With climate change and activism being constant features on the news, a new sense of environmental responsibility is sweeping across the world. This growing wave of determination to preserve the planet for future generations is reaching into the world of business, as well. 

Companies are making a concerted effort to ‘go green’, not only because it will save the planet, but also because it can save them a lot of money. Advances in technology are playing a significant role in this new thinking as many innovations are designed to save time and the environment. 

How can you go green in your business? 

Reducing electricity consumption 

One of the biggest headaches a business owner faces at the end of each month is the utility bill, with electricity becoming more expensive. Most of the world’s electricity is generated using fossil fuels, whereas a lot more could be produced in more environmentally friendly ways. 

Electricity is essential, but by doing an audit of how much you use each month and where it goes, you might be surprised at how much is wasted. There are lots of measures you can implement to save electricity. 

First, you should use energy-saving lightbulbs in your light fittings. Second, you can install a smart lighting system that only switches on when necessary, for example, bathroom lights that are activated when the door is opened. 

Reducing paper use and wastage 

With advances in electronic document storage, there is no need for hard copies of everything. Forests of trees can be saved if you don’t print and file everything, except that which is necessary. Saving paper is not only about trees as it conserves water as well. Papermaking is a very water-intensive process during which many chemicals are used. 

You can’t avoid paper entirely, of course. Some employees need business cards, and you need to market your business using flyers and direct mailing services. 

By using printers like Catdi Printing, you ensure that no paper goes to waste in the process. You’ll also save a lot of money on paper, cardboard, and ink. Not only that, by outsourcing this type of work, you free up your employees’ time to focus on other tasks that are essential to keeping the business running. 

Reduce, reuse, recycle 

Naturally, you need to be recycling your used paper, glass, and plastic. However, you should also be mindful of recycling batteries and toner cartridges responsibly as they are harmful to the environment. 

Reduce how many recyclables you use. For example, offer your guests filtered water served in a glass instead of a plastic bottle. Reuse cardboard boxes from deliveries for document storage, if possible. Get your staff on board and invite them to come up with exciting innovations to reduce, reuse, and recycle waste. People’s creativity when it comes to this will surprise you. 

Reducing carbon emissions 

Human travel is one of the most significant contributors to climate change due to the carbon emissions it generates. As a business, you can do your part to reduce your carbon footprint. 

A lot of companies send representatives to the same area three times a month to service three different clients. Simple rescheduling will prevent this type of unnecessary travel. Streamline your collection and delivery processes wherever possible so that your vehicles are not moving around half-empty. 

A growing trend is allowing employees to telecommute to work. They can do the necessary work from home and do not need to be in the office physically. It’s not possible for employees, and it might not be realistic every day. However, where it is, you should try it. Studies show that employees are often more productive when they work from home.