As the state of the environment continues to concern the public, companies are doing their part by going green. Many businesses are reducing their carbon footprint by taking active measures to integrate eco-friendly alternatives to traditional business practices. Interested in having your company do the same? Read on to discover five ways that your business can become more eco-friendly.
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Start with the Essentials
Before considering the ways that your business can reduce its accumulation of things like paperwork, backtrack and look at the everyday items that cause concern. Things like the cups for coffee, and the lightbulbs you use, may not be the most environmentally efficient ways to set up your business. Go for reusable cups and start using LEDs to reduce the environmental burden. You probably have a few trash bins set up but add in some recycle bins to reduce waste. The number of plastic water bottles and to-go cups add up in a 9 am-5 pm office setting, so you certainly want to reduce the negative environmental impact here.
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Rethink Your Manufacturing
Most organizations can find places to swap out materials for recycled alternatives. Product-based companies can switch from using traditional plastic to recyclable bottles or glass for their containers. Look for biodegradable materials to package your products and continue to promote recycling for these items. A significant reduction of waste can be cultivated by changing the printing company you work with to serve office computers. Choose a green printing company that prioritizes the use of recycled materials. At the very least, be sure to recycle your cartridges.
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Reward Eco-Friendly Employees
Start an office policy to buy a free lunch for anyone who brings their food in glass containers. You can also create rewards for other eco-friendly changes like biking or taking the bus to work. For all employees, encourage reduced paper use and develop efficient and productive alternatives for work productivity. For example, instead of handing out an informational packet on an upcoming project, create a slideshow to present to the office. Have colleagues take notes on their own devices. Set a goal to reduce paper by a certain percentage and then celebrate once the office has reached this milestone. Ink cartridges are toxic and non-sustainable, see how Poooliprint created a guide to sustainable and inkless printing.
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Consider An Eco-Audit
Have a professional come in to identify areas you can create changes for an eco-friendly office. You’re likely to miss a few things, so having the additional insight from an expert will make a big difference. Maybe there are fruit fiber straws and sticks your office can use for coffee instead of plastic alternatives. This is just one of the many little things an expert might spot that you would have missed otherwise. It can’t hurt to get a second opinion. An environmental expert can also point you in the direction of package testing to verify that you are using the most eco-friendly materials for your products and that they are being transported in the most environmentally sound ways.
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Eco-Friendly Promotional Purposes
If your business sponsors any marathon walks or races, continue doing so for charities and organizations that improve the environment. In doing so, you will contribute to positive environmental change and promote your company with brand awareness simultaneously. You can even practice sustainable event waste management practices during these promotions to establish your eco-friendly principles further.
Gaining a greener consciousness for the betterment of the future is a business practice to be appreciated. Not only will going green be more cost-effective, time-efficient, and productive for your business, but it will also create a positive rapport between your company and others trying to make a positive difference on the environment.
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