As a business owner, you are an influence in your community. The way you run things will be noticed by the other people in town. Make sure you leave a positive impression. One of the best ways to make an impressions as a business is to go green. Environmental issues are more important than ever, and you need to do your part. Here are 4 sustainable solutions for becoming an environmentally-conscious business.
Go paperless
A business uses a lot of paper. Do your best to print less by making things electronic. Give customers the option to go paperless. Offering a small discount can really encourage people. You should also go paperless around the office where possible. Send memos via email instead of passing out a piece of paper to everyone. You can also sign certain documents online.
Green business practices
As a business, you are expected to uphold a certain level of environmental responsibility. In fact, there are laws enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure this. If you aren’t sure, you should speak with an environmental law practice to ensure EPA compliance. Otherwise, you won’t only be hurting the environment, but you’ll also be subject to some pretty hefty fines.
Make recycling easy
Every company should encourage the
employees to recycle when possible. Common things that can be recycled at the
office include paper, water bottles, and aluminum cans. Now, it’s important to
make it easy for your employees. People are more likely to recycle when it’s
easy for them to do so. Put recycling bins next to all of the garbage cans. You
should also send out friendly reminders every so often via email to remind your
employees how important it is to show our planet some love. Employees can also
recycle by using reusable water bottles and coffee mugs.
Many businesses end up throwing away old electronics once they upgrade every
couple of years. Not only is this a waste of product, but many electronics
should be properly recycled in the right centers. When you recycle old company
phones, and laptops you will be able to avoid them going to landfills. When a
company sets up community days to take care of the environment many employees
end up taking these practices and implementing them into their own lives.
Make recycling easy
Most businesses have vending machines for the employees. However, when most people are given a convenient choice they drink water. We can reduce thousands of water bottles each year in a medium office by having the water fountains have convenient water bottle refill stations. If you are a company that gives merch as gifts consider giving your employees reusable water bottles that they can use all year long. Not only will this be a welcome change, but it will eliminate the need for so many plastic bottles.
Encourage Public Transportation
Cars are a big source of pollution. However, we all need to drive to get to work. There are other options, though. You can limit two or three cars into one if you carpool with other coworkers. You also have the option to utilize public transportation. Public transportation can get you just about anywhere if you live in a large metropolitan location. Many businesses reimburse employees the cost of a monthly card for bus and trains to work.
Be a leader by doing the right thing for the environment and future generations by following these four steps. Not only will this make your employees proud of working for you, but you will get goodwill with clients as you are helping the environment.
Kara Masterson is a freelance writer from West Jordan, Utah. She graduated from the University of Utah and enjoys writing and spending time with her dog, Max.
