How to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
Do you want to do your part to help the environment, but don't know where to begin? There are many things business owners can do to minimize the carbon footprint of their businesses. Below are some tips on ways we all can help make a difference.
Recycle
As a business owner, you are always looking for ways to reduce costs and increase efficiency. Recycling is a great way to do both while also helping protect the environment. Recycling programs reduce waste, save energy and conserve resources. By diverting recyclable materials from landfills, you also reduce your carbon footprint. Additionally, recycling programs can generate income for your company through the sale of recyclable materials. Implementing a recycling program at your business is a win-win proposition that is good for your bottom line, the environment and your community. Check out this resource for more tips on recycling.
Take Advantage of Recycled Materials
Another way to reduce your carbon footprint is to use recycled resources. This includes recycled paper, plastic and metal. By using recycled materials, you help save trees, reduce water usage and conserve energy. These days, consumers are much more environmentally conscious, and promoting your business as one that uses recycled resources can help drive more business your way. While recycled options could potentially be more expensive, the environmental cost of using brand-new products is much higher.
Find Sustainable Suppliers
Sustainable suppliers are those who use environmentally friendly practices to minimize their impact. A growing number of shoppers are becoming more aware of the factories and other aspects of production that their favorite brands use. In fact, in 2018, 50% of digital consumers said that they take environmental concerns into account when choosing what to buy. Your potential customers can easily find out which partner manufacturers you use with only a few clicks.
By using sustainable suppliers, you can further minimize the carbon footprint of your business. In addition, sustainable suppliers often use recycled materials, which may save you money. Finally, by supporting sustainable businesses, you can help promote environmental awareness and responsibility. All of these factors make sustainable sourcing a smart choice for any business owner.
Invest in Green Energy and Office Equipment
When it comes time to update your office, consider making the switch to green office equipment. It may be a larger initial investment, but it will save you money in the long run. Additionally, it sends a strong message to your employees and customers that you are committed to being environmentally responsible. And, as an added bonus, green office equipment is often more efficient and easier on the eye than its traditional counterparts.
Here are some examples of how to take advantage of green office equipment:
- Install LED lighting and be sure to turn lights off when leaving the office. In the daytime, consider keeping lights off if there is enough natural daylight to work comfortably. Consider installing motion sensors, which will automatically turn off lights in areas that don’t sense activity within a specified duration.
- Be sure all large kitchen appliances, such as refrigerators or dishwashers, have a high energy rating.
- Enable energy- and battery-saving modes on all computers, mobile work devices and televisions in the office.
- Reduce the temperature on the office’s thermostat. Adjusting the thermostat by just 1°F could reduce heating or cooling energy use by up to 13%.
- Encourage employees to dress for the season or provide work uniforms. For example, you could provide a thick sweatshirt for the winter months and a lightweight polo for the summer months. This could save heating costs in the winter and air conditioning costs in the summer.
Green energy options may not be a realistic option for every business. If you are able to invest in something like solar panels, the benefits can be significant. Not only will you be using renewable energy, but you may also be able to sell excess power back to the grid or qualify for tax breaks, providing a boost to your bottom line.
There are many ways you can reduce the carbon footprint of your business. Making environmentally friendly choices is good for business, and it’s the right thing to do.
Articles in this newsletter are meant to be informative, enlightening and helpful to you. While all information contained herein is meant to be completely factual, it is always subject to change. Benefits may not be available in all membership levels. For more information, or to upgrade your membership, please call 800.387.9027.