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Let’s face it the population on the planet is exploding. There are over 7.5 billion people around the world. Unlike the 1800s where most of the waste was combustible today, with advancements in technology and the use of things like plastics and styrofoam waste is piling up all over landfills. The good news is that as a business owner there are ways to reduce your carbon footprint, even while experiencing growth.
Flexible Work Environment
It makes perfect sense that as your business begins to grow, you will need more people to run it. This also translates to more emissions due to more gas-powered cars traveling to work each day. Thankfully, there are several ways to reduce the number of people driving to work. You can start a carpool service for the office where you provide a company vehicle to pick up all the people who work within a 10-15 miles radius. You can also offer a flexible work schedule where employees work from home a day to two each week and the rest at the office.
Use Recycled Paper
Most offices have many printers that they use daily for various tasks. This can really add up to a lot of paper needed in just a single day. Make every effort when ordering your supplies to purchase recycled paper. Additionally, do your part to complete the circle and place several bins throughout the office for the sole purpose of recycling. You can use them for paper, cardboard and even old ink cartridges. In fact, many companies now offer savings on new cartridges when returning the old ones.
Create an Eco-Friendly Environment
Offices use lights, a variety of electronic equipment, and a heating/cooling system to operate. Luckily, there are ways to use less of everything. Start by replacing traditional light bulbs with LEDs. Or better yet, invest in solar panels. They will allow you to use less electricity and the government has incentive programs where you can receive a credit on your taxes. If you don’t have the money in your budget for the investment, you can borrow it from a bank or other lender that offers small loans for businesses. Your heating and cooling system can cost you thousands each month in usage. Make sure that you have the system serviced annually, and when it comes time to replace it, opt for an energy-efficient model.
Use Less, Improve Comfort
Many business owners either own or rent an older structure. And, in most cases the windows and doors produce drafts. This can affect your budget with higher heating and cooling costs and your employees with more sick days. A quick and cost-effective solution is to seal the windows and doors. By filling in the gaps your indoor environment will become more comfortable for everyone and cost less.
Utilizing the Benefits of Technology
Technology brings you closer to loved ones whether around the block or halfway across the world. Many iPhones now have facetime where to can see someone face to face allowing you to stay connected. In business, video conferencing is quickly becoming a way of life and an eco-friendly way to conduct business. Instead of owners having to get on planes and spend money on food and lodging and lose time with their families, they can schedule a teleconference.
Standard Services
Most businesses hire outside companies for general maintenance both inside and outside of the building. If you use a cleaning and pest control service for the office and a landscaper to keep your lawn and plants lush and green, make sure that the companies use organic products that won’t harm the environment, pets or employees.
Expanding your business and adopting an eco-friendly way of life can go hand in hand.
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