10 Changes You Can Make to Become a More Eco-Friendly Business

Almost 70% of American consumers think that it’s important for brands to be eco-friendly.

Customers are becoming more conscious of their buying habits so if your business isn’t catering to this, you’re missing out on huge sales. Luckily, there are many ways your company can become more environmentally friendly with minimal effort.

Looking for inspiration? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Here are 10 changes to turn your brand into an eco-friendly business.

1. Measure Your Office’s Waste Impact

Before implementing sustainable business practices, track the amount of waste your workplace produces. It could be printed papers, coffee pods, or excessive paper napkins in the washroom.

Once you start measuring your waste impact then it’s easier to create goals and work towards achieving them so less waste is produced. To help you, create “waste reduction” challenges to get employees involved whether it’s finding someone who prints the least in January to the team to produce less waste.

Nominate a team member to produce progress reports and you’ll generate less waste in no time.

2. Recycle Office Waste

The first step to becoming eco-friendly is embracing the ethos “of reducing reuse, recycle” in the workplace. Note that the order is important too so instead of using disposable plates and utensils, offer employees ceramic and steel alternatives.

For reusing items, instead of throwing out boxes still, in-tact use them for packaging products or other supplies. If it’s impossible to do this, dot recycling bins around the office or uses public recycle bins as it makes the recycling process easier for you.

If you’re eager to have a sustainable architecture in your business, consider your electronic waste. The research found recycling one million laptops saves enough energy to power 3,657 U.S homes a year.

Also known as e-waste, electronic waste often builds up in our landfills when it could be used by schools, charities, or properly recycled by a manufacturer.

3. Invest in Eco-Designed Equipment

Aside from setting your workplace in a leed certified building, you should also consider the equipment you work with. For instance, swap out old appliances with energy-efficient models, one with the energy star rating on them. You should also invest in products that promote renewable energy like solar-powered electrical items.

Check how each product compares to its competitors in terms of energy-efficiency whether it’s solar lights or smart thermostats.

4. Offer Remote Work

Your company should offer flexibility to your employees so they can work remotely. Not only does it boost productivity but working remotely cuts down on pollution because your team doesn’t need to commute to work. If you don’t want to make the team fully remote, give them the option of working from home twice a week instead.

Plus, when there are fewer employees in the office then you’ll save on lighting, heating, and office supplies.

5. Use Sustainable Packaging

If your business sells products, then packaging is a major component. For a cost-effective and eco-friendly option, choose recycled paper and cardboard as they’re more sustainable especially if you ship a large number of products.

You should also use suitable products in the office whether it’s printer paper or cleaning products. Check the label as it’ll say whether it’s made from post- or pre-consumer waste.

6. Consider Green Web Hosting Services

Websites use energy so find a service that doesn’t waste a large amount of it. Nowadays, many web host providers are eco-conscious and decarbonize their centers so they don’t produce any carbon emissions.

Luckily, there’s a wide range of affordable web hosting services so you can keep your company’s website running 24/7 without harming the environment.

7. Plant Shrubs and Trees

Your company should harness the power of plants. Aside from creating an inviting first-impression, plants purify the air which is great for you and the team. Plus, they’re low-maintenance so you only need to occasionally water and prune them.

Businesses should also consider their building and how its exterior can influence how big their carbon footprint is. For instance, you should choose the best commercial street lights to ensure they’re eco-friendly.

Plant trees outside the window as their shade will cool down the office, perfect during summer.

8. Conserve Water

Another way to promote an eco-friendly business is to conserve water. For instance, fix any leaky faucets otherwise your company could waste gallons of water.

Not sure how to cut down on water usage? Ask a plumbing expert on how to reduce your water footprint and consider upgrading your current system if it’s too outdated.

9. Adapt Your Dress Code

Even your company’s dress code affects your carbon footprint!

Be flexible with the uniform depending on the season. For instance, don’t force employees to wear a shirt, jacket, and tie during the summer because you’ll waste energy turning on the AC. Instead, let employees wear what’s suitable and if you do have a uniform, make sure the supplier uses sustainable materials.

10. Support Alternative Mobility Options

Offer incentives to your team so they take public transport or other eco-friendly options. For example, contact a local transit agency as they often provide subsidized passes for businesses.

You could also set up a carpool for employees or a cycle-to-work scheme by partnering with cycle shops so you can offer the team discounted bicycles.

That’s How to Become an Eco-Friendly Business

Hopefully, you’ve learned how to transform into an eco-friendly business with these easy tips.

Create a work environment that promotes recycling, sustainability, and conserving water. Swap out appliances for energy-efficient ones, introduce plants to the office, and encourage your team to get to work by public transport or bicycle. Good luck!

Did you find this article helpful? Great! Then check out our posts on our other Environment-related posts.