Not only is being more eco-friendly and sustainable a savvy business move, but it’s also a beneficial one in terms of reducing the outgoing costs of your business. If you’re going to work towards saving your business money, why not do it in a way which helps the environment, too? More homes and businesses are moving towards reducing their carbon footprint, and actively doing so can not only help your business internally, but it also creates a good impression for outsiders such as consumers and investors, as taking steps to preserve the environment will only serve to present your business in a positive light.
What can businesses do to help the environment?
1. Switch to Greener Office Supplies
Within a busy office environment, take the time to step back and consider how many plastic and waste items are used, lost, or disposed of every day. Think specifically how many plastic pens go missing or are tossed in the trash when they have run out. If there are changes you can make in relation to office supplies, you should take the time to do so – or even delegate and appoint a member of staff to be in charge of stationery and supply stocking. Changes could include switching to refillable pens to ensure none are thrown or wasted, and using recycled paper if paper is necessary for your business.
2. Consider Solar Panel Installation for Your Business Premises
This is an extreme business investment and may not work for small business or start-ups, especially those who don’t yet have a dedicated office space, but it’s certainly applicable to large businesses who have a significantly sized property and use a high amount of energy on a daily basis. Installing solar panels on your business property means you create a sustainable source of energy to power all your business needs, which will also work to significantly reduce your utility bills on a monthly basis. Renew Energy Solar specialists can assist with any solar panel enquiries and estimates that you are interested in installing on your building.
3. Take the Time to Research Suppliers
If your business actively uses a wealth of suppliers for a variety of different items, you could set time aside to spend more time looking into greener suppliers. Certain suppliers may specialize in using only recycled materials, for example, or cleaning suppliers may be able to provide more natural cleaners while avoiding harsh chemicals. Certain suppliers may also go out of their way to use less bulky packaging and cut down on packaging waste such as cardboard, or you may even be able to procure a local, eco-friendly supplier for your business rather than ordering from large companies online.
4. Switch to Green Web Hosting
Running a successful business undoubtedly comes with the need to have an active server running at all times, to store company data and backup crucial information. There’s no avoiding the use of a server or active website if you want your business to succeed, but you can make a change to enable your server to work on more renewable energy sources and decrease the environmental damage. Switching to a green web hosting option not only benefits the environment but also your company’s expenses, due to the fact that greener web hosting is no more expensive than your traditional methods.
In fact, it may even be cheaper. Using renewable energy sources means the eco-friendly web hosting company has already saved money creating its own energy, so it can, therefore, afford to offer cheaper deals to its customers. This option means helping the environment without sacrificing an operating server for your business.
5. Make Smarter Business Furniture Choices
Furniture within an active business is needed, whether this is to provide practical and comfortable furniture for your employees or furnish an entryway and office space in a manner which promotes a positive company brand image to visitors and consumers alike.
However, many businesses contribute to the amount of overflowing furniture waste sent to landfills as a result of refurbishment projects or relocation of premises. It’s easy when undergoing a project or moving to a new building to discard of old furniture which isn’t needed, or which you don’t think is worth taking with you or keeping.
When dealing with furniture, consider the recycling and repurposing options available for you. Instead of leaving it behind or dumping it, think about how the materials can be reused and consult with recycling companies which can help you to better manage the disposal.
Furthermore, when considering new furniture pieces for your business, don’t be so quick to purchase brand new furniture and dispose of the old, as there could be a way your current furniture can be given a makeover or improved without contributing to landfill waste. This option will also save you money, too, as buying new furniture can be very expensive.
6. Recycle Old Technology
What you do with your old technology is one of the biggest factors regarding the impact on the environment. A working business which actively uses technology such as desktop computers is going to go through a lot of machines in its lifetime.
Computers and computer accessories can easily be recycled. If you buy a new computer, it’s a good idea to ask the supplier whether they recycle or take away old models free of charge, or even for a small fee. Some vendors will even pay you to take your old model away, so there really is nothing to lose. Dell and HP, for example, have an active recycling program to ensure that your old technology doesn’t end up in a landfill.
7. Consider a Business Garden or Plant More Shrubs
Depending on your business property, there may be space and room to create a communal employee garden which can be maintained by your business staff. This could also provide a great place for workers to take their breaks or spend their lunch hour. Maintaining an active garden can also be a great team-building exercise. It doesn’t have to be an overwhelming endeavour, as it can be as simple as planting a few shrubs.
If there is no possibility for an outside garden, you could encourage increase use of office plants and greenery inside the building. This will not only give a more attractive space but promote a healthier airflow for everyone.
