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Written by: James Ponds
Every business owner uses different methods to cut costs, but when you adopt eco-friendly practices at your company, you can save money and improve the environment. Green services and products are becoming more cost-effective and available to more industries. To stand apart from your wasteful competitors, you can use sustainable techniques to reduce your environmental impact and show clients that you care. The green practices that you can implement at your business include paperless methods, renewable energy, waste reduction, lighting improvements, green transportation and energy audits.
Paperless Methods
Paper waste is a normal byproduct of nearly every organization’s operations, and it contributes to a high percentage of waste at landfills. Invoicing, employee messages, and company guidelines can be converted to a paperless format to reduce costs. Although you may be unable to become completely paperless, you can gradually introduce digital invoicing and messaging. Rather than sending a personalized message to employees, you can send a video clip or email. Customers can receive emailed invoices or receipts sent by text message.
Renewable Energy Source
Although the world continues to rely on fossil fuels for energy production, renewable energy sources are becoming more accepted and have captured a larger share of the energy market in recent years. Your company’s utility bill is a monthly expense that you can reduce considerably by installing a solar power system with a solar battery. Solar panels are more durable and economical than previous versions, and they are guaranteed for twenty years. You can reduce your initial investment for the installation by taking advantage of state and federal incentives. The solar energy systems require minimal maintenance, and the solar batteries are comparable to a commercial fuse box and take up a small space at the ground level.
Waste Reduction
Improving your company’s waste reduction methods is another way to benefit the environment. Single serving utensils and accessories are major contributors to landfill buildup and marine pollution. Biologists have discovered plastic in the digestive tracts of marine creatures and glaciers. You can reduce your waste by requiring employees to use washable water bottles and silverware. You should eliminate plastic utensils and keep your employees safe from virus concerns by requiring each worker to use a personalized set of utensils that they’re responsible for cleaning. Discourage your workers from bringing large meals or cakes for special occasions and eliminate plastic plates and straws from the breakroom.
Lighting Improvements
Your monthly utility bill can be reduced when you make lighting modifications in your building. Standard bulbs are inefficient and require frequent replacements. To lower your power consumption and reduce your maintenance costs, you can replace the traditional bulbs with LEDs. LED’s consume less power and last six to eight years longer than standard bulbs. Automatic lights are another energy-saving measure that automatically shuts off when everyone leaves a room. They’ll keep you from criticizing the employees who forget to cut off the lights, and the lights can be paired with a voice-activated control hub.
Green Transportation
Hybrid and electric vehicles are no longer fringe elements of the auto industry. As technology has improved and become more cost-effective, more green vehicles are available for the commercial sector. You can reduce your fuel costs and lower your company’s impact on air pollution by converting your fleet to electric or hybrid vehicles. Although the traveling range of a gas-powered truck or van is superior to comparable electric models, the green vehicles’ ranges have significantly improved in the last five years. For instance, a fully loaded flatbed truck has a range of around 400 miles. Previously, most electric rigs could only travel for 250 miles before they needed charging.
Green Partners
Another excellent way to improve your sustainability efforts is to partner with other green companies. Cooperating with other eco-friendly companies will show your clients that your company is serious about implementing positive changes in the environment.
Although it may seem challenging in the beginning, your companies will experience benefits and savings from adopting eco-friendly methods and policies.
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