We recently outlined some of the ways we're making our business more sustainable and eco friendly. However, there are various steps that any business can take to become greener. The reason for doing so is not just to safeguard the planet for the future, but it can also be more efficient and save money.
Here are some eco-friendly policies that any business could adopt right away:
- Get Everyone on Board - Make sure all of your employees from top to bottom of the business are aware of the policy and working towards this goal. You never know what innovations of your processes could come from this and it can be a great team building exercise too. Offering incentives for employers to come up with greener strategies for your business, this gives your staff added determination to work towards this goal. A good example is locally sourcing certain products, which can reduce shipping costs and reduce your carbon impact.
- Lose the Paperwork - Going paperless can be expensive initially, so calculate whether it is financially viable option for your business or not. This could be very beneficial in the long run, especially if you can use your existing systems.
- Switch Suppliers - Do your suppliers recycle their packaging from order to order? It is a bit more effort, but reduces wastage a lot. Go with a supplier who has a great eco friendly record.
- Recycled Paper - Use this whenever possible. Even recycled toilet tissue isn't the horrible cardboard stuff of days gone by!
- Turn it off! - Where possible turn lights, heating and electrical equipment off when its not in use. Better still open those windows in the summer to let the light shine on you.
- Cut down on Petrol Use - Not only is it hugely expensive, it is main contributing factor to a businesses impact on the environment. Where possible cut out the car journeys and flights, videos conferencing is amazing these days.
- Being Eco Pays - There are many schemes for eco friendly businesses from government incentives to tax credits.
- Follow the three R's - Reduce waste, re-use things and recycle.
- Go Solar - As long as you own your premises, why not install solar panels on the roof? Once they have paid for themselves, your business will essentially be running on free electricity in the summer months.
- Bike Schemes - Encourage employees to get on their bike! This might not seem like a money saver for your business, but if they do they'll be healthier and have more energy meaning less sick days. There are also government schemes which can help reduce the cost of your employees buying a bike.
- Tell you Stakeholders - Let everyone you do business with know how environmentally friendly your business is, this may even being you new business from eco concious customers. You could also create partnerships with other eco friendly businesses and could create new opportunities across different industries.
- Long Term Thinkings - The initial expense of going green is neutralised by the long term saving you will make. If you think your business will be around in ten or twenty years, why not plan for this future?
