A significant number of businesses are going green, which is excellent news for the environment. For years environmental pollution has been caused mainly by the actions of companies, by their office activities and manufacturing processes. Moreover, going green can actually help grow your business by attracting clients. A recent study showed that customers are more likely to choose an eco-friendly company.
For this reason, it is vital to have a practical sustainable business strategy. This should be applied across the board from supply chain to daily operations. Employing green solutions is not as expensive as some entrepreneurs believe. You can find eco-friendly solutions within your means. Sustainable choices will also increase your profits. Here are 5 tips for going green with your business.
Change your product packaging
Landfills are filled with single-use product packaging. Why not consider changing your packaging solutions and make them sustainable? Reduce, reuse, and recycle is a strategy that companies need to observe when going green. You should avoid non-biodegradable packaging options such as plastic, expanded polystyrene foam, aluminum foil or metal. Paper is possibly the most viable packaging material as it is highly recyclable.
If you can’t pack your products using paper, encourage your customers to return the packaging, so you can dispose of it sustainably. For example, many diary companies are implementing the practice of collecting empty bottles. However, you can also use recycled plastic or metal. Using less packaging is another possible strategy. It is vital to include an eco-friendly message on your packaging.
Purchase materials from local suppliers
A considerable amount of the pollution is caused by the transportation of materials. Working with suppliers who are far from your business means more emissions to the environment and greater energy usage. So consider getting materials from local suppliers. This will reduce your company’s carbon footprint. In addition, partner with suppliers who value sustainability. Look for reliable suppliers within your region.
Apart from the environmental advantages, working with local suppliers benefits your community. Customers appreciate businesses that support each other within their region. Local sourcing also boosts consumer confidence. This can increase your profits, which you can then invest back into your community through fundraising or sponsoring events. Moreover, getting materials from local sources reduces supply chain costs and gives you greater control.
Reconsider your energy sources
How you power your office or factory contributes to your carbon footprint. You should re-evaluate your energy sources when going green. Examples of sustainable energy sources are solar and wind power. Using solar energy offers a renewable way to light your offices and power your equipment. You should work with a professional installation company to maintain the efficiency of your business.
Wind power is becoming ever more available to businesses. If you can access a wind power farm, you could source energy from it. Also, if you have enough land space and budget, you could install wind turbines on your property. Furthermore, you need to use energy-efficient equipment and encourage your employees to switch off lights and appliances when not in use.
Reduce the impact of your business product
If you manufacture your products, you should minimize their impact. Use eco-friendly materials to reduce the waste potential of your product. You need to regularly inspect the manufacturing process and ensure that you perform energy audits to control consumption. You should also use energy-efficient technology tools. Additionally, work with experts to control your internal processes to discover and control any potential issues.
Use sustainable solutions for everyday services
Your company frequently uses everyday services, such as landscaping, cleaning, catering, and so on. When going green, opt for sustainable solutions for such services. For example, instead of working with a landscaping company that uses strong chemicals and high energy-consuming equipment, hire one that uses renewable products. Why not hire a cleaning company that uses natural cleaning products as much as possible?
How to tell if a service-based company is sustainable
How can you tell if a company offering services is sustainable? The easiest way is to ask them or check out the business’s website. A green company will always be able to show how they observe sustainability. Reputable eco-friendly companies usually display their green business certificate(s) on their websites. Being involved in green initiatives is another strategy that most sustainable businesses employ.
Going through reputable online reviews is another excellent way to tell if a service-based company is sustainable. This should help you learn more about the experiences of other clients. Websites that rate green companies also exist. Type in your chosen company and check its ratings. Better still, physically visit your chosen company and take a look at their equipment and operations.
Conclusion – How to make your business green
Going green should not be a complicated process for businesses. The above-discussed tips can help you make your company sustainable easily and creatively. Changing your packaging, sourcing materials from local suppliers, reconsidering your energy sources, minimizing the impact of your products, and working with sustainable service-based companies are practical ways to make your business eco-friendly. And give you a great competitive edge!
