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When people think about the metals industry, they do not often link this sector with sustainability. Metals for construction, security, household goods, and food uses are ubiquitous in the modern world and steps have been taken by metals companies to help safeguard the environment and community livelihoods. This is particularly important in the case of Native peoples and the locations of metals industries on reservation land.
Here are some of the ways that the metals industry helps to protect the environment and safeguard people’s health.
1. Developing the Workforce
A healthy, happy workforce is good for a metals company in many different ways. Employees that enjoy decent working conditions and benefits tend to work harder and are more likely to stay in their jobs for longer. Metals companies like Impol.com set up workplace training and access to networking and knowledge-transfer opportunities, as well as promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
This is particularly important for Native people. Industrial sectors have traditionally been underrepresented by people of Native origin, which leads to inequalities. Since the metals industry employs a substantial number of people, it is important that it is diverse. Industries like the metals sector are working to increase representation in their business from all sectors of society. Native American businesses are also expanding, with entrepreneurs increasing their visibility in a number of different industries.
2. Reducing Environmental Impact
By design, the metals industry has a significant impact on the local and international environment. Metals are not sustainable. Yet they are essential in our modern society. Responsible metals companies pay attention to how they can make their processes more environmentally friendly, including how to make aluminium more sustainable, for example.
Technological advances make a positive impact on reducing environmental harm. Companies also expect their suppliers and contractors to similarly commit to finding more environmentally sustainable ways of working.
3. Open Communication Strategies
Modern metals businesses promote how they are safeguarding the environment, to the public and to their stakeholders. There is a great significance for the local community when developments take place at industrial sites. There is a need for positive communication with the community to explain how developments will impact on the land and the people. Being a responsible metals company requires interacting with local populations to maintain public confidence and alert the local community to ways in which they can be involved in making the environment better for everyone.
Open communication in turn attracts better qualified people to work for the company, who bring their experience to enhance operations and promote a more profitable business model. A lack of communication surrounding development and environmental impact can also result in sanctions and issues with law enforcement.
These strategies ensure not only a profitable business model for the company, but better working relationships with the local community and a more sustainable approach to the land. The metals industry continues to develop its focus on sustainability and environmental care, to safeguard the landscape for the future. More can be done, for certain, but there are steps in the right direction.