In an effort to preserve the environment, everyone needs to make an effort to tackle important issues such as pollution, deforestation, and climate change, and businesses are no different. The business sector is a large contributor to environmental pollution all around the globe, and consumers are becoming increasingly eco-consious as well, choosing to spend their money only with greener and more responsible companies. Evidently, eco-friendliness is just as important for business success as it is for the health of our planet, so here are some simple yet effective ways your organization can become more sustainable:
1. Reduce your energy usage
The energy you consume can vary greatly depending on the type and the size of your business, but it tends to be the largest area of waste that occurs within an average company each year. For that reason, you might want to focus on minimizing your energy usage, not only in an effort to be greener, but also to see some welcome improvements in terms of your monthly expenses.
To achieve this, you can aim to use only LED lighting, invest in energy-saving equipment and appliances, update your HVAC system, implement smart sensors and thermostats, and automate shut-downs and start-ups each day. No matter how small, every effort counts when attempting to reduce your energy consumption.
2. Attempt to go paperless
Another easy way you could focus on sustainable practices is by going paperless. In many cases, there is truly no need for sending out papers and making physical copies in this modern digital world. Not to mention that paperless practices can help you reduce waste and avoid contributing to deforestation, being quite a green solution overall.
For instance, you can send invoices and bills through e-mails, app notifications, and online banking solutions. Avoid printing internally as much as possible as well, by using fillable PDF forms, online ordering, and virtual sign-offs. To take this a step further, you might also want to consider replacing single-use paper such as toilet paper and kitchen rolls with sustainable bamboo alternatives.
3. Focus on waste management
While reducing the amount of waste you create, prioritizing recycling, and composting what you can are all great tips you should focus on, industrial waste is often overlooked when it comes to better waste management. However, this aspect is arguably the most important, especially if your business produces dangerous or toxic waste as a by-product.
If you create H2S, for example, you should invest in an effective hydrogen sulfide treatment and implement it in your regular operations. By focusing on the removal of this compound, you can prevent any hazardous chemicals from polluting the environment, and ensure your company follows more eco-friendly practices where it matters the most.
4. Choose greener suppliers
Your business isn’t the only one making an environmental impact; each company you partner with contributes to this impact as well. That is why you should only choose greener and more conscious partners and suppliers, as a simple way of improving your business’s eco-friendliness. A great place to start is your energy supplier, as choosing a provider that offers renewable energy can be both cost-effective and sustainable.
Then, move on to the other companies you work with, from raw material suppliers and transporters to retailers and even web hosts. Make sure that every organization you partner with is conscious of the environment and makes continuous efforts to be as green as possible, in order to lower your carbon footprint.
5. Consider remote work
Remote work has been gaining traction in recent years, and for a good reason. Apart from the flexibility, better work-life balance, and higher productivity it tends to provide, it can often be a more sustainable choice as well. When you allow employees to work remotely, you will have fewer people in the office, and can even save money on lighting, heating, and stocking the workplace.
More importantly, fewer people in the workplace also means fewer cars on the road during commutes, less time spent idling in traffic, and less CO2 being emitted into the environment as a result. This can significantly reduce your company’s overall carbon footprint and allow you to be a more eco-friendly business.
From small changes to larger impacts, there are many simple ways your business can become more eco-friendly. Regardless of the method, the most important thing is to start now in an effort to save the future of our planet.
