Becoming a greener and more sustainable business is easier than you think. Acts like recycling and taking shorter-needed breaks can save you big as well as make your work environment easier to work in.
Is Green Good For Business?
The western world is moving towards a more environmentally friendly outlook, but can it negatively impact a business? If you’re unsure where to start, here are some great ways to give your business a sustainable, environmentally friendly edge.
Start Recycling
This may seem easy to start, but you and your employees can’t recycle if there aren’t any recycling facilities. Monetary costs can quickly build up in the long-term, so when you see a new recycling bin in your office, make sure to use it. In general, you should do this if your company uses paper, cardboard or plastic.
Reduce Energy Use – Turn off the lights!
If you have LED lighting in your offices (usually found above counters), you could use up to 50% less energy than standard bulbs. There are loads of great options out there, including energy-efficient dimmer lights, but just make sure they are bright enough for everyone to work under.
Consider Your Packaging
Take a good look at the packaging your products come in and see if you can reduce their size.
Some companies use recycled paper as well as smaller printing options in their packaging cake box, burger box, and even pizza boxes! These help reduce your reliance on more traditional materials like paper, plastic and cardboard.
Invest in Energy-Efficient Equipment
Nearly all energy-efficient pieces of equipment will pay for themselves through the savings they bring you in energy costs over time. This includes things like set-up, ventilation and lighting, which are essential. If you’re unsure where to start, look into energy-efficient office equipment to reduce your carbon footprint.
Keep Your Pest Control at a Minimum
Pests can be a big problem in the workplace. They can get stuck in between desks and damage files and cause more stress on your employees than they’re worth. If you have an issue with pests in your office, you should talk to a professional exterminator to see the best way to proceed. You can also consider swapping bait-based traps for electric ones that eliminate the need for harmful pesticides.
Encourage Employees To Bring Their Own Mug and Water Bottle
If everyone at your business brings their own water bottle in to work and has their own mug, it can save thousands on the cost of buying disposable cups. This goes for any other type of plasticware too, so make sure everyone knows not to take too much with them each day.
Use Recycled Paper for Your Documents
Very few places are allowed to print on recycled paper, but this is something other companies often do to save money. This allows your office to recycle the paper you don’t need, making it more environmentally friendly.
Use Less Plastic
It doesn’t matter if you use plastic cups or paper cups; they all have a big impact on the environment. Using alternatives like reusable steel water bottles is a great way to reduce that impact and make your office greener.
Spend More Time Outdoors
Spending more time outdoors in the summer by installing a deck or patio can help you with these efforts. This will allow employees to work outside of the office, which is better for their health and reduces costs on air-conditioning. So, get out there and take your break outside!
Even better, organise time outside for your whole team. Whether this is outdoor meetings or group activities, it can be a great way to bond and save money.
Encourage Your Employees To Take Briefer Breaks
Taking shorter breaks can help you reduce costs on lighting, cool your building and, more importantly, save electricity, ultimately saving you more money in the long run.
This is a great way to get your employees working together, as well as avoid energy waste by constantly turning the lights on. Make sure to include this in your business model and financial objectives so that it’s clear why this is important and how it reduces cost.
Plan Your Own Green Event
There are a number of events that you can plan with your staff to go green. Try to create your own festival or event to show people that it’s possible to organise an event without using many resources. Make sure to use recyclable materials so that you don’t waste more than necessary.
