07 Jun 2024
Going green: Tips for small businesses
It’s no secret that the world is in a state of environmental crisis. The Earth is suffering, and it’s up to us to do something about it. We need to start making small changes in our everyday lives, changes that will add up to big results in the long run. If every business made small changes as well, imagine how much better our planet would be! Let’s get started today and see just how much difference we can make.
Switch to energy efficient light bulbs
Making the switch to energy efficient light bulbs is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint, while still enjoying plenty of light in your home. Energy-efficient light bulbs use less electricity than traditional, filament-style bulbs, which means they help conserve natural resources and reduce air pollution.
They also last much longer since their increased efficiency means they don’t need as much power to produce light. With an energy-efficient bulb, you can get up to 15 times the life of an incandescent bulb with one-third of the wattage.
Plus, because they don’t generate as much heat as traditional bulbs and last so long, you save money on your electricity bill without having to buy bulbs as often.
Use recycled materials for advertising and marketing
In an age of increasing environmental awareness, businesses can make a difference and demonstrate their commitment to sustainability by using recycled materials for advertising and marketing purposes. This can be as small-scale as encouraging customers to use reusable bags after leaving a store, or as large-scale as creating eye-catching signage with durable, biodegradable materials.
The possibilities don't stop there; using recycled materials doesn't have to mean compromising on quality. Reusing materials such as scrap metal, upcycled wood, or plastic waste can give a DIY feel that not only supports the environment but also allows businesses to save costs in the long run.
Creative advertisements and promotional campaigns built entirely from upcycled materials can help businesses stand out from the crowd while still being conscious of our planet's resources.
Reduce the use of paper products - opt for digital documents whenever possible
We all have a part to play in preserving the environment and reducing our ecological footprint. One of the simplest yet most effective ways to achieve this is by cutting down on paper consumption. It's estimated that around 12% of UK household waste contains paper products.
As individuals, we can make a difference by opting for digital documents and paperless options wherever possible but businesses need to offer this. This could include using online services to store contracts, book travel or tickets, print documents on double-sided sheets of paper or even take notes with a tablet instead of pen and paper.
Carpool or take public transportation to work
Transportation is an important part of our everyday lives, and it often leaves us with some difficult decisions. Carpooling or taking public transportation to work can be daunting tasks - especially if it means changing our morning routine.
However, making this change can have numerous benefits such as reducing traffic congestion and air pollution, as well as saving money on fuel costs and parking fees.
Carpooling with family members or friends allows you to maximise vehicle occupancy, reducing the impact each car has on the environment. Businesses can help by organising these schemes within the workplace to bring people who live near each other together.
Working together for the environment
So there you have it – a few easy ways your business can help the environment and become more eco-friendly. Many of these changes are simple, cost-effective, and don’t require much effort on your part. What could your business do to help the environment?