Being a green business is highly beneficial for both your business and the environment. Here is how: You’ll greatly reduce your operating costs, get tax credits, have a healthier workplace, productive employees and benefit from consumer demand.
Better still, your sustainability efforts will save the earth from the effects of climate change and global warming, thus making it a wonderful planet to live in.
A perfect way to achieve these wonderful benefits is by making small simple green changes in your workplace.
So let’s take a closer look at these highly effective tips. What’s more, implementing them is absolutely free.
So, here we go…
1. Reuse
Do your printing on both sides of the paper, for lesser paper use. Use used paper for note taking. Furthermore, instead of disposing of used papers, send them for recycling.
Old files and folders can be reused by simply flipping the records inside out and using the fresh looking folder instead of new ones.
2. Recycle Waste
Form a habit of recycling waste materials. For example, you can dramatically reduce your office expenditure by recycling office supplies such as empty cartridges.
There are plenty of office supply firms that take in the used supplies. While at it, some even reward you with cash incentives.
For waste materials made from aluminum and glass, send them to the relevant recycling companies. These are commendable efforts that can reduce environmental pollution through the reduction of garbage waste.
Also, have a strategically placed recycle bin at your workplace, and encourage everyone to make use of it.
Photo courtesy of Pexels Images by Digital Buggu
3. Use Cloth Towels for Hand Drying
Hand washing is a common good hygiene habit that is often done throughout the day while at the office. But there’s one problem: If you are using paper towels or hand dryers, they are hurting the environment.
Here is a better option. Use the continuous cloth towel.
Why? Because cloth towels besides being hygienic, also offer significant environmental benefits, with less than half the environmental impact of paper towels, using up to 63% less energy, and creating 48% fewer greenhouse gases and up to 79% less waste.
4. Use Energy Efficient Lights
Obviously, any workplace must be well lit, but it shouldn’t result in very high electricity costs. Simply switch to energy efficient lighting like LEDs and save up to 80% energy.
Any lights that are not in use within the office must always be switched off. Another option is adding motion sensors so that lights are only on when there is occupancy.
5. Grow Office Plants
Live plants are great at reducing carbon dioxide emissions and act as natural air purifiers. Moreover, they add a dash of natural beauty to your office, therefore creating an enjoyable ambiance for everyone.
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6. Turn Off Electronics
Lower your electricity bill by constantly switching off any electronic not in use. Computers and other electrical appliances can also be saved from damage in case of power overload after a blackout.
Did you know that if still plugged in, electronic appliances consume power even though you’ve turned them off?
Therefore, completely unplug the electronic appliances from power cords or sockets after switching them off.
7. Establish Natural Ventilation
To create a comfortable internal climate in your workplace, use natural ventilation which is much cheaper and healthier compared to air conditioners.
8. Switch to Recycled Office Supplies
You can help reduce wastage by using recycled office supplies. Printing papers and toner cartridges for your printing needs is a great start.
9. Purchase Gently Used Items for Work
Nowadays, thrift stores are well stocked with quality gently used items that can be purchased at a lower price than new ones. Office furniture, general decor, storage items and much more can be purchased and repurposed to suit your taste. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to even get nice clothing appropriate for work.
10. Donate
More often than not, something you don’t need may be of great benefit to others. Rather than rendering your gently used items obsolete, donate them to charity or local development groups. For example; old furniture, computers, printers, phones, books and manuals.
11. Telecommute Where Possible
Commit to having your employees work from home whenever possible. They will not only save on transport costs but will also reduce gas usage and carbon emissions.
Photo courtesy of Pexels Images by Pixabay
12. Change the Way You Commute
Adopting a simpler approach to how you commute to your workplace can help save money and reduce carbon emissions. For instance: public transport, carpooling, cycling, or even walking to work.
13. Go Digital
Maximize the use of digital communication tools to share information with your workmates.
Replace the traditional paper cards with electronic cards.
Paper versions of newspapers, trade journals, magazines etcetera can be made available electronically, saving your budget and the environment.
14. Switch to Green Non-toxic Cleaning Supplies
Naturally, your workplace must be sparkling clean, but are you using the right products to get the job done? Frankly, biodegradable products free from volatile organic acids and harsh chemicals are the best options.
Here’s why: They keep the people cleaning the office environment and other office utilities safe from harm. Plus you’ll be supporting companies that value sustainability.
15. Encourage Use of Reusable Utensils
To reduce expenses and environmental pollution, use reusable water bottles and mugs. If you’re carrying lunch to the office, make use of reusable containers and bowls. You’ll have eliminated wastage of packaging paper bags which eventually end up in the garbage.
16. Dress in Layers
Layering your dressing is another great way to save on office energy costs. While keeping you appropriately warm, it eliminates the need for turning up the heating appliances in the office.
17. Limit Frequent Travels to Meetings
Incorporate virtual meeting tools for your meetings to limit travels thereby saving time, costs and lowering transportation emissions.
18. Redesign Your Office
Improve your working environment with simple office redesigning techniques. It’ll help improve your workers’ comfort and boost productivity. Aim for fresh natural air and sufficient sunlight while at it.
19. Think Before You Act
Think through the things you need to do and consider other eco-friendlier options. For example, appending a reminder signature at the bottom of an email asking one to consider if they really need to print that document is a good practice.
20. Get Everyone Involved
Share green tips with everyone in the office. This will encourage a good working culture that is eco-friendly. Moreover, when everyone involved is in the know, it makes collaboration easier leading to much faster accomplishment of tasks and goals.
You may also appreciate and motivate employees who demonstrate sustainable work habits.
21. Ditch the Elevator for the Stairs
Rather than using the elevators which consume a lot of energy, take the stars. Remember every step of stairs is your chance to burn kilojoules for a healthier and fitter you.
Your Greener Workplace
Now it’s your turn. Go ahead and implement these highly effective tips for a greener workplace that you will be truly proud to be associated with.
Remember our lovely planet, which is the only home we’ve got, will also benefit from your efforts. Better yet, you’ll make huge savings on your office expenditure.
Sounds impressive, right?
Now, don’t get left behind. Start greening your workplace by switching to an environment-friendly way of hand hygiene – use cloth towels. With an average of 200 uses per towel, you can’t go wrong with these hygienic and super soft absorbent towels. Order your cloth towel today.
Photo courtesy of Flickr Images by Eric