Although most people want to have a green home and lifestyle, it can often be easy to forget to make your business eco-friendly. For those who sell products or offer services, there are many ways to create an environmentally-friendly business that is conscious of consumption and their impact on the planet. If you want to learn how to go green with your business or company, there are a few essential steps to take.
Reduce Water Usage
According to thebalance.com, it’s important to reduce your water usage in your office to save money and conserve a valuable resource. Make it a point to hire a professional to fix leaky toilets or faucets and even install low-flow toilets. If you have to landscape the outside property, opt for using different types of plants that are drought-resistant and can thrive without much water. The sprinkler system should also include rain sensors to ensure that it doesn’t turn on when it’s already wet outside. Conserving water may be a minor step, but will reduce the risk of environmental disasters that occur and can allow you to do your part.
Install Energy Star Appliances
An easy and efficient way to reduce your energy usage on the property is to install Energy Star appliances in the building. Whether you have a refrigerator in the breakroom or a laundry facility with washers and dryers, using energy-efficient products in your office will conserve energy and will also cost your business less money throughout the year.
Recycle Your Electronics
Many businesses produce a significant amount of waste throughout the year by throwing out electronics that they no longer use. Throwing away old monitors or printers contributes to landfills and can even be illegally exported to developing countries. If you own items that are less than five years old and you no longer need, consider donating the products to local charities or schools in the area to ensure that they can continue to be used. After you remove all of the sensitive information on the devices, you can also consider recycling the products through stores like Staples or Best Buy and receive cash for the items.
Recycle Old Furniture Items
According to huffingtonpost.com, many offices spend a significant amount of money purchasing new furniture to furnish the setting. From desks to bookcases, it can be easy to make a harmful impact on the earth with all of the new items that are used for your business. Instead of using more of the scarce resources that are limited on the planet, opt for purchasing used items in the local area. You can also consider reupholstering old furniture that you find at flea markets or secondhand stores to reduce your consumption as a company and minimize the amount of waste that you produce.
Switch to Reusable Envelopes
You can practice being eco-friendly with your postage when sending out mailers or bills. Switch to reusable or eco-friendly envelopes to save money on operating costs and cut warehousing needs. Relying on email or social media to stay in contact with your customers will also work as a green practice.
It doesn’t have to be overly challenging or difficult to have an environmentally friendly business that is eco-friendly. With the right tips followed, you can have peace of mind knowing that you’re improving the earth and are working towards a greener future that impacts everyone.
