Eco-Friendly Ways to Foster a Sustainable Business
One of the good things about ‘going green’ is that businesses can be as sustainable as they want to be.
Though some companies may go all-out in their eco-friendly efforts by investing in solar cells, light sensors everywhere, or toilets that use little water, other businesses may want to start smaller and see how things go. This is often a smarter approach for workplaces unsure how well employees will embrace new protocol and how much cost-savings in money or productivity will occur.
If buy-in does take place, and noticeable savings are seen, that’s a positive sign that more can be done, especially if employees are congratulated and recognized. A company that continues to build on its eco-friendly successes not only has a good story to tell and a stronger bottom line, but it could be a selling point for customers seeking these philosophies, or for employees wanting to work somewhere that has these values.
Baby steps
Companies that want to boost business growth by implementing eco-friendly solutions can consider steps such as:
• Furniture. It’s tempting to want to always have the best-looking chairs and desks around, regardless of price. But it is possible to either seek items with healthier and safer components and fewer hazardous materials, or find ways to extend the life of existing items provided they don’t look bad or dangerous.
• Mail. Encourage staff to communicate by email or text when possible. Or, when something needs to be sent, invest in paper that’s free of harmful dyes and inks. Reusable envelopes can be used for intra-office mailing, or employees can be encouraged to walk it there themselves – it’s good exercise and facilitates communication.
• Recycling. A challenge of implementing recycling programs is that the process can be complex and confusing. Make it easier by putting a recycle bin right by a central garbage area or people’s desks. Then, clearly state what goes in it, usually just paper. Publicize progress and make it competitive, so more people can participate.
Companies seeking funding for eco-friendly investments and improvements can visit Trihawk Capital.
