4 Ways to Turn Your Business Green

Having an eco-friendly business that puts sustainability at the heart of your business practices is an increasingly important factor in fulfilling your social responsibility.

But not only that, in a study conducted in 2020, it was found that 45% of customers were interested in finding brands that operated in an environmentally responsible way. And, with the increasing urgency placed on counteracting climate change, this number is bound to increase.

Businesses all over the world are making moves to implement strategies in sustainability, and those who are reluctant to make these important changes run the risk of being left behind.

If you’re looking for ways to make your company more sustainable, then here are just four things you can do to turn your business green.

1. Understand Your Pollutants

It’s impossible for you to solve your sustainability problems without first understanding where you’re going wrong.

Your pollutants will depend on your industry, after all, an office won’t have the same waste as a restaurant. From measuring your carbon footprint, to testing your waste water, there are steps you can take to gain a full picture of your pollutants, and this information should inform your efforts to improve.

Companies like Smart Storm are experts in providing measurement systems for your waste. For example, their BOD/COD meter can help you to conduct wastewater analysis.

2. Start Employee Initiatives

It’s no good saying that you’re going to become more sustainable if your employees aren’t just as enthusiastic about the cause as you are.

Implement initiatives, including rewards for recycling, to encourage them to participate.

Your company could also participate in the government’s cycle to work scheme, or if you provide company cars, consider moving to electric vehicles for your staff.

3. Use Renewable Energy

Environmental responsibility isn’t the only reason to move to renewable energy, the rising cost of energy is also making energy such as solar power, a more attractive prospect for business owners.

While having solar panels installed on your office building can come with high initial costs, it can save you money in the long run.

Consider switching to renewable energy sources, or even energy companies that prioritise renewable energy, and better the environment and your bank account.

4. Move to Sustainable Materials

If you have to send products out to consumers, then you should switch to sustainable packaging materials.

This is such an important change for businesses to make, that in 2018, the UK government encouraged innovators to develop more sustainable packing materials.

Try to avoid sending items out in plastic wrapping, and opt for cardboard instead. Similarly, biodegradable packing peanuts are far better for the planet than polystyrene.

By switching to sustainable packaging, you’ll show your customers that you care about the future of the planet, and with so many looking environmentally friendly businesses, you’ll help to build trust and loyalty that will keep them coming back for more.

Tell us how you’ve turned your business green in the comments below!