As the discussion around climate change continues to take center stage in the media, businesses globally are looking to change their business practices. These changes are designed to help reduce the impact production has on the planet. Furthermore, customers worldwide are seeking out environmentally friendly businesses to purchase from. In some cases, they are even boycotting brands that fail to change their processes to reduce the carbon footprint. Now, this may seem scary for some businesses, but there are some simple steps you can take to improve. Follow the tips below to help your business go green and implement sustainable practices.
One of the easiest changes to make is upgrading where your power comes from. In the modern age, there are now many sustainable power sources available to businesses. You no longer need to rely on finite resources like oil, coal, and gas to run your business. Instead consider changing to a more environmentally friendly power source, like solar. By installing solar panels on your business's roof, you can generate a substantial amount of energy. In some more temperate climates, you may even be able to completely rely on solar to power your business. Additionally, solar power allows you to save money on electricity bills each month. Especially, once you pay off the initial investment. For those without the capital to invest in solar panels, there are also many green energy companies that you can sign with instead.
Once you select your sustainable energy source, you can further help by reducing energy use. Many businesses require a substantial amount of energy to run their operations, however, there are many simple ways you can reduce power consumption. To start, you can change all lightbulbs within your business to LED or other eco-friendly lightbulbs. To help reduce your power consumption further, you could also use motion sensor lighting where possible. A commercial electrical service provider like A & M Electric LLC in Lancaster County serving southeastern PA can help. By doing this, the lights will automatically turn off when no one is in the room, helping to minimize power consumption.
Introducing recycling processes within your business is an easy way to reduce your carbon footprint. So many materials are now able to be recycled, from paper and cardboard to plastic and metals. To make the process easy, ensure that you have clearly labeled containers around the workplace for employees to use. Encourage your employees to recycle properly and set up a recycling pickup or drop-off schedule. Furthermore, consider what items you can repurpose within the workplace rather than shipping them off to the recycling depot. Some services even actively look for business offcuts and waste to repurpose them. By using these services you can not only make additional income but also help your business go green.
To improve your sustainability practices, it’s time to switch to eco-friendly packaging for your products. By using recycled materials to package products, you not only reduce your carbon footprint but also gain new customers. Especially as 67% of US shoppers consider it important that companies use recycled packaging. Advertising this fact is important, especially if you can show how the packaging is made. To take even further, you could investigate creating your product using recycled materials like Nike is doing with their Space Hippie line.
By following the steps above, you can help your business go green in no time at all. Making the effort to become a sustainable and eco-friendly business is important as many consumers shop with businesses that reflect their personal values. Ensure that your business continues to adapt as technology improves. This will help your business image and generate new customers while reducing the impact your business has on the planet.
