Going green, or being environmentally conscious, offers many benefits for a business. This is partially because companies that are aware of their environmental blueprint are more attractive to an ever-growing, earth conscious customer base. There is a trend for people to reduce their impact on the earth, which makes customers lean toward companies who support this value. Going green also saves companies money and offers countless other benefits. Here are seven ways for a business to go green.
Recycle
Almost everything a business uses can be recycled. Scrap paper is the easiest thing to recycle. Just implement a policy that all paper that is no longer useful needs to be put in a recycling bin. It is also a good idea to buy recycled paper to minimize the amount of trees that need to be cut down.
Another office items that are easily recycled are printer ink and toner. Many places will recycle these materials for free, and then the landfills do not get exposed to the harmful chemicals they contain.
Buy Local Products
Local products cost less because of the availability. They are also environmentally friendly because the shipping is minimal. This is important because mass shipping methods contribute to greenhouse gases. By eliminating the shipping step in the process, the earth will benefit and customers will like the fact that the business is supporting the local community.
Use Energy-Efficient Appliances and Electronics
If an appliance does not have an Energy Star label, it is using more energy than is necessary to get the job done. Businesses that switch all of their appliances to more efficient models will not only save money on energy costs, but will be helping the environment at the same time.
This applies to electronic items as well. All of the unnecessary equipment should be eliminated because it sucks energy, even when not in use. Fax machines, for instance, are out of date and should be replaced by Internet-based communication methods like email. Moving a business to the cloud will also eliminate the need for an energy draining, company server and other equipment.
Buy Secondhand or Refurbished Items
There are plenty of used furniture stores and secondhand shops where office supplies can be bought. By using old items instead of new ones, fewer trees are destroyed for lumber. If new furniture items must be purchased, however, make sure they are made from a renewable source like bamboo or recycled materials.
Also, computers contain a lot of chemicals that can do harm to the environment when they are disposed of improperly. Help eliminate extra electronic waste by buying refurbished computers and other office supplies to keep them out of landfills. Besides, refurbished products cost less which will help maximize profits.
Reduce Waste in the Office
There are lots of ways employees can use less paper and create less waste. For instance, make all paperwork computer based so that it does not need to be printed out. Employee manuals and other important documents can also be stored on the computer so they can be accessed virtually instead of creating paper waste. Companies that put everything on the computer also see savings in toner cost and other office supplies.
Waste can also be reduced when employees are asked to bring water bottles to work and are no longer provided paper cups. Paper goods like cups, utensils, and plates can also be replaced with permanent versions, especially if there is a convenient place to wash and store them.
Offer Telecommuting Positions
Because of the Internet, telecommuting positions are becoming more and more popular. People are able to work from home and be just as productive as they would be in an office. It is a good thing for the environment too because less gas is used for a commute. Businesses can also see countless benefits to telecommuting because less office space needs to be rented and telecommuting positions are often set up as 1099 contract positions so less money is spent on taxes from the business’s end.
Use Renewable Energy
Solar energy and other types of renewable energy sources are a great way for a business to reduce its impact on the environment. Plus, these technologies are becoming more and more affordable. Sure, there is a steep initial cost, but the savings will manifest themself over the long run.
Business owners can use these ideas and tips to reduce the harmful effects that their businesses have on the environment, and increase profits in the process. Going green is one of the best things a business owner can do to improve overall success. Customers will be happy and the earth will be too.
Cara Stromness - Cara holds a BA degree in English from The University of Utah where she minored in Human Development and Family Studies. She enjoys ...
