The cornerstone of every business is making a profit. Creating jobs and feeding your family is the name of the game. But making money shouldn't come at a cost for nature as it is irreplaceable and money is not. This is why many companies, old and new, are opting for green replacements for things that might do harm to the environment. Here are some changes you can make to your business to make sure you do your part in the green movement.
1. Reduce Water Usage
Well maintained washrooms that don't have dripping taps or plumbing leaks are essential to waste as little water as possible. Also keep in mind installing low-flow toilets and faucet aerators is a great cost-saving measure as they reduce wastage to a minimum. Low water factor washing machines on site can also do wonders.
If you have landscaping make sure your sprinkling system is properly maintained and has rain sensors. An alternative would be replacing them with a drip system as those are even more effective and less wasteful.
2. Recycle Electronics
Only 27% of E-waste or electronic waste is recycled every year, the rest is thrown away and ends up in landfills or is incinerated. Electronics less than 5 years old could be useful to kids in schools if donated. Some online auction companies have programs for charity where the proceeds from the listed electronics go to charity.
But before you get rid of any of those old gadgets make sure you wiped them clean of any sensitive information from your company or personal files.
3. Change the Light Bulbs
LED lights can use far less energy than their incandescent and fluorescent alternatives, and contain no harmful chemicals, like mercury, that could impact the environment. A bit pricey upfront but their longevity makes up for it. They last about five times longer and that makes them well worth the investment, not even counting their environmental friendliness.
4. Eliminate Plastic
Water bottles are convenient, but not at all good for the environment. A water filtration system and available tap water would lessen your environmental burden and be a great cost-saving measure, due to the cost of packaged water.
Single-use plastics, such as those used in single-use coffee machines, are extremely wasteful and produce tons of non-recyclable waste. Alternatively, use a large tin for regular coffee and save yourself both money and your environmental conscience.
5. Pick Longer-Lasting Materials
Reuseable shopping bags are a great start, but far from enough if you're aiming for the concept of 'reuse and recycle'. Your doors, windows, desks, and chairs need a good look as well. They are full of non-recyclable materials that just fill up landfills when their time is up. The ones made from stronger, more durable materials, will last you much longer. Those made of metal and wood will also be more easily recycled.
Companies often turn to a lead manufacturer since lead has been found to be an eco-friendly alternative to other metals since it does not contaminate nature. You can even do away with paper almost entirely with a combination of cloud networks and simple scanners.
6. Make Green Thinking the Default
Help your employees see your vision for a cleaner world with greener ideas. Measure the savings you've made from switching to more efficient ideas. Celebrate every successful green goal that your company has achieved. Remind them that the changes made not only affect the company, but the community as a whole is improved, as is the quality of life in it. Welcome with open arms ideas and input from your employees and encourage environmentally friendly thinking.
Organize an annual fundraising event for a green cause. It's also great for your public image and eco-friendly reputation. From planting trees to raising funds for scholarships in environmental studies, there are all sorts of topics that can be discussed. Involve your local and online communities to show that you care about their input.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many ways you can improve your company's carbon footprint and bring about a cleaner world. Small changes that not only show your employees and customers that you care but also save you tons in cleaning and replacement costs in the long run. It pays off to think green.
Guest Author
Chloe Smith is a cycling enthusiast, business consultant, and a part-time writer always willing to share tidbits of advice. She believes that passion, courage and, above all, knowledge breed success.