More and more companies today are going green. The movement to become more eco-friendly is a common trend in the business world. While it does have good intentions, some smaller businesses have a harder time adapting because of the number of expenses it would initially incur. Fortunately, there are other, more low-cost methods of getting into the eco-friendly movement.
If you want to know how you can reduce spending while being environmentally conscious, consider these options.
Use recyclable packaging
Eight states have already banned plastic bags, and more will soon follow. A lot of countries in the world are also prohibiting or limiting the use of plastics. Plastic waste is one of the top reasons for climate change and environmental damage. If a large business decides to stop or reduce its production, this can result in big results. It will have an infinitely larger impact than what any average person can do.
While many have shifted to paper bags, using paper bags doesn’t necessarily mean it is more eco-friendly if people don’t reuse it. Experts say that it needs to be reused at least three times before its impact can make a difference to the environment.
You can really be more environmentally friendly while also reducing costs by providing reusable shopping bags. It lasts longer than paper bags, so people can bring it with them the next time they go to your store. Some groceries have even started the rule that customers must bring their own bags. However, having the option to buy their own is good as well.
Make utensils and straws optional
For restaurants and cafes, they can ask the customer if they still want to be given utensils and straws. Some states have already made laws that banned food businesses from giving away plastic utensils and straws. This resulted in some shifting to utensils and straws made of eco-friendly material. However, these options aren’t always that affordable.
Nowadays, most people are having their food delivered and as takeout anyway. This means that they will likely be eating them either at home or in the office. In the past, disposable utensils have been known to break easily, so some have started bringing their own portable utensils at work. There is also a growing movement of using metal straws.
Businesses can take advantage of this to slowly reduce the number of utensils and straws they give out. Providing an option to have them means they don’t lose customers who have yet to get on this trend.
Switch to energy-saving items
A great way to save money is by investing in appliances and lights that are energy-efficient. They will work just as well as regular items, but you have the added benefit of reducing your overall expenditure. Less electricity also means less carbon emission being emitted.
Today, almost every business or household uses LED lights. The main benefit is that it uses 75 percent less energy while lasting 25 times as long. Other items that have more eco-friendly alternatives are refrigerators and printers. You can also look into getting modern HVAC systems that rely on a mix of air and water to cool your establishment. Programmable thermostats are also good options because you can reduce temperatures when it’s not peak hours.
Consider remote work
Remote work has become more and more common for businesses. It has numerous benefits for the employee, the company, and the environment. For one, employees have better mental health and thus become more productive. They are also able to accomplish more when they don’t have to commute.
For the businesses, this means you can save money on utilities used by employees. If a significant portion of your office is working remotely, then you might even need to reduce your office size and save money on rent. Overall, that means less energy spent and fewer expenses.
Minimize packaging
A big problem with stores is that they have too much packaging for items. Even the smallest parts have individual wrapping, and these packages can add up to a lot of waste. What you can do is strategize your packaging for items. Have a minimalist approach that takes into account the best way to fit everything without compromising the quality.
Also, you should reconsider the type of packaging that is used. Do the items need to be sealed in plastic packages? Or can they be put into laminated boxes instead? Today, there is new technology called biodegradable plastic that is much safer for the environment for almost the same cost.
