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Our planet is in danger, and so it is up to all of us to slow down the process and play our part where we can. This also extends to businesses both large and small. There are lots of things you can do to become greener, and it could also save you money in the long run.
Many customers are basing their decisions about who to purchase goods and services from on how environmentally conscious they are – another reason why you should get on board if you haven’t already done so. Here are 4 ways to make your business eco-friendlier.
Solar Power
Switching to solar power not only reduces operating costs by saving your money in electricity and, in some cases, federal tax, it also emits around 30 times less CO2 than coal power. It’s a great way to reduce your business’s carbon footprint. There are plenty of options for solar power, like the Flexible Solar Panels from ShopSolarKits, so you can see what will suit your business best.
If you are concerned about the initial outlay of buying the panels, fear not. Many companies will allow you to lease the panels making it more affordable and allowing you to reap the benefits in terms of cost-saving straight away.
Go paperless
As well as the environmental benefits, you might be surprised at how much money you could save implementing a paperless system throughout your business.
Your business may also see an increase in efficiency, as all your files and information will be housed in one place and become accessible to all employees regardless of location. This system works particularly well for businesses that have more than one office or employees who work remotely.
It has been suggested that a single tree provides enough oxygen to support 2 people each day, and an average business could save around 48 trees a year in paper. If you haven’t already made the switch, consider the many merits it could have.
Packaging
If you sell goods, it’s a good time to consider and review your packaging. Your products may look the part, but is all that packaging necessary? In a recent survey, customers said that excess packaging, or packaging which was not environmentally friendly, would put them off purchasing altogether.
If your products need to be boxed, opt for a product that is made of recycled goods that can be recycled again or are compostable.
If they are typically displayed in see-through bags, don’t use bog-standard plastic. Instead, try to source biodegradable bags, or better still, consider whether your products need any packaging at all.
Use green suppliers
There is little point in making multiple changes that aid the environment if your chosen suppliers aren’t remotely green or have no intention of becoming so. Find out how environmentally conscious your current suppliers are, and whether they are taking steps in the right direction.
If their ethos doesn’t harmonize with what you are trying to achieve, it could be time for a change.
Final words
As you can see, there are lots of different ways that you can make your business more environmentally friendly, and all of them will benefit your business as well as the planet.
If you are still unsure about what changes you should make, then do your research. Once you understand what your options are, you can make an informed decision.
Photo by Los Muertos Crew from Pexels