While many established corporations have taken the lead in going green, small businesses tend to focus more on growth—especially when they’re first starting out. But the benefits of going green relate to more than just making the environment better; they also contribute significantly to business growth.
Studies show that many talented individuals want to work for businesses that put purpose before profit. Moreover, customers are always looking for products that create a positive impact on the environment. Thus, implementing energy efficient strategies, recycling, and other green initiatives may help small businesses stand out in the crowd.
Some of the most essential ways for small businesses to go green include:
Using Energy-Efficient Lighting
A major step towards going green is introducing energy efficient lighting into your office environment. By implementing LEDs, you can reduce light energy costs by up to 40%. Small businesses that do not want to incur the high cost of this innovative technology can use CFLs (compact fluorescent lamps) instead. These CFLs last eight times longer than traditional light bulbs.
Another way to make office lighting more energy efficient is using sensors that can automatically turn the lights on or off when a person enters or exits a room. Businesses should maximize the use of sunlight as well, which can help in reducing costs and create a positive atmosphere in the office.
Create a Workplace Recycling Program
Starting a recycling program at your workplace is an essential part of going green. As a small business owner, you can start by working with the local waste management company to identify the items in your office that you can recycle. Next, you need to place the recycle bins strategically where your employees will use them the most. For instance, you can place a bin in the copy room or next to the coffee table. Finally, create awareness of the recycling program amongst your staff members to create the most impact.
Use Marketing Collateral Made From Recycled Materials
By using recycled products in marketing campaigns, small businesses can play an important role in saving our natural resources. According to a recent study, every ton of new paper requires three tons of wood and around 19,000 gallons of water. By using recycled paper for brochures, flyers, and even branded business folders, businesses can conserve resources while also enlightening their target audience about how going green helps save the environment.
Eliminate Plastic Water Bottles
Plenty of plastic bottles go through the recycling process, but a large volume of them end up in landfills. It can take hundreds of years for a plastic bottle to decompose, and the energy resources required for manufacturing, transporting, and recycling those bottles are considerable. The best alternative is to carry glass bottles instead, which you can clean and reuse immediately without causing any health hazards. Encourage everyone in your workplace to follow this habit and ban the use of plastic water bottles around the office.
Use Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
Going green does not just revolve around building customer trust and saving natural resources. It also involves promoting a safer and healthier environment at your workplace. By using eco-friendly cleaning products, you make sure that no toxic particles spread in your office environment. Instruct your custodial staff to use ‘green’ products for cleaning the floor or windows. This promotes better air quality, resulting in a healthier workforce.
Small businesses make up a considerable part of the business ecosystem. By going green, they can play an essential role in saving natural resources and making the world a healthier place to live.
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