If you are exploring the idea of starting up a business, you must consider making your business eco-friendly. The world is becoming more aware of the environment and consumers are no different. Consumers are intentional and purposeful about spending their money with companies that are following suit. Sustainability is not only beneficial to our environment but has proven to have its advantages for businesses as well. Your contribution to the cause will protect our natural environment, the communities of people you are serving, as well as our ecological system.
Staring up an environmentally friendly business is not as overwhelming as it may seem. There are businesses dedicated to helping businesses establish an eco-friendly establishment like sustainability consulting firms. Whether you are looking to do the leg work yourself or thinking of hiring a firm here are some eco-friendly things you can incorporate into your business.
Incorporate Recycling
There are many pros to recycling; it reduces the waste in our landfills, helps prevent pollution, and conserves energy. Places of business can use more waste than homes so you must be appropriately discharging your waste but also being aware of reducing your waste overall. Implementing recycling in your office will save you money and can make you some money as well. Marketing yourself as a business that recycles gives you a competitive edge, and will attract environmentally conscious employees and consumers.
Solar Power System
Opting for solar power will cut costs for your business and offer you amazing tax credits. If you are looking for reliable energy sources, you are on the right track. With any kind of alternative power, you are claiming your victory in energy independence. The benefits are not only advantageous for your business but the environment as well. It reduces air pollution and fights climate change. Although solar power requires an investment up front, it’s worth the splurge on the back end.
LED Lighting
Changing light bulbs around the office is one of those small changes you can make that will hugely impact the environment. LED lighting requires less energy to operate, meaning less energy being used, and a more positive impact on the environment. LED lighting lasts longer than other types of lighting which will require you to spend less money on replacing them over time. While you won’t eliminate your carbon footprint with LED lighting, it leaves far less than the conventional lighting source.
It wouldn’t be a bad idea to consider adding motion-activated lighting into areas like the bathroom, storage, and utility rooms. It not only increases convenience, and saves energy but increases the longevity of your light bulbs. These are effective ways of choosing to protect the environment.
Green Packaging
Are you looking to improve your brand image? Green packing is one way to do it. Consumers love the idea of businesses incorporating green packaging. It’s a forward way of thinking and the perfect contribution to our environment. Green packaging is biodegradable, made up of non-harmful materials, easily disposable, and will save your company money. What better way to reduce your carbon footprint on the environment than to make this switch.
Water Conservation
Studies have shown that the most water consumption in office buildings comes from bathrooms. A way to reduce this is by installing low-flow toilets in all of your bathrooms. Old-fashioned toilets use about 6 gallons of water when flushed. Low-flow toilets use about 1.5 gallons which is a huge difference especially if you have many bathrooms in your office.
Other ways your business can conserve water is by checking faucets for leaks and fixing them promptly. Adding water aerators is another way you can conserve water. Aerators create a mist and use less water than a traditional faucet. Making these changes will cut down the water usage in your office dramatically.
Perhaps you feel like incorporating sustainability does not have to be an all-or-nothing decision. Whether it’s the face of your company or you are simply making it known you value it, your consumers and employees will admire you for it. There are many ways your business can go green, big or small. Either way, your contribution will make a huge impact on the environment.
