Tips for Creating More Sustainable Business Practices

Sustainability is something of a buzzword in business at the moment. Some businesses may see the focus on sustainable business practices as a profitable trend. But for those who genuinely want their business to have a positive effect on the world, it can be difficult to know where to start.

There are logistical implications to any change in business practice. Every decision and change needs thoughtful consideration. It can be complex, but that doesn’t mean businesses should be discouraged from exploring the possibilities.

It’s vital that all businesses make the commitment to act responsibly when it comes to environmental impact. Each company and its employees belong to the global community, and everyone is in real danger of the consequences of climate change. No matter the size of your business, there are steps you can take to make a difference.

Going Further than Recycling

The truth is that the damage to our planet has gone too far. Businesses can no longer claim that they’re “doing their part” by recycling within their company. Although recycling is important and a step in the right direction, it’s not enough. It’s important to offset your carbon footprint wherever practical. This includes being conscious of where and how your materials are sourced, as well as where your old equipment goes once it’s no longer useful. Look around you and you’ll find that everything you’re using has an impact on the world.

What does sustainability really look like on a practical level? Many businesses are opting to go paperless. Your company can try this by assessing your use of paper and seeing what can be done electronically. To take it a step further, only work with suppliers whose manufacturing processes don’t contribute to deforestation. Additionally, work with delivery companies who plan their routes to limit fuel consumption.

While large companies have more resources to make a lasting environmental impact, businesses of any size can go green. For example, energy efficiency is a popular focus for many small companies. Using natural sunlight for office lighting when possible, purchasing energy-efficient office equipment and lightbulbs, and unplugging devices when they’re not in use are just a few of the ways to make positive changes.

Affecting the Immediate Office Environment

It can be overwhelming for business owners and their employees to think of the global impact of their practices. For some, environmental issues are a source of anxiety. It’s a huge issue, but a collection of small changes can make big differences within the office.

Something as simple as ensuring each desk has a small potted plant has a big impact on indoor air quality. For employees who commute to work each day, arranging a carpool system can reduce the emissions output associated with your business. Encouraging employees to take the stairs rather than the elevator helps lower energy consumption, too.  

The office kitchen is an ideal area for small environmental improvements. On average, we use approximately 16 billion disposable coffee cups each year. Providing in-house coffee and ceramic mugs can make a real dent in that waste. You can also encourage employees to bring their own packed lunch from home in reusable containers. Additionally, having washable kitchen towels in this area will significantly reduce paper towel usage.

Take Advantage of Financial Incentives 

It’s important to note that there is no shame in being aware that there are financial incentives to going green. Adopting any new practice into your business can be expensive. It’s an unfortunate fact that materials are cheaper from less-sustainable sources. Fortunately, there are ways you can offset some of the costs associated with a sustainable enterprise.

The US government has introduced incentives for businesses that wish to make green changes. The great news is that no matter the size of your organization, there are energy tax credits available. Businesses can expect credits of up to 30% for doing things like adding solar panels and switching to a geothermal heating system. Many states also offer tax credits in addition to this, and details can be found from the Department of Energy.

There are also a number of grants, subsidies, and loans available. The Environmental Protection Agency provides grants to businesses making positive environmental strides in sustainability. Additionally, both private banks and the Small Business Administration offer green loans and financing options to those looking to make energy-efficient changes.

Conclusion

It’s not the size of your business that counts. Every business has a responsibility to make changes to reduce damage to the planet. We are only on the Earth for a short time, and we don’t want our legacy to be that of permanent damage in exchange for a temporary profit.