Consumers are now conscious of the environment and are loyal to businesses supporting this cause. They demand that their products be made through sustainable means.

Investors are more interested in businesses with strong social, governance, and environmental principles. Business owners know they’ll gain consumers’ and investors’ trust more if they take major eco-friendly steps.

90% of businesses also believe in the importance of sustainability. However, only 60% of businesses come up with a good strategy. So, if you want to have an effective strategy, embrace these steps!

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   Promote remote or hybrid work

All businesses can’t practice remote work. However, if possible, you can switch to partial remote work or hybrid work. This will reduce the company’s electricity bill as all departments won’t regularly use the lights, air conditioner, and other equipment.

Of course, your employees working from home will also consume energy. But their households already use that energy, so it will be smaller. This is way less than the energy needed throughout the day at the office.

Moreover, employees won’t have to travel regularly to and from the office. This reduces fuel emissions.

2. Invest in green supplies

Eliminate paper usage in your business. Don’t print out every little detail and notice. Instead, share updates on an online forum. Stop using single-use paper plates and cups.

Instead, incorporate steel and other sustainable choices for dishware and cutlery. Ask employees to bring their water bottles and avoid using paper or plastic glasses. Use reusable ink cartridges for printers.

Switch to an electronic business card throughout the company instead of reprinting paper business cards repeatedly. After all, receivers dump the paper cards if they don’t find it useful. This will reduce your expenses and also be a great eco-friendly choice.

Of course, some things are best done on paper. For those, use recycled paper. These reduce the frequency of trees being cut.

3. Encourage recycling and reusing

Place recycle bins on every floor and post signage to remind your employees which trash is recyclable and which is not. This will prevent them from mixing up their trash.

If you can invest, get a waste compactor. It will break down recycled paper and cardboard into compact bundles. This way, you can transport more recyclable goods at once. The fewer pickups also reduce fuel consumption.

You can also send industrial or machinery oil or heating fuel for oil recycling instead of draining them. It’s also important to check which items are reusable before they’re dumped. For instance, check if you can reuse delivery boxes for storage and shipping later.

4. Donate surplus or leftover supplies

In every industry, there are organizations in need. So, figure out what your business has more but isn’t necessary. It can be supplied with pens, writing pads, printer cartridges, and toners. After a party, if there’s extra food, send the packaged food to a food bank.

If the company has downsized, the excess chairs can be sent to non-profit organizations. If the business is rebranded, promotional materials with the old brand name and tagline can also be donated. These can be water bottles, coffee mugs, clothes, etc.

5. Invest in energy-efficient options

Some great ways to save energy in your business establishment are:

Building Insulation

If your company building is old, update the insulation. It ensures that the temperature-regulated air in each season stays trapped. Thus, heating and cooling systems don’t overwork or consume more energy.

LED Bulbs

A huge portion of your company’s energy bill depends on lights. So, to reduce the bill, discard fluorescent bulbs and incandescent lights and switch to LED lights.

Additionally, ensure there’s more natural lighting. Install more windows and skylights. Promote keeping lights off during the day.

Energy Star Certified Equipment

Invest in energy-efficient models whether your business needs many computers or a new microwave. Check for Energy Star certifications to ensure your maximum energy savings.  

Freight Transportation

Choose the most effective shipping options. For instance, for long-distance delivery, opt for rail. Source materials locally from other businesses. This reduces emissions for transporting materials long distances.

Improved Fuel Usage

If you have a delivery or construction business, go for fuel-efficient options. Use electric or hybrid vehicles. If that’s not possible, options that use propane or natural gas instead of diesel and gasoline.

Solar Panels

Though initially expensive, this is another great energy conservation process. You’ll reap long-term benefits if your business invests a bit upfront.

6. Handle chemicals appropriately

If possible, only use EPA-approved green chemicals in cleaning chemicals. For pest and weed management solutions, avoid using strong chemicals. If the business produces chemical waste, ensure there’s a plan for the safe disposal of chemicals.

7. Focus on water conservation

Some ways to save water are:

• Install low-flow faucets, urinals, and toilets in your establishment.
• Incorporate no-touch sensors in taps so employees don’t run unintentionally.
• If you add greenery for landscaping, use plants that don’t need watering.
• If there are sprinkler systems, turn it off during the monsoons.

You must also adopt eco-friendly ways of dealing with wastewater. Encourage your employees to use water wisely. If there are manual drinking water taps, they must be careful not to leave them. If there’s any leakage, report it to authorities ASAP.

8. Promote waste reduction

Try to reduce the amount of waste created by your business. Get equipment and materials with long lifespans so they don’t get dumped soon. For instance, conduct a waste audit to determine the areas and departments that produce the most waste and the waste production that can be avoided. Create a detailed waste-reduction plan and ensure the employees follow them.

Use reusable packaging and shipping boxes for warehouse products. If there are unsold products, donate or recycle them.

Conclusion

Incorporate as many of these steps as possible. However, don’t hurry and do one at a time. Try hard, and your business will soon be one of the leaders in sustainability!