Solar Panel City – Free photo on Pixabay
As the planet ages, research is showing that humans need to do everything possible to help preserve the natural resources around the world. It is imperative to find ways to reduce and reuse your consumption of resources to help preserve the resources for as long as possible. As a business owner, you are conscious of your carbon footprint and want to ensure that you are doing your part to support the environment.
If you have been at a loss as to where to start, or are concerned you aren’t doing enough, that’s actually a good thing. Because it means you care and want to help make a positive impact. There are numerous ways you can help to ensure that your business is doing its part to make the world a cleaner and better place.
Take Advantage of Solar Panels
Solar energy is becoming increasingly popular among businesses as a way to reduce their carbon footprint. As you begin to research your options for your business, keep in mind that there are experts available from your local energy companies to help answer any questions you may have. They are a valuable resource to help as you get started in converting your energy use to solar power.
One of the biggest things to keep in mind when researching is being aware of how much electrical energy your business uses and how much access your location has to sunlight. The good news is that solar energy works off of a grid system and allows you to both harness excess energy as well as borrow from the grid if needed.
There are numerous benefits of using solar energy to power your electrical system. Not only is it a better option for the environment, but there is a financial benefit to you as well as it decreases your energy bill over time.
Recycle Electronics and Machinery
Garbage Dump Waste – Free photo on Pixabay
You are probably aware that recycling plastics and paper is a great tool to help reduce your carbon footprint for your business. But as a business that needs up-to-date technology, you may not realize the impact you are having when you throw out old electronics. Because of the reliance on electronics and technology in the world today, landfills are seeing a major increase in old electronics being thrown away. As you can imagine, this hurts the environment in multiple ways.
The next time you are ready to update your business electronics such as computers and printers, think twice before tossing the old ones in the garbage. Check with local charity organizations or schools to see if they can use your older electronics. More than likely they will be thrilled to take them off your hands and you will have benefited both the environment and your local community.
Adjust Your Lighting and Air Use
It may seem too small or too simple, but turning off lights and turning up the thermostat make a big difference. Offices tend to keep their spaces on the cooler side, but increasing the thermostat by a few degrees and opening up the windows can have a larger impact on the environment than you might realize, especially over time.
As you make changes to make your business a greener space, think about investing in LED lighting. Changing to LED bulbs and lighting may be more expensive in the beginning, but over time they last much longer and use less energy. Also, something as simple as opening up the blinds can add more natural light and help cut down on electricity being used for lighting.
It’s understandable that you and your employees want to work in an environment with a comfortable temperature and ideal lighting. But during the fall and spring seasons, take advantage of the milder temperatures and opt to open windows and blinds and turn off the thermostat.
Partner With Green Companies
Businesses need a lot of supplies to keep the organization running. Whether it is cleaning supplies for the office, paper goods and packaging, or even snacks and drinks, think about who you are purchasing these supplies from.
With cleaning products especially, many of the smells that seem clean and sanitary are actually harmful to both the environment and human health. There are a variety of companies out there that use green cleaning products to help eliminate this problem. Even using more natural ingredients for cleaning products such as vinegar and baking soda mixes can make an impact instead of the harsh chemicals you may have been using before.
Be As Paperless As Possible
Káve Office Work – Free photo on Pixabay
With the increase in technology use that happens on a daily basis, many businesses working to go green are also working to go paperless. If you are a small business it may seem like the small amount of paper you are using wouldn’t make that big of an impact, but every little bit helps. It can feel overwhelming to go paperless if you are used to printing documents and having a paper trail for your business.
But with technology and a little research, you can start slow and your business will be paperless before you know it. Customers enjoy and appreciate the opportunity to work with a paperless business and this will be a selling point to draw in new customers.
Making Green Changes to Your Business
As a business owner, you desire to keep up with the latest trends and needs from customers. Many customers are now purposefully choosing businesses that focus on going green as they are also working to reduce their own carbon footprint. Not only is going green good for the environment, but it is a great marketing tool to encourage customers to feel good about the company they are using.
Don’t hesitate to make changes to your company for the greater good of the environment, even if you have to start small. Because when it comes to the environment, a few minor changes can make a lasting impact.
