Peterborough business shows '˜impressive approach' to environmental policy

I often have the pleasure of visiting businesses in my constituency, many of whom demonstrate stellar business practices and an impressive approach to their environmental policy.
Fiona Onasanya columnFiona Onasanya column
Fiona Onasanya column

One such time was last week, when I visited the Head Office of Whirlpool UK – which employs over 1,000 people in Peterborough. Despite being a global leader in their field; household appliances, Whirlpool is a prime example of such practices.

At my party’s conference last month, there was a distinct focus on the environment and a new ‘green jobs revolution’ that can turn the tide and tackle one of the biggest issues facing mankind today: climate change.

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This is why I was so happy to hear that Whirlpool, as one of the city’s biggest employers, is consistently striving to hit their target of sending zero waste to landfill by 2020. Not only this, but around 80 per cent of their materials used when making appliances are actually recyclable!

I spoke at the RECOUP Conference in Peterborough last week and sought to highlight the importance of encouraging businesses to use more recyclable plastic in their products, so I found it impressive to see that Whirlpool is planning an initiative to this end as well.

Now more than ever, we need to look at how recyclable plastic can be.

I am of the view that businesses do not just have a financial responsibility to their shareholders, but a moral responsibility to monitor and reduce their impact on the environment. It’s clear many employers and organisations in my constituency share this vision as fervently as I do.

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Moreover, the constructive management approach, and the seemingly hospitable and compassionate work environment, with a distinct focus on both customer and employee welfare, illustrated a stark contrast to some site visits I have made in the past – the ongoing reports coming out of Amazon warehouses springs to mind.

I would encourage businesses across the city, as responsible employers of Peterborough, to take radical steps when it comes to the environment.

Surely thinking green should not require a national campaign attacking business working practices, or necessitate businesses being lambasted by environmental groups on their evasive attitude towards climate change?

Visiting businesses is always illuminating, and while companies like Whirlpool are leading the way, in other cases, there is still much more work to be done.

Peterborough has a thriving local economy, strong communities and a sustainable way of life, meaning we have the potential to be a truly sustainable city: a model for others to follow!

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