Essentials for an Eco Friendly Business

As the popularity and awareness of going green increases, you may have recently begun to consider the ways that you might improve the impact your business has on the earth. Since many consumers are becoming aware of eco-friendly businesses that provide an alternative to traditional methods that have negative side effects or consequences, you can make sure that your business catches the eye of these potential customers by going green. Here are a few steps you can take toward greening your business that will aid you in increasing your profits while helping out the earth at the same time.

Begin by asking how you can reduce the amount of waste that your business produces. This can be as simple as shrinking the font on any paper you print or by increasing the margins on your documents. You can also print on both sides of the paper and re-use anything that may contain mistakes or that you were going to throw away. Use email whenever you can to substitute for the use of real paper on memos or letters.

Stock the bathrooms in your business with recycled tissue paper. Recycle paper, plastic, and glass bottles, and see if you can’t coordinate with other businesses or offices in your vicinity to begin a recycling program. Advertise the fact that you shop as much as possible at local businesses or services in your community, which will conserve resources since they don’t have to travel from farther away. Use recycled paper on your business cards, brochures, or any paper-related product that your customers will see. Promote this fact by creating store signage that is also made of recycled materials.

Fix any drips or leaks that could waste hundreds of gallons of water a year. Install low-flow toilets in your bathrooms that conserve water.

Utilize more energy efficient technology in your office or business space, including replacing incandescent light bulbs with compact florescent lights. Be sure to turn off computers and lights after you have closed, as these continue to use energy when left plugged in or turned on. If you plug everything into power strips, you can make this routine easy by flipping off a few switches. You can also arrange for a potentially free energy audit that will give you an idea of how much your business can save on overall energy costs.

Create a green environment at work by cutting down on harsh chemical cleaners and instead provide environmental friendly cleaning solutions. If you are thinking about purchasing new office furniture, see if you can’t refurbish what you already have.

You can create a positive attitude of sustainability at work by rounding up a team of employees whose focus is on ways to continue to green your business. Consider inviting members of the community, perhaps from other local businesses and services as well.

Arrange to hold an event or promotion that is environmentally friendly. You may want to pick a local charity to back or arrange for you and your employees (and any community volunteers) to clean up a public park or a local neighborhood. Make sure that you separate trash from recyclables!