We know that the way we live has damaged our planet and that significant change needs to happen quickly, but do we take these concerns with us when we go to work? The efforts we make in our homes can easily be easily applied to the workplace whether it’s by using less paper or water or recycling more. We can even lower our carbon footprint by ditching the car for a bicycle ride to work instead. Together, we can make a positive difference to the future of our planet, but when a business makes the effort to go green, it can also have a positive impact for the brand in terms of customer perception.
1. Embrace Recycling
Businesses should make the effort to both recycle and to use recycled materials as much as possible. Ink and toner cartridges, files, technology, paper, cardboard and plastic are just some of the materials you can recycle to reduce your contribution to landfill. Choose recycled paper for the copy machine and folders made from eco-friendly materials. Many brands now provide drinking water and coffee so that employees can reuse their own bottles and mugs rather than disposable ones.
If your business produces a high volume of recyclable waste such as cardboard or soft plastic, then you may want to consider investing in a baler. This machine presses the waste into manageable bales which can then be tied with baling wire, stored neatly and easily removed recycling plant. A baler machine can enable a business to recycle while saving time, money and space. There are several different sizes of baler machine and types of baling wire; you’ll need to find the right solution for your business. Visit balingwiredirect.com to learn more about your options.
2. Use Renewable Energy Sources
Swapping electricity or heating systems which are powered by fossil fuels (natural gas or oil) for energy generated by renewable sources will go a long way to reducing your brand’s carbon footprint. Many utility providers now generate their electricity from solar, wind or geothermal resources and it’s very easy to make the switch.
Depending on your budget, you may also want to invest in your own solar panels for your roof so you can generate your own renewable energy. This also has the added benefit of reducing your energy costs which is great news for your profits.
3. Go Paperless (When You Can)
You may be surprised to learn that each ton of recycled paper saves 7,000 gallons of water and 3 cubic yards of landfill space. If you send information, marketing materials or give receipts to your customers, it’s a great idea to give them the chance to receive it digitally instead. Cut down on the packaging you use to send out your products or try to use packaging sourced from sustainable materials. You can also discourage employees from unnecessary printing by providing tablets so they can work digitally whenever possible.
4. Invest in Eco-friendly Office Furniture
When you need to buy new office furniture, consider an eco-friendly furniture supplier to both reduce your carbon footprint and cut your costs.
By making it clear that you’re an environmentally conscious organization, you can improve how customers view you and use your profile to set an example for others to follow.
