The environment needs us. We’re currently experiencing the challenges of climate change, excessive amounts of waste, and inefficient environmental health practices rapidly. But, each of us has the opportunity to contribute to the health of our planet.
Companies can also make a collective impact on our environment by going green for the long term. Investing more time and effort into sustainability initiatives could result in the competitive edge you need to grow your business.
Let’s chat about the benefits of being eco-conscious. We’ll then leave you with three ways to begin your transition to a more environmentally friendly business.
The Benefits of Being Eco-Conscious
Our planet depends on each of us to improve its longevity and promote its health. Companies have a unique opportunity to promote the benefits of being eco-friendly. The way each business shows its eco-conscious efforts can be different. One business could make a simple commitment to consistently use natural cleaning products free of harsh chemicals throughout their office. At the same time, another could be in the process of developing a full line of sustainable products.
Going green presents apparent benefits to the environment, but it can also be beneficial to your business. Consumers are falling more in love with sustainable products each day. If you’re able to produce quality eco-friendly products, it could mean more profit for your business. There are also tax breaks associated with specific sustainability practices.
According to the Green Business Bureau, “practices such as energy conservation, recycling, use of water-saving devices, energy-efficient equipment, solar power, and reduced waste help keep costs down, and have proven time and again to be far more efficient and cost-effective than traditional energy use.”
Being eco-conscious is also beneficial in the recruiting process. Millennials and Gen Zers are taking over the majority of the candidate pool. These generations also happen to be the leaders of the sustainability movement. They’re more inclined to support organizations that share this value. If you want to attract top talent in the future, implementing environmentally-friendly practices is a requirement, not a choice.
Three Ways Businesses Can Be More Environmentally-Friendly
Businesses in every industry can and should be more environmentally friendly.
Being conscious of how your business practices impact our planet’s longevity is easier than you think. Don’t attempt to revamp your entire business all at once. Start by implementing small sustainability practices step by step.
You can start with these three ways to make your business more eco-friendly:
Use environmentally friendly products throughout your business
The sustainability movement prompted the creation of various environmentally-friendly products that can be used throughout your business. You may not be able to replace every product you use with an eco-friendly alternative just yet, but you can do some.
Decrease your use of paper products. Use digital marketing methods instead of traditional marketing tactics to decrease your carbon footprint. Make a list of eco-friendly brands that make products for offices and see what you can implement.
If you’re redesigning your office space, look to fill the room with furniture made from recycled materials (and don’t forget to recycle your old pieces!). Paint your walls with milk-, chalk-, ceramic-, linseed oil-, or low/zero-VOC paint to ensure you’re using products free of harmful chemicals.
Offer fully remote or hybrid work schedules.
Going to work each day is harmful to the environment when you genuinely think about it. You get in your car and emit harmful gasses into the atmosphere in your commute to the office and back. When you’re in the office, you use excessive amounts of energy, waste supplies, and so forth.
You should think about offering fully remote or hybrid work schedules to your employees and yourself. Eliminate or reduce your commute, implement digital collaboration and communication tools to decrease waste, and lower energy use with fewer days in the office.
Be strategic about how you structure your fully remote or hybrid work schedules. Ensure that productivity, engagement, and enthusiasm don’t take a hit. Prep your employees for the shift and ensure you’re providing adequate support for them to perform their job functions.
Create social responsibility initiatives
The three pillars of sustainability are economic viability, environmental protection, and social equity. Most people strictly think about protecting and growing the environment when sustainability is mentioned. But companies are paying closer attention to social equity and responsibility.
In the past year, we’ve witnessed several racial and economic injustices that prompted many of us to get involved in the fight for justice. Companies worldwide started to voice their support for improving societal structures, financial soundness, and racial equality.
More and more businesses believe environmentally responsible and sustainable practices are important to them. How can you do more for your community, society as a whole, and support customers connected to these very apparent societal injustices? Take a good look at what your target audience values most. Create social responsibility initiatives around these values and share them with your audience to deepen your customer relationships.
