successful Enterprise at the Expense of the Environment

Everything has a cost - a simple economic concept suggesting that there is no such thing as a free lunch. But, what this certain cost might be is what we have to determine.

In the real world, businesses and industrialization, in general, play an important role in economic development. However, these do not go without a price. Typically, they will involve a monetary sum, human labor, and raw materials.

The reality is that these are not everything to it and sometimes, the expense can be quite devastating.

The modern society has continued to face numerous environmental issues over the years and some of these are from the same businesses and industries that we thought can provide us with a more comfortable type of living.

What most of us have overlooked is the part where these enterprises are slowly killing the only world we know.

On that note, here are some of the negative impacts of businesses to the environment that everyone should be aware of by now, especially those considering opening a business of their own.

Solid Waste

Where there is human activity, there will most likely be a heavy amount of solid waste generated somewhere around the area. These waste can take on many forms: dry waste, industrial waste, organic waste, and many others.

All these can contribute to the ever growing problem of pollution.

OceanHero said,

“…whether it is a flimsy plastic water bottle we are talking about or the more harmful toxic materials from factories, a responsible and effective solid waste management is always necessary.” 

Consequently, regardless of what type of business you intend to venture on, the subject regarding the proper disposal of waste should be a top priority.

In fact, it is strongly advised to comply and preserve the conditions of a typical business license that normally involves certain guidelines on how to establish and maintain an environmental-friendly enterprise.

Air Emissions

Every manufacturing process comes with a catch. Most often than not, air pollutants are emitted during the entire procedure. While this may seem common only to bigger factories that clearly give off chemical-rich smoke, small businesses are actually guilty of the same transgression.

Everyone must have heard of the infamous greenhouse gases that have long been the center of debate among different states and between the business sector and the environment defenders. Apparently, it does not take a giant factory to increase the presence of greenhouse gases in the environment.

A simple air-conditioning and heating system can contribute to this problem. Aside from these systems, the actual consumption of electricity also has a direct consequence to the environment through the burning of fossil fuels.

While it is impossible for the modern society to live without electricity, it is best for any business to regulate their electricity consumption by investing in energy-efficient systems.

Wastewater

A polluted air is just one cause of concern. Let us turn your attention to your city’s water source. Whether we like it or not, it is a fact that water treatment plants are now necessary in almost all parts of the world to maintain a clean water supply for human consumption.

Unfortunately, the presence of factories and even small businesses can pose a threat to the quality of our water that we use in our homes. This is mostly due to the accumulation of wastewater.

Contaminated water can from industrial outlets and even simple sewage systems. If left untreated, this wastewater can pollute surface and ground water and further puts our health at risk.

Hence, a responsible business owner sees to it that the generated wastewater from one’s building or factory is properly treated before disposal. At the same time, constant water sampling and testing are necessary to ensure safety.

Depletion of Non-renewable Materials

Although not every business has a direct involvement in the acquisition of non-renewable resources, every business has, however, contributed to the consumption and depletion of such type of materials.

Fossil fuels, natural gases, and crude oil are some examples of non-renewable resources that people continue to drill out from the earth to be used in cars, factories, heating systems and many others.

Although the use of these resources is necessary for the overall economic development of any country, the subject of sustainability should also be put into consideration among businesses and industries for the sake of the future generations.

Conclusion

Indeed, everything has a cost. But, the question is, are we willing to pay the price?

A successful enterprise at the expense of the environment may be inevitable. However, the severity of its environmental implication can always be regulated with enough motivation and sufficient consideration to the future generations.