Looking for ways to make your business more eco-friendly? It’s the year 2020 and we have been given a decade to alter the climate crisis. We must all change our behaviour to tackle the climate crisis together. Every individual and business can help to make change by evolving to cater for the increasingly eco-conscious consumer and by taking the time to consider what small changes they can make to help. Here are six practical ways to make your business more eco-friendly…
Make Your Business More Eco-Friendly
Recycle Materials
Get to grips with your recycling collection service, who does it? and are they recycling the contents of your bin correctly? You need to be recycling whenever possible, however this doesn’t just mean paper. You can recycle electronic equipment, glass, fabric rags and the boxes that your stock is delivered in. Most charities will collect rags and fabrics to be recycled. Take time to consider each of the materials used by your business and break it down into what can be recycled, re-used or what can be switched for a more eco-friendly option.
Go Paper-Free
Go paper-free in every department, from accounting to your head office. Hire a Payroll Consultant to manage your finances and payroll online. Switch to a computer system that allows you to process client invoices digitally. Switching to digital and going totally paper-free will be a step towards reducing the negative impact that your business has on the environment.
Switch To Recycled Marketing Materials
Switching to recycled marketing materials is a great way to introduce more eco-friendly practices into your business. If you attend trade shows or distribute promotional materials like flyers or brochures, then switch to using recycled paper or card. This is an easy win and a solution that will mean less waste and show your customers and clients that you are a consciences business.
Swap To Renewable Energy
Much in the same way you can make your house more energy efficient, you can apply the same to your office space. More businesses than ever before are switching to renewable energy. Powering your premises with renewable energy is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. Making this easy switch will help to improve your green credentials and most likely work out as financially more economical. Consider switching to a renewable energy provider like Bulb or Good Energy.
If you are unsure of the idea of switching to renewable energy, you can read into the benefits. The Conserve Energy Future website has a list of nine ways businesses can benefit from renewable energy, that will offer more insight into why your business should take advantage of this option.
Reduce Your Plastic Waste
Consider all the plastic your business uses, are you producing plastic products? do you package your goods in plastic bags? There are lots of innovative alternatives to plastics being invented all the time. Switch from plastic to compostable bags, the University of Plymouth published research recently that questioned how good for the environment compostable, biodegradable or oxo-degradable bags are for the environment. The research found, biodegradable products were discovered to stay in the environment with minimal degradation of quality after 3 years(!) whilst compostable products broke down or disappeared much quicker, even when not placed in the ideal composting conditions. So, opting for Compostable packaging is the best bet.
Offset Your Carbon Footprint
Whilst a lot of these changes may take some time to implement, one of easiest ways to start making change is by supporting a charity that will plant enough trees to offset the carbon footprint of your business. You could partner with Trees For Life or Carbon Footprint. This way you know that your company is making a positive change to the environment almost straight away.
Whether you’re a small business owner or running a corporate giant, now is the time to make change. Be forward thinking, transparent and progressive, your customers will thank you for it. Hopefully, these few small changes will inspire you to make your business more eco-friendly.
The Fabulous Times
