Simple Steps to Go Eco-Friendly in Business

Making your business eco-friendly is a smart move, everyone in the modern world understands the importance of reducing our carbon footprint and as businesses we have even more impact on this. Becoming more environmentally friendly is a win-win situation as we reduce the impact we have on the planet and also appeal to customers who morally prefer to shop with businesses that care about this. Let's explore easy and simple ways you can make a positive impact without breaking the bank.

Switch to Energy Efficient Lighting

Change your regular light bulbs to energy efficient ones, like LED or CFL bulbs. They last longer and use less energy, helping both the environment and your wallet. This is true whether you’re an office, shop, warehouse or any other kind of business. 

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Encourage a recycling culture in your workplace, people are already used to recycling at home so transitioning this through to work should be easy. Have clearly marked bins for paper, plastic, and glass. Reusing items like envelopes and paper is also a simple way to cut down on waste too. 

Go Digital

Embrace technology to reduce paper usage. Send invoices, receipts, and all other communications digitally where you can. It saves trees but also streamlines your business processes.

Cut Water Waste

Fix any leaks in your office, and remind everyone to turn off taps properly. Collect rainwater for plants and consider installing water saving devices in restrooms. Water processing and cleaning uses up a lot of resources such as electricity from fossil fuels, so the less water we all use the better. 

Sustainable Office Supplies

Choose eco-friendly office supplies where possible. Opt for refillable pens as opposed to single use plastic ones, recycled paper and eco-friendly packaging. Things like plastic bubble wrap and wrapping, plastic cups by your water cooler and non refillable plastic ink cartriges all contribute to non-recyclable waste. It's a small change that makes a big difference. Any electronic waste you have should be dealt with by an e waste recycling company who can strip out and reuse any of the precious metals inside. 

Commuting Options

Allowing your employees to work from home, even part-time, reduces commuting and, in turn, lowers carbon emissions. It's a win win for both your business and the environment and studies show that most people prefer working from home. It’s more comfortable, they tend to take less sick days and have better mental health. For employees that do come into the office, encourage walking, cycling and other eco friendly options. 

Green Energy Sources

If possible, consider switching to renewable energy sources for your business. Solar or wind power can be great options, and many regions have incentives out there for making this green switch.

Support Local and Sustainable Suppliers

Choose local suppliers and products with eco friendly certifications. This reduces transportation emissions and also supports businesses like yours who are committed to sustainable practices.