Going green is probably the best thing you will do for your business this year. It is not only an excellent initiative to better the world but is also beneficial for your company.
Environmental awareness is all the rage these days. Not only is the feeling of doing the right thing great, but you can also reap massive profits for being an eco-friendly business. That is probably the reason why major brands across the globe have shifted to sustainable practices.
This trend is affecting all sectors of businesses and change is all around. An admirable example of this is how product packaging brands such as MKPrintingAds.com are now offering more sustainable material options to businesses.
Sustainability is obviously wonderful for the environment as well as your organization but what it means exactly and why going green is beneficial for you.
What Does It Mean To Be Environmentally Smart?
Environmentally sound brands are aware of the threats our planet is facing. They make use of their resources to come up with unique ways of curbing environmental issues. Green organizations take advantage of recycled materials, encourage their employees to lower fuel usage, change to alternative power sources, or simply just become less wasteful. In other words, these brands care about the Earth so much that they change the way they function on a basic level.
Why Should Your Company Go Green?
- Smart customers:
Customers are obviously at the core of this “Green Revolution”. Consumer preferences have changed with the increased awareness of the Earth’s suffering. They are now deviating more toward brands that care for the environment, even if they are more expensive. As a result, many companies have shifted over completely to greener alternatives and have become market leaders in sustainability. Brands that did not adapt are losing popularity with the masses. - Government Regulations:
Customers are not the only ones that have become greener. Governments and legal bodies in various parts of the world are scrutinizing companies and penalizing those that fail to practice environmental friendliness. - Reduced costs:
Some businesses think it is expensive to become ecofriendly. Contrary to this belief, sustainable practices can contribute to lower operational costs. That said, shifting to renewable energy sources can be expensive at first but will be more economical for you in the long run. - Better image:
Showing your customers that you care for the environment will build a more favorable image of you in their minds. They will realize that you do not exist solely for profit earning and that you worry about the same issues as them. - Improve employee morale:
Your customers are not the only ones who will appreciate you taking up a green initiative. Building an environmentally friendly workplace will help your employees feel better about themselves as well since they will be contributing to a better future. They will also appreciate their organization more after finding out it cares about their well-being and future.
How To Become More Sustainable?
There are many ways to evolve your company into a green-collar brand. Here are some of our top suggestions:
- Reduce And Recycle:
The first step toward environmental sustainability is reducing waste and recycling it. Lower the amount of paper usage by not printing things that you can send digitally. Look into paperless billing. Recycle paper that you have used and set up separate bins for the various types of waste produced such as a separate bin for metal cans, one for paper, one for plastic, and so on. You could also sell cartridges. Use the best place to sell unused toner cartridges to reduce cartridge waste. - Buy Recycled Items:
Post-consumer waste (PCW) is the name we use for recycled material. Some producers use PCW to make paper, packaging, napkins, tissue paper, and other sorts of things from recycled waste. Since PCW products are not made from scratch, they use lesser energy for production and are therefore cheaper. They also have a less harmful impact on the environment. - Conserve Water:
Saving water will cut back your utility costs and will be good for the environment too. Encourage your employees to not leave water running and fix any leaking faucets and pipes. Consult your plumber about installing water systems that can reduce your water footprint. - Upgrade Your Electrical Appliances:
Modern electronic manufacturers are making energy-efficient alternatives to appliances. These normally bear the Energy Star symbol and lower your electricity bill significantly. Since these machines use less energy, they are less harmful to the environment. Take the example of greener alternatives to lightbulbs; they are a little costlier than regular ones but immediately drive down your electricity bills. - Be Mindful Of Your Waste Disposal:
Make an active attempt to keep harmful chemicals out of the environment. If you have an empty toner and ink cartridges, find out companies that recycle these. Some of these businesses may even pay for shipment, so you will not incur any extra costs in the process. Minimize the use of harmful chemicals so that they do not leak into the environment in your waste products. - Shift To Greener Energy:
Renewable energy use is on the rise and for good reason. These alternative electricity sources greatly reduce your carbon footprint and are cheaper in the long run. With the increased popularity of solar energy, the installation is much more affordable now. Certain governments also offer tax cuts or other such incentives to businesses that are trying to be more environmentally sustainable. - Involve Your Employees:
You can not make your operations greener unless your employees are on board with your plans. Educate your workforce on the benefits of carpooling, cycling to work, and other such things. Moreover, train them on how to be less wasteful. If you notice an employee going above and beyond, reward them for their effort to motivate other workers to follow suit. - Engage In Green Procurement:
Green procurement, also known as sustainable procurement, is the practice of evaluating your supply chain and purchasing products that pose a minimum threat to the environment. It is the perfect way to truly commit to your green initiative and it will motivate other suppliers to go green, as well. Contrary to popular belief, green procurement is not expensive and can actually be the first step you take toward sustainable practices.
Final Words
Becoming a more environmentally friendly brand is easy and can greatly boost your popularity among customers. It will also lower your operation costs and increase your profits at the same time. You must get through this process in small steps instead of jumping right into it to avoid ending up bankrupt.
Start this journey by encouraging your employees to use alternative travel options rather than driving to work. See which of your staff can work from home and create remote positions for them.
If you are a small business, you might believe that your efforts are not making the effect you want them to. But you cannot be more wrong; every little change brings an impact and you are making a much bigger difference than you think.