Global warming is something that is a large and complex issue, so as a small business owner, it can be easy to see how it might be something that only larger corporations need to deal with. However, the whole idea of global warming being something that can only be tackled by larger companies is some thinking that is definitely flawed. There are a number of issues surrounding global warming, and as a result, it is up to everyone, as individuals or businesses, to do what they can to be able to deal with any rising problems. Small actions may seem small and pointless, but when lots of small actions are taken, then it can make such a big difference.
Many small business owners can think that what they do on behalf of their business won't actually matter. However, they are things that actually do matter in a big way. Small changes can become big changes and they can have a great impact. It can help you to feel good knowing that you are taking steps to create change, but there can also be some amazing results that can come from having a more eco-friendly business. Making your business much greener is something that can impact your reputation as a business too. For people who are conscious of who they spend their money with, then it can help your bottom line if you are known for being a business who is sustainable and is taking steps to improve. The environmental aspect of business is something that is a big concern for a lot of people, so taking steps, even if they feel small, is a good place to be in.
So with all of that in mind, here are some of the things that you can be doing as a small business owner, to help to make the business greener.
Conserve water
When you take steps to conserve water, then it can help you to save money, as well as help the environment. By fixing any leaky faucets you will be able to stop your business from wasting a lot of water, so it does make sense to check your workspace or office space that something like this isn’t happening. If you are not sure about how you can make changes in your business, especially relating to how you can conserve water, then it could be a good idea to speak to a plumber. They will know what to look out for and how to advise you on improving how much water you use and how you can reduce how much you use.
Use alternative energy sources of energy
Looking for some alternative sources of energy such as solar power or wind power, and even water power, can help to create power and energy in a way that is renewable and avoids other toxins in the air. These are books that not only help the environment but they can help to reduce the energy bill for your business too. So taking steps to improve things and finding more sustainable sources of energy can be such a good thing for the business in a number of ways. One alternative source of energy to consider would be propane. Propane has been a widely-used cleaner-burning fuel for several decades. It is a simple three-carbon alkane gas with a relatively low amount of waste products when combusted and is also non-toxic so it is not harmful to groundwater or soil if it leaks. If you choose to use propane to power your premises a company such as http://kellypropane.com/ can provide delivery and tank services.
Use more energy-efficient equipment
When you are looking to cut costs, and there are some growing concerns about the environment, then you need to look at the equipment that you have in the office. If you have older electronics or equipment, then they can have quite low energy ratings. Not only will this cost you more money as a business, but it is bad for the environment too. The thing to do to reduce this cost, is to look for more energy-efficient replacements that use low-energy. You can then have a positive impact on the environment.
Another aspect of this is looking to replace other things within the business that need to be more energy efficient. You could replace the light bulbs in the office space with a more energy efficient option, by getting in a commercial LED lighting electrician, for example. Of course there are some costs to replacing the lights upfront, but LED lights last for a long time and can really cost a lot less to run compared to other alternatives. Small things do make a big difference and help your business to reduce costs as well as carbon footprint.
Source from sustainable suppliers
Part of having a sustainable business is making sure that all aspects of your business are sustainable. This means that your business will be as sustainable as it can be, rather than just being ‘green’ in only some aspects of your business. That is why ‘green’ procurement is a really simple way to completely transform the carbon footprint of the business. You will be helping to foster good relationships with sustainable suppliers, as well as making the business much greener as a whole. When you source goods or services from companies that have the same kind of mindset and are doing their bit for the environment, then it does help the environment.
To help to implement this, then you could think about making your own policy around green procurement that helps you to commit to the ideals that your company has. This could be around reducing the waste that your business has, as well as lowering your business’ emissions and impact on the environment.
The photo was taken by Florian Pircher from Pixabay
Reduce, reuse, and recycle
If you want to do something simple that can make a difference for your business, then you should look to reduce the waste that comes from the business, as well as reuse materials, where possible. Recycling is also important, for the waste that you do create as a business, and for anything that cannot be reused. A simple thing that you can do is to get together some recycling bins for materials, to help to make your business greener. They could be for things like paper, plastic, and cardboard, which are all simple to recycle and set up collections or them. This will be similar to what a lot of people are already doing at home, so it will be something that they are used to.