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In the last few decades, there has truly been a revolution when it comes to interest in sustainability. Mainstream consumers who were unaware of the term several years ago are now concerned with the environmental impact of the products they buy and the companies they support.
While a lot of companies have started marketing themselves as an eco-friendly business to drum up positive press, not all of these businesses are actually putting their money where their mouth is.
Are you interested in running a sustainable business that actually lives by the values it preaches?
Let’s take a look at nine eco-friendly business ideas so you can have a greener company in 2021.
- Green Printing
Even though we live in an increasingly digital world, there are still plenty of communication and marketing materials you will need to print. If your company is serious about sustainability and 2021, you might consider using earth-friendly paper and ink for any printing that you do.
If you are interested in becoming a greener company and switching to eco-friendly printing, check out http://www.teamconceptprinting.com/services/eco-green-printing/.
- Cloud Computing
It is no longer required for businesses to rely on paper and filing system to store crucial information about their customers or their inventory. These days, there are cloud computing solution that allow you to be a more sustainable company. There are also a lot of reasons why cloud computing is more convenient than paper documents, as employees can access what they need right on their computer.
Another useful aspect of cloud computing is that your supervisors and employees will be able to access the information that they need even while they aren’t in the office. This is great if your company is even partially remote, ensuring that your employees are fully equipped to work from home.
- Energy Efficient Appliances and Systems
If your business or office these had outdated appliances and systems, they likely are not as energy-efficient as they could be. While it is an investment to upgrade your appliances, you will see cost savings in your utilities for many years to come.
You might consider installing energy-efficient lighting systems, AC systems, toilets, faucets, and more. You could even install a solar energy system in order to use less electricity.
- Sustainable Company Partnerships
If you are looking to become a greener business, you’ll also want to look at the company that you are partnered with. Take a look at your vendors and other businesses that you work with to find out more about their sustainability practices or lack thereof.
Consumers who value supporting eco-friendly businesses are often diligent in their research. For this reason, want to ensure that you are supporting businesses that share your values and your customers’ values.
- Chemical Management
Unfortunately, it is common for businesses higher cleaning services that use harsh chemicals clean and sanitize office spaces. The cleaning supplies can cause allergic reactions in your employees or clients and can reduce the air quality in the space. Consider swapping the cleaning products made with toxic chemicals for more natural and sustainable options.
There are a growing number of cleaning companies that only use natural products. If you are looking to become a more sustainable business, you might consider supporting one of these eco-friendly cleaning companies.
- Waste Management Programs
If your company isn’t recycling yet, this is an easy change to make. You can talk to your local waste management service to find out what your options are. You might even be able to create a separate been for composted material so that food scraps don’t end up in the landfill.
Implementing new programs like this will likely be exciting to your employees. Many people want to participate in earth friendly practices but don’t feel that have the power to do so while at work. Helping your employees understand that your company values sustainable practices just as much as they do can be a real morale boost.
- Buy Products That Will Last
When you run a business, it’s easy to always choose the cheapest option. However, this always comes at a cost. Cheaper products will typically fall apart faster and mean that you will have to replace them faster.
When you invest in products that are built to last, it might cost you at the outset but it will save you money over time. On top of that, you won’t be contributing as much to the mass production of cheap, nearly disposable products.
Buying higher-quality products that last longer means that you won’t be contributing to landfills nearly as much as you would otherwise. You will also find benefits in that these products will typically cause less frustration and endure more office wear-and-tear.
- Participate in Eco-Friendly Community Activities
Running an eco-friendly business doesn’t start and end with the workday. Many businesses regularly participate in community activities, so why not focus on activities that are eco-friendly?
This is a great way to be friendly to the earth while also promoting your sustainable business. You will likely gain new customers through participation in these types of events.
Whether you are participating in a trash pick up day, a tree planting event, or a wildlife education activity, this is a great way to help your larger community, the planet, and drum up some positive feedback.
- Get Rid of Wasteful Yet Convenient Practices
Things like K-cups are incredibly convenient but also very wasteful. Piling up each day in American landfills, you don’t want your company to be a part of the problem. Consider reverting back to a regular coffee maker so that your office isn’t producing a mountain of plastic just so people can have a cup of joe.
These Tips Can Be a Great Start to Your Transition to an Eco-Friendly Business
When in business, you are always having to make hard choices. Sometimes, eco-friendly business choices can be more expensive than less sustainable options. While it’s great to do the best you can, it’s understandable that making some of these changes might not be financially viable for your company at this time.
Did you find this article about sustainable business practices helpful? If so, be sure to check out the rest of our blog for more informative and interesting articles!
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