Today, sustainability has become a core concept of most businesses. Every company understands the importance of making the planet a healthier place to live in, especially for future generations.
Even though 90% of businesses feel that sustainability is important, only about 60% take conscious steps.
So, if you want your business to be more eco-friendly, then there are some easy strategies that you can apply! So come on, let’s get started!
- Maximize natural light
Lighting plays an important role in vamping up your office space. Even though artificial bulbs and chandeliers look great, you can save much energy by maximizing natural light.
For example, install bay windows to let sunlight in to make the room glow instantly. Moreover, natural light is also said to boost employee efficiency and mental health.
To reflect natural light around the walls, paint them a light color. If you’re not a big fan of white, go for beige, sand, or light shades of blue and green.
For areas where natural light isn’t an option, you can install motion-sensitive lights to save electricity.
- Summarize your sustainability goals
If your company isn’t taking conscious, eco-friendly steps, it’s time to incorporate it into your company’s vision and mission.
First, declare this statement all around the office and ensure everyone follows the guidelines to make the company more eco-conscious.
Green business certifications often want their companies to highlight eco-friendliness and sustainability in their mission statements.
If your core values are clear, it’ll be easier for you to influence your employees. Explain why being eco-friendly is important and how it can benefit the organization.
- Manage your data well
Nowadays, every company uses digital servers to store important files and data. The contents of your business’ website and other digital information are stored in servers that require a lot of energy and water to run.
The more files you store on your servers, the more energy will be required to keep the system running. Therefore, if you have junk files or data you haven’t opened in a long time, it’s best to delete them.
Conduct regular cleanups and eco-friendly checks by the IT department to ensure your company isn’t depleting resources.
- Switch to metal business cards
One of the best ways to network with existing customers, as well as potential ones, is to distribute business cards.
However, paper-based business cards are now a thing of the past. Not only do they look and feel boring, but they also contribute to deforestation and water wastage.
A better alternative is metal-based NFC (near-field communication) cards. When the receiver taps it against their smartphone, they will be redirected to your company website or any other page you wish.
Paperless business cards are more stylish, cost-effective, and can save the environment!
- Source your products responsibly
When you plan on making the company more eco-conscious, ensure that the raw materials or equipment sourced for your business products are done in an eco-friendly manner.
For example, if your company has tie-ups with distributors and suppliers, see that they also follow good practices. They should essentially have a certification of fair trade practices.
This means these organizations pay farmers or workers the minimum wage or above for producing raw materials. Moreover, try to create products out of recyclable waste whenever possible.
- Save water
You might have hung signs that urge people to conserve water, but is that enough? If you wish to make a big change around the office, it’s time to take these signs more seriously.
Even the smallest of steps each employee takes can make a huge difference every day.
For example, remember to turn off the taps after washing your hands or utensils. Instead of individual members washing their dishes, you can ask all the employees to wash their plates together at a specific time to reduce water wastage. You can also promote rainwater harvesting to flush the toilets!
- Give back to the community
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities are a major portion of every company’s portfolio. When you give back to the community, you truly make a difference. And there’s no better way to help the planet than making it a greener place!
For example, you can host tree-planting competitions or donate money to organizations that promote eco-friendly practices.
Even team volunteering at these organizations is a great way to show your audience that your company is committed to the planet’s and its people’s well-being.
Conclusion
These are just a few ways to make your business more eco-friendly and appealing to your customers. So don’t wait anymore, and start planning your strategy today!
