Easy Ways to Make Your Business More Eco-Friendly

Whether you’re a business owner, office manager, or employee, there is always something you can do to help the planet. Looking towards being the future, we must all do our part to make the world a better place. Here are five easy ways to make your business more eco-friendly.

1. Eliminate Paper Waste When Printing Documents

Only use new paper when you are creating documents to be externally shared by your business. Memos and other internal documents that you must print should be printed on recycled paper as much as possible. Create a recusable paper bin or establish some type of storage system where paper for internal print jobs can be kept until needed. Make sure this policy is enforced at your company.

When you and others on your staff create external documents, you want to print on both sides of the paper unless there is a valid reason not to do so. Scan and email documents as much as possible, too. Also, do not forget to always purchase recycled paper for your company when you can. You can find deals out there, and you should buy in bulk when you have that option.

2. Use Products with Timers and Wireless Access

There are some great energy-efficient products out there you can use at your company. You can boost your business's productivity levels in addition to helping the environment. When shopping for energy-efficient items, you should look for products that feature timers and wireless access.

Do you have employees who cannot seem to keep their hands off of the temperature settings in your office? Consider adding a modern thermostat to control your cooling and heating costs. Stay on top of your energy output, even when you are not in the office, too. You also should look into energy-efficient lighting systems and watering systems that can save you money and help you with your efforts to be more eco-friendly.

3. Install Hand Dryers in Your Restrooms

Don't forget to pay attention to your restrooms and any improvements you can make there that are eco-friendly. You will lower your environmental footprint by not having paper towels for employees and members of the public to dry their hands on in restrooms. Think more about installing hand dryers. You will save money in the long-run, too, in addition to helping the environment.

Look into a reputable product like an xlerator hand dryer which allows you to control the sound and wind speed from the dryer, and these dryers are available in various colors and sizes to maintain an aesthetic appeal. They can be found at various price points, too, that will not break your bank. Your purchase will include a warranty, and you will notice a 95% cost savings when you make the switch. Also, your energy consumption level will be 80% lower if you start using these hand dryers in your restrooms.

4. Limit Unnecessary Work-Related Travel

Be certain to limit unnecessary work-related travel. Ask all of your employees to take this seriously. Whether they are using company vehicles, car rentals, or flights, the fuel used impacts your environment.

Fortunately, there are great technologies your staff can use to conduct off-site work. Invest in these technologies if you do not have them, yet. This will pay off for you in the long run, and you are indeed making your business more eco-friendly.

5. Source as Much as Possible from Local Suppliers

When you order goods used by your company for its operations, you need to limit buying things that are produced far away from your company. In some countries, there are not modern laws on the books to control the negative impact of producing some work-place items. Even if you are buying products created in the US, those goods have to be transported to you. Be cognizant of production and shipping impacts on the environment that are related to manufacturing.

You can lower your footprint on the environment through sourcing items from local suppliers. You will be supporting your local economy, too.

Five Easy Ways to Be More Eco-Friendly

Each suggestion above is a sure-fire and easy way to make your business more eco-friendly. Make these improvements a priority for your company. And remember, you are doing more than just helping your environment. You're putting more money in your pocket for many years to come.