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You have a responsibility as an entrepreneur to become part of the journey towards sustainability. Despite the size of your business, it is never too early to start thinking about going green. The green vision shall begin with you as the brain behind business operations.
Luckily, there are a lot of technological innovations that shall support your green transition. Moreover, it is cost-effective to start earlier on to prevent later obstacles of bureaucracy and the slow decision-making process of your company after expansion.
Moreover, do not underestimate the longevity of green-driven enterprise in today’s age of environmental consciousness.
Let your employees in on the green culture of your enterprise. Also, to make this part of your business culture the first step is recycling and green policy development. There are different strategies you can adopt along the way, but the following are some ways to start:
Reduce Plastic Use
You probably use and throw away approximately four pieces of plastic containers or bottles every day. Think about it, you buy water in a plastic bottle, some plastic food containers, and you might use a plastic bag from the supermarket. If you avoided all of it, especially as a team, the impact would be significant over a long period.
Therefore, install water filtration systems in the office to avoid plastic bottles. Instead of packaged foods, opt for a buffet. Furthermore, these changes will save your staff both time and money.
Use LED lighting
Your employees’ health is non-negotiable; after all, they are the backbone of your business. Therefore, reduce their exposure to the toxic waste emitted from fluorescent and incandescent bulbs. These bulbs also use a lot of energy that adds costs to your expenditure as a company.
The installation of these lighting will not only boost your office appearance but reduce energy costs in the long run. LED lighting installation costs are affordable. You need not break the bank to get a technician to your business premises.
Work Online
As much as it is essential to have brick-and-mortar premises, most of your work should be available on your website. It would help if you were not the exception because all businesses today have some online presence.
Your availability on the web not only expands your scope but also your chances of being innovative. Furthermore, cloud storage of your data will aid in your paperless policy.
After all, according to The Daily Green, paper accounts for a quarter of landfill waste. Also, invest in excellent firewall developers because cybercrime is a risk you have to face.
Encourage Healthy Lifestyle
You will have regular brainstorming meetings with the team; swap the sausages for fruits and nuts. These food options shall stimulate brain activity and increase productivity and accelerate the decision-making process. If you have a mentally healthy workforce, you are bound for success as a business.
Aside from the food, have day-outs at the office for team building through physical activities. Ultimately, you can only share a green vision with a team that is health-conscious for themselves.
These physical sessions will also increase cooperation among members of staff. Your overall health and your staff’s health surpass any other strategies because you are the machines that keep the business running.
Decorate With Live Plants
When you are stuck with air conditioning for a very long time, you might develop respiratory irritation. So, alternate plants with air conditioning.
Since they release oxygen during the day as you work, you will enjoy better air quality. Live plants are also a way to actively participate in increasing forest cover if you plant them in the office yard.
Join Environmental Corporate Philanthropy
Organize a fundraising event for the fight against climate change. You can even sponsor a green technology innovative project in society. Funding a project depends on the amount of capital you have to spare. However, contributing to the journey towards this vision in any capacity is mandatory in the modern era.
Furthermore, as an entrepreneur, giving back to society is one of the trends of the corporate world. You stand to benefit from getting on board. The public does not take kindly to non-sustainable production, especially in the west.
Final Thoughts
Sustainability is a collective effort, and you have a role to play. Regardless of your capacity, reducing plastic waste and going paperless should be the priority of every business. It is not too late to start; your small efforts will go a long way.
As a business owner, you are in a position to influence both your consumers and staff to adopt a healthy lifestyle. If you sell your products in renewable packages, your consumers will shun plastic packaging as time goes by.
You may also like: Go Green To Stay Sustained! Start Taking These Eco-Friendly Steps!
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