It’s no secret that we, as human beings, have caused some damage to our world. Global warming, acid rain, plastic pollution, and loss of animal species; are incredibly serious matters, and each and every one of us should be thinking about them. As business owners, we have even more responsibility to do the right thing for the environment. We can make a positive change by making conscious choices. Our choices can be passed down to consumers through the products and services we sell. If you’re wondering what you should be doing when running your business and helping the planet, here are some simple ideas on how you can get started creating a green business today.
Reduce your use of plastic
Plastic pollution is a massive, massive issue right now. Trillions of tons of wasteful plastic across the globe are causing effects that are likely to be so severe we can’t even truly predict the outcomes yet. One of the biggest concerns is how plastic in the ocean is breaking down and entering the food chain, which of course, in many cases, ends with humans. It’s filling up landfills and leeches toxins into the ground over the hundreds of years it takes to degrade. As a business owner, there are a few ways you can reduce your use of plastic materials.
Start by reducing the plastic your company uses. You can do this by buying refillable pens and cartridges. Get rid of any unnecessary single-use plastics you currently consume as a business, like plastic cups by the water cooler. Secondly, reduce the plastic that you’re putting out there. Find new ways to package your products using more biodegradable choices. Consumers have one issue that even when they want to reduce plastic, they’re often not able to because companies package just about everything in the stuff. This is where you can make a change.
Choose Eco-friendly Suppliers
Choosing suppliers that use eco-friendly and sustainably sourced materials is a smart direction you can take your company in. You might not be using environmentally damaging methods yourself, but if your suppliers and third-party companies you work with are, you’re essentially contributing to the problem. Aim to work with other businesses that are sustainable and eco-friendly.
Consider getting supplies from companies that use sustainably sourced ingredients to those that minimize contamination with pollutants like oil. Oil Water Separator Technologies is an excellent example of a company dedicated to reducing wastewater contaminants. Visit www.owstech.com to learn more about how they work with their customers. The more demand you create for these companies, the more they will follow suit in going in an eco-friendly direction.
Acquire Sustainability Software
Sustainability software serves to help a company evaluate the sustainability and impact of the operations on the environment. Utilizing the software gives you access to the correct data to measure the success of your sustainability plans. For example, a company can use the software to track its carbon footprint. In doing so, you understand your electricity use, transportation, and other critical areas of concern. Many companies are now required to report this information and have complicated processes for collecting the data. Investors are also using the information to assess risk and growth opportunities. Some companies assist with this process, such as Greenstone which enables sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting through its award-winning sustainability software and support services.
Go Paper Free
Even though we live in a very digital age, we still use too much paper. It’s unnecessary because most of what gets printed out ends up in trash bins. You can help to put a stop to this by emailing receipts and invoices as your standard option instead of printing everything. Minimize your junk mail and set a goal of creating a paper-free office within the next few years. Not only does paper use trees, but it’s the water needed to grow the trees. Why would we waste these valuable resources when we don’t have to?
We, as business owners, can all do our part to reduce some of the damage being done to our environment. Start by reducing your use of plastics, use eco-friendly suppliers, and go paper-free. You may think changes like these don’t matter, but they can make a big difference. So go ahead and take the first step if you haven’t already and join me in creating a green business. It’s the right thing for your business and the environment. Here’s to YOUR success!
Carolyn R. Owens has over 25 years of proven experience and serves as a Career Strategist, Leadership, and Life Coach. She is the Chairwoman and CEO of Infinity Coaching, Inc., where they help you up-level your skills so you can up-level your income. Infinity Coaching, Inc. provides one-on-one and group coaching, organizational training, and personality assessments. Carolyn is certified to give both The Energy Leadership Index and Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) assessments. You can find out more about assessments and other products and services athttps://infinitycoaching.net.
