Maybe you already run an eco-friendly business in some ways, but you’d like to step up your game. When it comes to taking your business green, there’s always another step you can take. Many products and services allow you to transform different sections of your business from normal to green. Often, going green will even save you money in the long run.
If you’re considering making your business more eco-friendly, you need to know what to purchase. Here are seven of the top options if you want to go green.
Start with the Appliances
Maybe your business has a kitchen or another area with appliances employees can use. If your appliances are outdated, you can replace them with Energy Star devices. This will make your business more eco-friendly, and it will even save a bit on your energy bill.
Switch to Eco-Friendly Cleaners
Cleaning with chemicals is not only harmful to the environment but can also be harmful to your workers. Switching to natural, biodegradable cleaners will help to reduce the use of harsh chemicals within your business. You can replace all your cleaning supplies with eco-friendly options and take your business to a greener level.
If you use a cleaning service, inquire about the possibility of having only eco-friendly, biodegradable products used in your office. You can always hire a new company if your current company doesn’t offer this option.
Skip Paper When Possible
Paper isn’t the worst thing in the world for the environment, but you can reduce some of your waste by eliminating some of the paper products you use. If possible, skip paper as much as possible and switch to an alternative for packaging and paper products.
When you must use paper, choose recycled and eco-friendly options known as Post-Consumer Waste. You can look for the PCW stamp or the recycling symbol on the bog your paper comes in. When you use PCW recycled paper, it will use about 45% less energy compared to traditional paper, throughout the papermaking process.
Instead of using paper for presentations and other printed materials, consider purchasing laptops and tablets to replace file folders and bound paper presentations. It can help cut back on the amount of paper you need and even make the workplace more productive.
Cut Down on Employees Driving to Work
Many programs help companies encourage their employees to bike to work, carpool, use an alternative fuel vehicle or even take public transportation. These are all great ideas and will add up over time. If your property is big enough, you can also consider purchasing an electric shuttle. These shuttles can also help if you have employees or visitors needing to get to and from places on your campus. Not to mention these save you money on fuel and are better for the environment.
Encouraging employees to find an alternative way to get to work and considering investing in an an electric shuttle will help to reduce the carbon footprint of your business. It’s a great way to help save the environment and take your business to the next green level.
Don’t Just Recycle the Normal Things
While paper, cans, bottles and other items can easily be recycled; there are other ways to go about recycling for your business. Whenever you need to make a purchase, consider something already used. For example, vintage furniture can be a great choice compared to buying something new. Even used office furniture can be in great shape, save you money and provide exactly what you need without creating any new waste.
Use Green Web Hosting
Green hosting companies supplement their energy use with the wind and solar power options. They buy renewable energy credits to help make up for the power they use. Some even plant trees and do many other things to ensure they remain as green as possible.
When you choose to host your website and all the rest of your data with a company, make sure they are 100% green. Some companies go above and beyond when it comes to purchasing renewable energy certificate, planting trees and using renewable energy. Check out your current hosting company and find out how green they are. If they are not green enough for you, make the switch as soon as possible.
Use Alternative Energy for Your Office
It may be a bit of an investment, but taking your business to the ultimate eco-friendly level may be worth it. If you install a solar powered system for your business, you may qualify for tax credits, and you’ll cut your energy costs dramatically. This clean energy will help to lower your electric bill and could even have you getting credits for selling energy back to the electric company.
There are several great ways to take your company from traditional to eco-friendly. Doing your part will go a very long way and will also help you to attract customers looking to work with eco-friendly businesses. Consider using these seven sustainable purchases to become more eco-friendly.
