Part 2: HOW BUSINESSES CAN CONTRIBUTE TO THE SDGS?

In a competitive world where many businesses struggle to survive, there seems to be little capital or effort to spare for anything other than the operations of the business itself. This makes it easy for even the most generous of entrepreneurs to say that “one day”, perhaps when their enterprise has grown, they can start using their success todo good in the world.

But businesses need to learn quickly that they don’t have to wait. From adopting simple changes in their day-to-day operation to giving back small amounts to a high-impact charity that aligns with one of the goals, every business, big or small can start right now.

SPONSOR EDUCATION AND OCCUPATIONAL TRAINING

There are a large number of causes around the world working on solving this issue, but they need support to keep their project running and growing. To maximize your impacts, choose to support projects that focus on giving a hand up instead of hand-out. This means occupational training that ensures long-term employability, or education that helps break the poverty cycle.

GIVE AWAY YOUR EXTRA PRODUCTS TO PEOPLE INNEED

If your company sells a physical good, you are bound to have extra materials and old models laying around. Don’t let them go to waste! Find a local shelter for the homeless to give away some products, or an organization that can redistribute the goods to those in need.

Take Orion Labs as an example: the company now has its second generation of wearable communication devices on the market.

So what happened to the leftover first-generation inventory? Operations guru Andrew Sherman saw an opportunity at a local homeless youth organization that could put the product to good use. He provided the devices and arranged training for the non-profit’s team so that these new electronics could improve communications within the program and help it run more seamlessly.

SUPPORT PROGRAMS THAT RESCUE LEFTOVER FOOD

We can all agree that nobody should go hungry in such an affluent world, but our communities are where we can do something about it. SDG 2 – Zero Hunger shows us a pathway to change the world by feeding our needy neighbors. Businesses can make a big impact by providing paid days off for employees to volunteer in hunger-related activities. Soup kitchens, food banks, and home food delivery programs for the needy and elderly are always in need of eager volunteers. There’s typically a greater need during the holiday season.

PROVIDE SCHOOL LUNCHES TO STUDENTS IN NEED

School lunches do more than just easing hunger. For many disadvantaged children around the world, school lunch could be the only nutritious meal of the day. The provision of free nourishing meals also encourages parents to enroll their children in local schools, incentivizes children to attend school regularly, and helps them concentrate better with their studies.

GIVE AWAY SURPLUS FOOD IN YOUR PANTRY

We can all be guilty of this – keeping our canned food for too long and forgot about them. Create a habit, be it in the office or at home, to clear out your pantry monthly or quarterly, and look for surplus food in your pantry. As long as they’re still good to use, bring it to a local shelter near you.

FROM PROVIDING MOSQUITO NETS TO PREVENT MALARIA TO CATARACT OPERATIONS TO BRING SIGHT, THERE ARE PLENTY OF WAYS YOU CAN HELP

Expand the reach of your impacts by also give to causes that solving health issues around the world. From providing mosquito nets to families in Kenya that only costs a few dollars to sponsoring cataract operations to people in Indonesia that could cost a hundred – you can choose how you want to make a difference. Check out health projects in B1G1 here.

MAKE YOUR WORKPLACE SAFER BY CREATING SAFETY GUIDELINES

It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Safety guidelines are usually more common for industries that involve the use of heavy machinery, but there are some practices applicable for office environment as well.Show that you care by having a set of safety guidelines and conducting regular checks to make sure it’s followed. If you need some inspiration, check out this gallery of safety practice illustrations by WSH Council in Singapore.

SELECT SUPPLIERS WITH GOOD SAFETY PRACTICES

If you’re not one that operates heavy machinery, chances are some of your suppliers do. Choose to work with suppliers that also have good safety practices in place.

FITNESS AND HEALTH PROGRAM FOR EMPLOYEES

Gym membership, regular health check-up, mental health support programs are just some of the things you can offer your employees as part of ensuring good health and well being for everyone.

SUPPORT PROGRAM THAT PROVIDES EDUCATION

Education is the pathway out of poverty and the foundation for a better future. There is no dispute on that. Sponsor local school scholarships or give to causes that build schools, supply books, and train teachers in remote areas of the world. By helping remove some of the barriers to education, you’re not just enriching their individual lives and leveling the playing field – you’re also adding talent to the workforce. Who knows? You could be helping to educate a future employee!

‍Find out more about education projects here.

FUND SCHOOL FACILITY OR THE BUILDING OF SCHOOL

In remote areas in many countries, schools are rare and not well-built. This poses a health risk for children as they attend their daily classes. Support projects that help build schools in these areas could be another way to support education.