In celebration of World Environmental Day, we’re sharing nine lesser-known green initiatives your business can embrace for a more sustainable tomorrow.
While the concept of ‘going green’ may seem complex and overwhelming, rest assured, these simple ideas don’t require much change management or financial investment.
Embrace a few of these easy tips to help you on the road to reducing overall waste, improving business efficiencies, and becoming more planet-positive in your operations.
1. Go paper-free
If the global pandemic has taught us one thing, it’s that most businesses can function digitally and without the need for a printer. Electronic tools like DocuSign are great for helping business functions, particularly the accounts department, to transition from the old method of printing, signing and scanning documents to a completely digital alternative – avoiding the need to use paper entirely!
2. Offer different bins
Returning to the office is a great time to reassess your workplace setup. You might have a rubbish bin under every desk, but do you also have a recycling bin for plastics, cardboard, and paper? Positioning smaller recycling bins throughout the office can help funnel the recyclable items into the most suitable waste management systems. Why not go one step further and integrate a compost bin and compost system on-site too?
3. Switch to a sustainable energy provider
When was the last time you assessed your energy providers? An increasing number of earth-conscious power companies join the market every day, offering a higher mix of green energy options. If it’s time for a switch, choose a provider that uses renewable power from solar, hydro or wind power instead of fossil fuels.
4. Create your own energy
Depending on where you’re located and if you own the building, you might consider installing solar panels on the roof and creating your own green energy source! Solar power is a great way to reduce your energy bills and be more planet-friendly in the process. Some governments also offer a rebate or installation subsidy for small businesses that are keen to access the benefits of renewable energy.
5. Continue hybrid working
The pandemic has proven employees can be just as effective when working from home. With fewer people physically in the office every day, it may mean you can downsize your commercial space and save money on the rent. Fewer employees in the office can also keep energy and operational costs down and reduce the transport-related emissions produced during the commute to work.
6. Optimise your bathrooms
Traditional restrooms are culprits for using a lot of paper, water, and electricity. There are, however, a few easy fixes you can put in place to minimise unnecessary waste. Replace existing lights with motion-activated switches, so the lights are only on when the room is in use. Replace taps with automatic faucets to reduce wasted water, and swap paper towels with hand dryers.
7. Eco-cleaning products
While they’re effective, have you considered the harm your cleaning products may be having on the environment? Aside from pollutants going down the drain, most cleaning sprays and liquids also come in single-use plastic containers. There is now a range of eco-friendly alternatives on the market that are non-toxic and eco-safe. Some even come in refillable containers.
8. Providing reusable items for staff
Everyone loves a bit of free merchandise. Encourage employees to avoid single-use plastics by gifting every new staff member with a reusable water bottle or reusable shopping bag as part of their welcome pack (with your company logo printed on it, of course).
9. Upcycle and donate items
Office renovations and tech refreshes leave behind loads of slightly outdated (but still usable) items that get sent to landfills – sometimes unnecessarily. Look to the skill within your in-house team to upcycle any pieces that can be salvaged and donate them to those who are less fortunate. You’ll be minimising trash and helping people in need in the process. It’s a win-win!
As you can see, there are countless small and simple steps you can embed in your business to become more environmentally friendly and in doing so, reduce your carbon footprint.