In 2022, the hot-button issue of prioritizing environmental sustainability permeates our daily lives more than ever before, both at work and at home. As the impact of global warming becomes increasingly apparent, one thing remains clear: it’s our collective responsibility to curate change by doing our part.
Though that may seem like an arduous task when coupled with the contrasting world of business management, it doesn’t have to be. With more and more companies aiming to go green, it seems that we’ve entered a new era in which taking an eco-friendly approach is the norm for establishments of all sizes. This helpful guide breaks down the most reliable ways you can elevate your small business by integrating environmentally conscious administration into its functionality.
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Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
Measuring and reducing your brand’s carbon footprint is always a good place to start. Taking the time to consider the necessary steps toward minimising your company’s carbon emissions is a vital part of combating the issue at hand. This can include choosing to decrease business travel, or even funding a local supplier.
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Prioritise Recycling
Recycling is one of the most efficient ways to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change, in and out of the office. Utilising reusable ink cartridges, making recycling bins accessible, and decreasing paper usage are all super effective tactics to utilise when taking this tried-and-tested approach.
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Decrease Energy Usage
Over-consumption of energy is one of the greatest contributors to fossil fuel emissions. Minimising the amount you use as a company can be achieved systematically, if you choose to think proactively about it – from reducing overall electrical usage with a service such as the Horizon hosted phone system, to investing in environmentally conscious lighting.
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Utilise Sustainable Suppliers
Knowing where your business procures its resources is a fundamental aspect of reducing its overall environmental impact, and it should not be overlooked. Using an ethical supply chain massively decreases unnecessary wastage, and promotes overall health and safety as a general rule of thumb.
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Change Up Your Commute
Numerous studies have shown that cars account for 61% of surface transport emissions. Making the conscious decision to bike or walk to work, while also enabling employees to be able to do so, is a wonderfully enterprising option to consider while attempting to remain eco-friendly as a business.
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Create A Sustainability Plan
The key to successfully implementing an environmentally conscious attitude into your workplace is making sure that everyone is on the same page. Creating small goals regarding sustainability for your business and your employees to partake in will likely achieve the desired result – e.g., providing incentives to reduce waste.
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Buy Second-Hand
Purchasing second hand materials to repurpose is one of the easiest ways you can ensure that you and your team are doing your part to help the environment, while at work. It minimises holistic consumption levels profusely, which is a significant factor in the magnitude of the pollution we’re facing globally.
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Spread The Word
Getting involved in environmental charities based within your immediate community can genuinely make a difference. Using your voice as a local organisation, and promoting eco-friendly habits is one of the most efficacious things you can do to connect others who care enough to go green.