How to be sustainable – 5 ways your business can improve
There has been a major shift in the zeitgeist over the past decade, with individuals, companies and governments all becoming more environmentally aware.
However, it’s one thing to say you’re eco-conscious, but quite another to actually do something about it.
While many brands promise their customers they’re doing everything they can to minimise their impact on the environment, other companies, especially smaller businesses, have a hard time becoming more sustainable.
Most companies can’t afford to plant a tree for every t-shirt they sell or source their products from 100% sustainable methods.
With that in mind, here are five ways your business can be more sustainable without breaking the bank.
Cut the carbon commute
One of the few positive impacts of the COVID pandemic has been the rise in people working from home.
Even after things have begun to settle down, many companies are choosing remote working over the traditional office work style. This has a massive effect on the overall environmental impact of each individual.
From the vehicle emissions expelled to and from work, to the reduced electricity used in lighting and heating an office, the carbon footprint from a remote worker is a fraction of an office-based one. Even if you can’t offer remote work, there are still ways you can reduce the carbon footprint of your employees.
Set up a carpooling system, encourage public transport or even go as far as introducing a cycling club for your workers.
Invest in renewables
Renewable energy is the future, there is absolutely no doubt about that. But until the national power grid is run 100% on renewable energy (and we’re getting there) there’s always room for you to make your own.
Solar panels are a great way to cut energy costs while hitting sustainability targets, especially in sunnier parts of the world. The initial cost of installation will pay for itself soon enough, taking your company one step further in its sustainability goals.
Recycle and upcycle
We’ve talked recently about upcycling and why it’s one step better than recycling.
When it comes to offices, upcycling can take the form of furniture; vintage or second-hand furniture can be transformed with a quick lick of paint, bringing a different vibe to the office and adding character.
Recycling of course is still incredibly important, and the materials you can recycle are almost limitless. Paper/cardboard, glass, electronics, fabrics, machinery, wood… your business can be incredibly creative when it comes to recycling.
Go paperless
In this digital age, there is simply no excuse for using paper. And while up to 50% of employees are trying to reduce the amount of paper they use, there’s still a long way to go. We’re creatures of habit, and by printing contracts, notes, instructions, minutes and invoices, we’re missing a huge opportunity to make a big difference to the world.
All of those things can be digital, saving not only the trees that have to be cut down to make the paper but every step of the process along the way to your printer.
If you can’t get rid of paper entirely, then use recycled waste paper or at the very least make an effort to cut down on printing.
Bring your employees on board
How to be sustainable is more of a mindset than anything else.
If you decide your company is going green, then you better hope your employees feel the same way, otherwise, it’s already an uphill battle.
Your company is a team, and it’s teamwork that brings success. Talk to your employees about your intentions of becoming more sustainable, ask for their thoughts and suggestions. Together you can create a plan for the future, one that is realistic and achievable. Working together makes hitting those environmental targets even sweeter!
Sustainability is our passion
For us, a commitment to sustainability isn’t just marketing buzzwords and vague slogans.
We are dedicated to real change in the industry and believe that a greener, more environmentally-friendly business practice is not only important for the planet, but also for a business’ future survival.
We strongly believe that every aspect of the production chain has to change – from sourcing of raw materials to the shopping habits of consumers – in order for a cleaner, greener world.
If you want to make the switch in becoming more sustainable, we can help.
With decades of experience in dozens of countries around the world, we have the experience, skills and staff to guide your company into a greener, brighter future and we are committed to helping our clients adapt.
Contact us today if you would like a chat about how we can help you and your business.