People are becoming more conscious of the effect of global warming and are thus finding ways to help in preserving the environment. Even companies in various fields do their share by going green. If your business has not adopted some measures or strategies to become more eco-friendly yet, it’s time that you consider this step.
There are several benefits that you can get, including the following:
- Do your part in saving the environment.
- Improve your brand as more clients prefer businesses that support a good cause.
- Attract the right employees as they also tend to choose companies that care for the environment.
- Save cost as some eco-friendly things are also money-saving.
With all the benefits that you can get from going green, you might feel more motivated and inspired to take the step in going in this direction. Here are ways to make your company eco-friendly and foster a sustainable company culture.
1. Be mindful of your heating/cooling and lighting
Heating and lighting are some of the essential elements in the workplace. Naturally, employees need proper lighting and the right temperature to work efficiently and comfortably. Instead of the typical lightbulbs, use LED lights to consume lower energy.
Keep heating or cooling temperature at average levels, so the system would not work too hard in achieving the temperature if you set it too low. Insulate the office too, so it will be easier to keep the set temperature longer.
2. Use solar panels
Commercial solar panel installation will save you money in the long run, as it will dramatically cut your electric bill. It may even make your company independent from the grid if it generates enough energy. Moreover, if you create more than you need, you can contribute to the grid and get rebates.
The initial cost may be high, but as long as you choose a reputable company to install the panels, you will see a return on your investment. Plus, since the sun is your energy source, it will decrease the need to produce energy through the burning of coals, which largely contribute to global warming.
3. Go paperless
Going paperless is also one way of reducing carbon footprints because it decreases the need to use materials like trees for making paper. Moreover, the energy used in papermaking also uses power from the grid, which leads back to the burning of coal that generate harmful gases.
In order to have a model of sustainable business growth, custom recycled packaging can help. It is important to use less virgin materials, which custom recycled packaging does. In addition, custom recycled packaging helps reduce pollution and the amount of waste that goes to landfills. Using custom recycled packaging also lessens the reliance on fossil fuels. All these reasons are why custom recycled packaging is a great way to have a model of sustainable business growth.
It may be a challenge to go paperless but do it as much as you can for the sake of going green. For instance, you may use digital documents and send emails instead of using printed letters.
4. Encourage carpooling
Motivate employees to participate in your drive to go green. Encourage them to carpool, walk, or bike to work to lessen the pollution and the carbon dioxide emission from cars. Give rewards to those who participate to push them further to do their part in going green.
5. Promote recycling
Place recycling bins in various areas of the workplace for employees to use. Post reminders about it, too.
It’s never too late for your company to go green. So start now and help save the environment while enjoying all the other benefits it brings.
Useful Resource: How to Launch Your Eco-friendly Business
Thank you for sharing this sustainable ideas!
Another “green” practice I want to suggest is buying used equipment and other seconhand items for business. First of all, it can decrease the negative impact on the environment. It can reduce solid waste, conserve water and protect natural resources. It can also help alleviate climate change.
Also, by buying secondhand goods, entrepreneurs can get high-quality products for a lower price. On average, buying used equipment costs around 30 to 40% less than new ones.