As Green As It Gets: Could Your Business Be Doing More?

Recycling, reusing and repurposing

Businesses and organizations all over the world produce a vast amount of waste. In some cases, there is no alternative but to dispose of products and materials, but often, it is possible to recycle, reuse or repurpose the waste we throw away. Running recycling initiatives in the workplace is an excellent way to engage employees and customers in eco-friendly ways of working and it can make a positive difference to the environment. Recycle what you can and consider reusing or repurposing anything that cannot be recycled. From office furniture to leftover food, it may be possible to donate to charities and nonprofits or sell items so that somebody else can benefit from them.

If you don’t already have a recycling program in place, provide containers for your employees to use, hang posters to let people know what kinds of materials they can recycle and send out an email to alert teams to your new initiative. 

Taking advantage of technology

There are several ways in which technology can help us to decrease emissions, eliminate paper use, increase efficiency and reduce waste. Investing in technology offers a raft of benefits for forward-thinking companies. In addition to boosting productivity and cutting costs, technology can also help you run a greener business. With digital technology and smart devices and systems, you can reduce the amount of paper you use, the mail you send and the physical records you keep, speed up communications, and reduce energy consumption. 

If the technology you use is dated, or you’re still using traditional techniques and methods, consider updating and upgrading. From smart systems that regulate the temperature of offices and motion sensors to digital marketing, streamlined online communications and eco-friendly machinery for manufacturing, it’s wise to talk to experts and gather ideas and recommendations based on the requirements of your business and your key objectives. Visit website links and pages, read reviews and compare services, packages and prices to find reputable companies that will help you to identify better ways of working and drive your business forward. Often, embracing innovation and moving with the times can help you to capitalize on new trends, lower expenses and increase productivity, while also adopting more environmentally-friendly systems and processes. 

Greener commuting

Most businesses have teams of employees, some of which commute to work or make journeys for meetings and conferences. If your employees drive to work or attend events in different cities or countries, it’s beneficial to try and promote and incentivize greener travel . Carry out an audit and analyze data to see how many journeys you are making and look for ways to cut out unnecessary trips and reduce your carbon footprint. Use technology to replace in-person meetings in different states or countries with video calls and conferences and encourage your employees to use public transport or carpool. You can run carpooling schemes to make it easier for your team to get to work, or champion cycling, walking or jogging by offering access to bikes, providing on-site showers and changing facilities and giving people more flexibility in terms of their working hours. 

Over the course of the last two years, a large number of companies have switched to home working or hybrid working. For many, this will be a temporary measure, but if it has worked well for your business and your customers and employees, it’s beneficial to think about remote working in the future. If your employees are at home, this eliminates the need for commuting, which saves time and money for workers and reduces emissions. Talk to your team and gauge reactions and opinions. You may find that some people thrive at home, while others would prefer to be at the office or to combine both. 

Eco-friendly materials

Most businesses make, sell or buy materials to offer products or services to customers. If your company is not already actively looking for sustainable materials , now is the time to start. Research suitable alternatives to the products and components you use now, seek advice and keep an eye on what other firms in your industry are doing. If you can switch to sustainable, eco-friendly materials or supplies, this will help you to go green and enhance your brand image. 

Implementing initiatives in the workplace

Protecting the planet is a team effort. Every little helps, but it’s virtually impossible to achieve goals and hit targets without large numbers of people getting involved and jumping on the wagon. As an employer, make it your mission to get your employees and customers involved in initiatives that will have a positive impact on the environment. Simple measures like providing recycling bins and a water cooler and reusable or recyclable cups instead of selling bottled water and encouraging clients to download or save tickets, passes or forms on their phones instead of printing reams of paper will help. Talk to your team, ask for suggestions, get your clients involved on social media and start putting ideas into action. 

Working with eco-friendly brands and businesses

Businesses often work together to offer services and products for customers. If you work with partners or suppliers, or you’re looking to outsource areas of the business, try to find companies that share your values and support eco-friendly schemes. If you create and sell products, for example, work with suppliers and manufacturers that use sustainable materials and packaging and logistics firms that have green vehicles and environmentally-friendly route planning programs. By working together, organizations can achieve more and improve their brand image and reputation. Studies suggest that almost 90% of consumers want to buy from brands that help them to be more ethical and eco-friendly . 

Green fleets and logistics

We live in a world where the skies, tracks and roads are packed with vehicles transporting products from one corner of the globe to another. Global travel and efficient logistics enable us to benefit from swift delivery and international trade, but there is a cost. Vehicles produce emissions, which are harmful to the environment. If you operate a fleet of vehicles, or you transport materials or deliver products via rail, road or air travel, making simple changes can impact your carbon footprint. Invest in eco-friendly vehicles , look for ways to save time and reduce mileage when making deliveries and search for options that involve offsetting emissions. It’s also an excellent idea to offer customers the opportunity to choose eco delivery options at the checkout. We have become accustomed to next-day delivery, but many consumers don’t need the products they order straight away and they may prefer to wait if it means using a more eco-friendly delivery service.

Reducing energy consumption

Reducing energy consumption has two main benefits for businesses. The first is saving money and the second is making a positive difference to the environment. Use smart meters and analyze bills to monitor usage and get an accurate idea of how much energy you use in an average week or month. Identify areas where you can make changes and encourage your employees to get on board. Use motion sensors to shut down lighting systems and thermostats to regulate the temperature. Swap traditional bulbs for energy-efficient light bulbs and turn devices and appliances off at the power socket. Invest in modern heating systems, which are more efficient and use less energy. Choose energy suppliers that provide access to renewable energy sources and consider options such as installing solar panels. If your business is based in an area that receives a lot of sunshine, you could save a substantial amount of money by generating solar energy. If this route interests you, research providers and see if you are eligible for a grant or financial assistance. 

Corporate social responsibility

More and more customers want to buy from businesses that align with their values. If you run a business, and you want to make a difference, it’s beneficial to explore initiatives and organizations you can support. Discuss options with your team, ask for ideas from customers and look for schemes or charities that complement your core values . There are several ways you can do your bit from donating a portion of your profits to wildlife and conservation charities to planting a tree for every purchase. 

Everybody is talking about the future of the planet. We have reached a critical juncture, and businesses can play an integral role in protecting the environment and preserving natural environments. If you could do more, now is the time to make changes and encourage your employees and customers to get involved. Even small modifications can make a big difference. From recycling and repurposing, reducing energy consumption and using sustainable materials to investing in smart, energy-efficient technology and figuring out greener ways to travel and commute, there are multiple ways to make a positive contribution.