How Big (And Small) Brands Can Focus On Reducing Their Environmental Impact
Did you know that nearly 50% of American consumers want to change their consumption habits to protect and preserve the environment? In 2018, these consumers intentionally spent $128.5 billion on sustainable goods.
If the adage that “the customer is always right” still holds up, this is a signal to large and small businesses to embrace environmentally friendly practices. If reducing environmental impact is important to your business, where do you start?
This guide will give you concrete tips on how to reduce environmental impact and make your customers and the earth happy. Read on!
Source Smarter
Do you know where your products come from and how they get to you? Environmentally conscious companies intentionally improve product intelligence. By increasing your understanding of what is in the products you use and sell, you can make informed choices about whether to continue using them.
Also, product intelligence helps you understand the shipping process. Sometimes products don’t take the most efficient route to get to you. If you can source smarter (think buying locally and shipping efficiently), your company can make a big impact.
Increase Energy Efficiency
An environmental impact assessment can help your company identify areas that lack energy efficiency. Common areas for improvement include energy-inefficient building systems, leaky water pipes, and wasted electricity.
More efficient building systems include HVAC upgrades and structural improvements. Leaky water pipes waste water and cost you more (especially if it’s heated water).
To reduce wasted electricity, follow these steps:
- Turn off equipment completely when not in use
- Turn off lights in empty rooms
- Intentionally select smaller, more efficient machines
- Look for the “Energy Star” label when buying electronics for your office
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Even though “reduce, reuse, recycle” is a phrase you may have learned in elementary school, it still holds true today. Here are some tips for companies that affect the environment.
Go Digital
If you can go digital rather than having to print, you conserve energy at the printer and you save paper. This will reduce your waste. A bonus is that digital documents are easier to share, edit, and sign!
Make It Easy
The easier you make your desired habit, the more likely you’ll be to stick with it. Some services send you everything you need to begin recycling. All you have to do is put unneeded items into boxes and send them on their way.
Empower Employees
Place abundant recycling areas in your office space. Workspaces, copy rooms, and lunchrooms are smart places for recycling bins. Incentivize recycling efforts through fun company-wide initiatives.
Reducing Environmental Impact is Possible!
With effort and intentionality, reducing environmental impact is possible for your business. Your green efforts won’t go unnoticed by your customers, either! It’s a win for your wallet and a win for the world.
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