How to Create A More Sustainable Business
Companies big and small are looking to utilize more sustainable business practices. Not only will this win you points with customers, but it will also make your business more efficient and can even save you money.
Just keep in mind that while many of these changes are simple to implement, it can take time to make the transition. And most importantly practice what you preach.
Here are 4 simple ways you can help make your business eco-friendly.
1. A Sustainable Business Must Conserve Energy
This not only one of the biggest ways any business can minimize its impact on the planet, but it is also one of the best ways to save money. And you can achieve the results in a variety of ways.
It really depends on your business structure.
For starters, the most common practice is to ensure that all of your lightbulbs are energy efficient. Did you know that switching just one light bulb to an energy-efficient bulb could save you $10 a year?
In storefronts, lights are an essential part of business and remain turned on from the beginning of the day till the end. Thus, it’s shouldn’t be a surprise to learn that they can have a huge impact on your bill.
Another common practice in office settings is to ensure that your computers utilize standby mode and hibernation. Do not use a screensaver. In some cases, very flashy screen savers can actually consume more power than when the PC is in use.
2. Train Employees to Be Eco-Conscious
Businesses can have a handful of employees or thousands of staff members. Regardless of the number, they can generate a lot of waste. And the more of them there are, the greater the impact your business will have.
Thus, you need to train your staff to start thinking about the environment.
Make them understand the importance of turning off lights, reusing scraps of paper, throwing paper into the recycling bin, encouraging customers to go paperless whenever possible, and other simple thoughts.
And as you might have noticed, not only would all of these suggestions reduce the waste your business generates, but it would also help save money.
3. Work With Other Sustainable Businesses
Just having your own company follow sustainable business practices is no longer enough. Thanks to the internet, customers can figure out exactly where you get your products from and those relationships can hurt you.
One thing to be on the lookout for is any green certificates they may possess. Over the years, there are a ton of certificates and accolades available for businesses to boast about their environmental efforts.
That said, not all businesses have a lot of options, especially in rural areas. Therefore, you might not have any choice in the matter.
4. Use the Cloud and Go Paperless
To say we live in a technology-driven world is an understatement and a sustainable business understands this. Most people have a smartphone in their pocket with more power than the computers used in the first moon landing.
The days of filling out forms by hand are far behind us for the most part, although there are exceptions. Most businesses have been pushing the paperless route for years.
This can save thousands or even millions of sheets of paper each year.
This could easily save hundreds or thousands of dollars for your company annually. Set up a cloud-based network to let employees and customers access files anywhere.
Do Your Part
Many businesses are leading the charge to help mitigate pollution and climate change. Finding areas where you can improve a sustainable business practice not only helps the environment but will entice eco-conscious consumers.
As more people are looking for “green” alternatives for buying products and using services, it only makes practical business sense to do your part.
Robert has been following and writing about environmental stories for years at GreenGeeks. He believes that highlighting environmentally friendly practices can help promote change in every household.
