If the Earth were a bank, it would be destined to go into administration. The amount of resources that the human race takes out of it gets returned (if at all) in a poor state to the point where it can’t even be reused. Like a bank that has toxic debts, the Earth is subject to toxic elements that will affect the availability of resources in the future.
Businesses need to play their role in protecting the Earth’s resources. Ask yourself if you think your organisation is doing enough. And if it is not, what things should be done to improve things in the future?
In this article, we will show you five ways to implement more sustainable actions that will improve the eco-friendliness of your business.
Partner with ethical recyclers who can manage the remaining recycling process for you.
Larger corporations will have more budget and resources that can be dedicated to creating an efficient recycling system, however the best option for most businesses is to partner with a supplier or recycler that already has an effective system in place.
For example, ink cartridge supplier Cartridges Direct works with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and Cartridges 4 Planet Ark to recycle used printer cartridges so that they won’t end up in landfill. The only thing the organisation needs to focus on is collecting and sorting out the recycled items so they can be distributed through the right channels.
Minimise electrical consumption by investing in energy-efficient technology.
Majority of organisations rely on a power source that is generated from coal-fired power plants. Even though renewable energy sources are starting to become more available, it still only accounts for approximately 15% of the world’s power supply. Furthermore, the cost to invest in renewable energy is far greater than non-renewable sources.
The best solution is to leverage technology to minimise energy consumption. Advancements in smart technology within everyday items such as fridges, washing machines, printers, heaters, air conditioners help to reduce the power demand. Investments in these eco-friendly technologies can make a big difference to your business’s energy consumption as well as its power bill.
Upgrade to LED lighting.
Your organisation can reduce its energy consumption by up to 80% by switching to energy-efficient LED light bulbs. The technology harnesses the energy that is typically lost through heat with incandescent light bulbs. Furthermore, the technology won’t force people to change their habits.
Encourage your employees to use transportation methods that minimise carbon emissions.
There are going to be cases where employees have to use their vehicle to commute to work. But if this can be reduced in some way, then it will minimise the amount of carbon emissions as a result of your business’s operations. This could be achieved by arranging car-pooling incentives among staff or even with ride-sharing organisations. Alternatively, the business could incentivise staff to commute via public transport by possibly subsidising their weekly, monthly or yearly fees.
Another option is for the business to encourage remote working opportunities, which will eliminate the need to travel and allow them to be more productive.
Locate your office in an area that minimises distribution or commuting routes.
Having an office or depot in a remote location might seem like a good idea due to lower rents and operating fees, however it raises the business’s contribution to carbon emissions. This is particularly significant for businesses that operate a warehouse, as their distribution lines will contribute heavily to carbon emissions. Sometimes, the rent or leasing costs might be more, however the location of the building minimises carbon emissions significantly.
These are a few ways your business can improve its sustainability. Do a quick audit of your business to see where you can make improvements today.