Whether you’re running a business or planning to branch out as an entrepreneur, you likely know that ensuring that your business is successful is no simple task. There’s always something else to think about, and things only get more complicated as your business grows and involves more people, whether they’re clients, employees, or freelancers.
As well as juggling everything that you’d expect to be involved in running a business, such as employees, marketing, cash flow, and eCommerce opportunities, things get even more complicated when you throw sustainability into the mix.
Why Sustainability Matters
The most obvious reason to think about sustainability and keeping your business eco-friendly is to help the environment where you can. In recent years, it’s become increasingly difficult to deny the effects of climate change. Another thing people are more aware of is the importance of people and businesses doing something about it.
As well as your personal motivations, you should also consider the fact that running a sustainable company is simply good business practice. The principles of lowering waste and using resources efficiently may be more work and cost, to begin with, but will save money in the long run.
As well as saving money, bear in mind that you aren’t the only one who is more aware of the need to be more environmentally friendly. Your clients, customers, and potential employees also likely have views on the environment.
Very few people are less likely to work with an eco-friendly company. Instead, more people are likely to be impressed with your efforts to be more environmentally friendly. They also recognize that by using your products and services, they can do their bit to support sustainability.
People aren’t just more aware of the environment, but the rise of social media and the digitalization of most businesses means that they’re also more aware of how your business is run. In short, it’s far easier for people to research your company and find out how much effort is being put into sustainability. This can be a good thing, as long as you are running an eco-friendly business.
Of course, you shouldn’t just sit back and hope that people notice that you’re doing your bit for the environment. Focusing on sustainability provides you with another marketing opportunity. Let people know what you’re doing and advertise that, by supporting your business, they can also get involved.
Finally, many governments have introduced incentives for businesses to become more eco-friendly. Research those and help the governmental suggestions guide you. By helping the environment, you’re also helping your business.
Reduce Energy and Water Usage
By reducing the amount of electricity and water that your business uses, you’re making a great step towards an eco-friendly business. You’re also helping your business, as you can cut down on utility bills and save a lot of money.
Cut down on energy consumption by replacing your lights with long-lasting LED bulbs. Switch off devices when they aren’t being used, and use smart devices to control the temperature in the office. There may be an initial investment, but the savings will quickly become evident. .
You can also reduce the amount of water that your business uses by encouraging people to reduce waste. If there are any plumbing issues, even if it’s just a minor leak or dripping faucet, then get it repaired.
Another step you can take is ensuring that you use renewable sources of energy. You can use a green energy provider or even install solar panels on your business premises.
Switch Out the Packaging
If your company produces a physical product, the chances are that it delivers to people’s homes. In recent years, even small companies have started to deliver their products. This can help a business earn more money, but it does have a negative impact on the environment.
One way that you can mitigate this is by using eco-friendly packaging. Rather than using lots of plastic and heavily processed materials that can’t be recycled or reused, use less packaging. One way to go about this is to use paper or cardboard instead.
Or, if that isn’t possible, design your product to use as little packaging as possible, and ensure that it can be recycled. For example, flexible packaging can save space and reduce costs, as well as being more eco-friendly. Visit https://plaspack.com/sustainability/ to learn more about how your business can benefit from this kind of packaging.
Recycle and Reuse
Speaking of recyclable packaging, you can also implement recycling in the rest of your business. Cut down on waste as much as possible and, if possible, reuse materials. This can be as simple as keeping recycling bins around the office, or as involved as providing employees with reusable branded lunch-boxes and water bottles to use.
Get Involved
A public way to demonstrate your business’s commitment to being environmentally friendly is to support local groups or community initiatives. This has a two-fold effect. First, your company is doing something to help the environment and raising awareness for the need for people to help.
But this is also a fantastic branding and marketing opportunity. Many of your potential customers care about the environment and want to do something to help. If they see your brand getting involved, then they will associate your brand with green initiatives.
Cut Down on Commuter Pollution
Depending on where your business premises are located and how many employees you have, it may be beneficial to encourage employees to cycle, walk, or use public transportation to get to work. Another way to potentially cut down on commuter pollution is to allow people to work remotely.
Remote working isn’t always possible for every industry or business, but if it can be implemented, then it can help employees and cut down on costs. If someone isn’t in the office, then they aren’t using utilities, which saves money. They also don’t have to travel, which removes the commuting issue entirely.
Many employees also prefer remote working, so offering it as an option can keep everyone happy.
Money-Smart Millennials 
Leave a Reply