Many businesses, even if they are not aware of it, generate a significant amount of waste. The same companies are usually generating more waste now than they were two years ago. Why is it so important for every company in every sector to reduce business waste?
Well, a lot of it is to do with costs. More waste equals more costs. However, there is an issue even bigger than that: the environment.
We are all aware of the problems that our planet is facing with climate change and global warming being an ever present threat. Everyone has a responsibility to do everything in their power to reduce the waste that they produce and improve their sustainability in any way possible.
Here, we look at some of the relatively simple ways in which your business can do its part in reducing waste and the impact on the environment.
Reducing Waste 101
Go paperless
Businesses can use a significant amount of paper in their daily operations, so if you can cut that by just a fraction, it can make a huge difference. If you provide clients and customers with paper recipes and invoices, consider sending them via email instead, this is such a simple way to reduce waste. Switch out traditionally printed marketing and advertisements for digital marketing. You need a website, of course, and social media accounts along with great branding. Hire a graphic designer from Design Cloud to create a great logo for your online marketing materials.
Evaluate your supply chain
There is a fair chance your supply chain is more complicated than it needs to be, so take the time to examine it closely and see if there are any ways to streamline and simplify it. Analyze each phase, pay careful attention to the data you have on hand, and combine it with automation to streamline processes. If you can eliminate the measures that create an excessive carbon footprint and reduce your carbon footprint, you will be able to save money and the planet.
Encourage remote working where possible
One of the most effective ways to reduce waste and make your business more environmentally friendly is to eliminate your office and work remotely. Consider the following scenario: you have employees who commute to and from work, losing time and energy stuck in traffic. Making the switch to a remote work environment will save you money while also lowering your carbon footprint. You don’t have to go completely remote. Look at having one day a week where employers can work from home as a starting point.
According to studies, if workers with supportive employment worked from home half of the time, the country would save more than $700 billion a year, and the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions would be comparable to removing all New York State employees from the road permanently.
Look at alternative sources of energy
Consider alternative energy sources like solar, wind, or geothermal if you want to save money on your energy bills while still helping the environment. Depending on where your office is located, you might be able to instal solar panels on the roof or use electricity produced by a regional wind turbine farm.
Photography by Taryn Elliott
