Sustainability is becoming a very important movement for businesses everywhere. Not only are they using it to appeal to customers but also for the many benefits that it can give for their finances and their business growth. Today, many companies are looking for ways to adjust their businesses towards sustainability. This can be done on a small scale, or it can be done in a dramatic way like converting your office building’s electricity to solar power. There are plenty of other small adjustments you can make that will help you become more sustainable, and it’s important to start somewhere.
1. Cut down on paper usage
A lot of paper gets wasted in offices, and it’s an easy way to become more sustainable. You can start by making sure that all printers are set to double-sided printing, and also by reducing the number of print jobs you submit. Other ways to reduce paper usage are to use email instead of memos and to print out only what’s necessary.
2. Recycle and compost
This is a no-brainer, but it’s still something that a lot of businesses struggle with. Make sure you have separate recycling and composting bins in your office, and make sure your employees know how to use them properly.
3. Reduce water waste
Businesses can waste a lot of water, especially if they have older plumbing systems. You can start reducing your water waste by installing low-flow faucets and showerheads, and by making sure that all appliances are Energy Star certified. You can also use drought-tolerant plants in your office garden. But you can also opt for a wastewater management solution that aims to remove the contaminants from the water for reuse or disposal.
4. Use energy-efficient light bulbs
This is another easy way to reduce your energy consumption. Make sure all of your light bulbs are CFL or LED, and use smart power strips to turn off electronics when they’re not in use. Traditional light bulbs use a lot of electricity and generate a lot of heat, so making the switch to CFL or LED can result in big savings.
5. Buy recycled office supplies
There’s no need to sacrifice style when you go green. You can find recycled office supplies made from recycled materials. There are a lot of different options out there, so you can find something that suits your style and your budget. Many office supply stores also have a recycling program for old office supplies, to which you can contribute or purchase.
6. Switch to a green energy provider
If you’re ready for a bigger change, you can switch to a green energy provider. Green energy providers use renewable sources like solar and wind power, so you can feel good about knowing that your energy is coming from a sustainable source. Plus, you might be eligible for tax credits or rebates if you make the switch.
7. Reduce your transportation emissions
Businesses can generate a lot of emissions from their transportation, so it’s important to find ways to reduce them. You can start by using public transportation or carpooling, and by making sure that all of your employees are taking advantage of telecommuting. You can also invest in green transportation options like electric vehicles or bikes.
8. Eliminate plastic waste
Plastic is one of the biggest contributors to landfills, and it’s a major threat to the environment. You can start eliminating plastic waste by using reusable water bottles and coffee mugs, and by bringing your own lunch to work. You can also look for products that are made from sustainable materials like bamboo or cornstarch.
9. Use green cleaning products
Cleaning products can be a major source of indoor air pollution, so it’s important to use green cleaning products whenever possible. Many green cleaning products are just as effective as traditional products, but they’re made from sustainable ingredients. You can also make your own green cleaning products using simple ingredients like vinegar and baking soda.
10. Educate your employees
The best way to make your business more sustainable is to educate your employees about it. The most sustainable businesses are the ones that have employees who are educated about sustainability. Make sure you have a sustainability policy in place and make sure your employees know about it. You can also hold sustainability training to educate your employees about the basics of sustainability.
Sustainability is becoming more and more important, and there are a lot of easy ways to make your business more sustainable. Starting small is always good to help the movement get started. In a few years, you may be able to commit to more impactful changes that will not only benefit your business but the entire world. Make sure you’re doing everything you can to reduce your environmental impact and help preserve our planet.