As our planet's
landfills continue to overflow, and the environment continues to suffer under
the stress of our lifestyles, businaesses all across the world are looking to create
and lead positive change by running a green business.
In addition to the
environmental benefits, becoming a “green” company can also have an incredibly
positive long-term impact on the reputation and profitability of your
business.
And who doesn't want
to grow their business while also saving the planet?
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Eco-friendly business |
Here are five ways to have an eco-friendly business.
1. Use
solar/renewable energy
Depending on the
type of business you run and where you are located, you may be able to update
your office to using solar or renewable energy. Not only will this increase
your office sustainability, but it will also make money as a long-term
investment. Both large companies and smaller businesses are using solar and
renewable energy to assist in helping the climate crisis.
In 2018, you have
various options for alternative energy sources to power your office, such as
wind and solar power, hydropower and geothermal.
While installing
solar panels can require serious investment, over a long period it will be an
advantage for your business. Undoubtedly, solar/renewable energy is the
future, and if your organization chooses to incorporate green energy now, it
will make it far easier to continue to include developments in the renewable
energy market.
2. Start a waste
management program
One of the simplest
and quickest ways to make your business more eco-friendly is to implement a
waste management program. First, understand where your waste is
generated and how often and where it ends up. From here, see how you can
develop waste prevention strategies.
Always be educating
and engaging with employees to develop your waste management program. Make
sure they understand that a lot of "trash" can actually be recycled
or reused as valuable resources. Rethink the kind of packaging used by your
company at all stages, and find eco-friendly alternatives or techniques for
cutting back.
Next, implement a
waste recycling program within your store or office. Start by making sure
everyone in the business knows what can and can't be recycled and composted. Provide
staff with reusable water bottles and coffee mugs, and make it a
company-wide mission to reduce, reuse and recycle.
DO YOU KNOW? You Can Recycle Effluent Water and Make It Potable Again?
3. Recycle
electronics
There is a good
chance that your company and your company's employees use a considerable amount
of electronics. But did you know that ensuring your excess electronic
equipment stays out of the local landfill is an excellent way to help sustain
the planet? (Just remember to erase any personal information first!)
There are a few
options when it comes to recycling your firm's electronics. First of all, if
they are under five years old and still working, then you can donate them to
local schools, charities or shelters.
Alternatively,
various manufacturers (such as Dell and HP) and electronic retailers have
technology recycling programs that allow credit for trade-ins on used
equipment, and donation programs for charities.
4. Utilize
technologies that minimize the environmental impact
From prefabricated
metal buildings to inflatable
packers for grouting to green web hosting, eco-friendly envelopes, and
natural cleaning products, there are so many new technologies that can minimize
the environmental impact of your firm, and its projects or products on the
environment.
Spend some time researching which ones work for your
industry and create a strategy for
implementing them into your company's practices and processes.
5. Engage with other
businesses and your community
Not only will
engaging with other business and your community on green-related activities
help sustain the environment, but it also is likely to introduce your firm
to new potential clients or customers (win-win scenario!).
With your team,
brainstorm events or activities that you can organize — for example, advocating
for local protection programs which involve water remediation or
bioremediation, educating the community on recycling practices, or
manufacturing products that are entirely eco-friendly.
Ensure that all members of your firm are involved to show the community that you really care
about the wellbeing of the environment.
In fact, making your
business more eco-friendly can be more accessible than is commonly believed.
Start with small changes as, over time, these can have a massive impact
and, once you’ve started, you will want to continue reforming your workplace.
ALSO READ: The Benefits of Biodynamic Farming
AUTHOR BIO
EnvironmentGo!