Individuals and companies of all sizes have started to realize the impact their actions have on the planet. To reverse climate change, protect wildlife, and decrease pollution, every person and brand must strive to become more environmentally friendly.
Businesses are often the biggest contributors to climate change, which is why they must take their responsibility seriously by becoming more eco-conscious. Here are six ways companies can protect the environment.
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Introduce Efficient Processes and Technology
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by replacing your company’s processes, technologies, and machinery with more energy-efficient options. For example, fax machines aren’t only dated, but they require a substantial amount of energy, as they need to run all day. Instead, use email and online messaging tools to send and receive important information. Think about investing in solar energy and utilizing a smart meter for long term benefits.
Replace Your Light Bulbs
Artificial lighting can support your employees’ productivity, focus, and energy levels. However, as you will need to turn on lighting throughout the working day, you must use more energy-efficient light bulbs to decrease your electricity usage, lower overheads, and protect the environment. For example, switch traditional, incandescent lightbulbs for eco-friendly LEDs.
Fix Serious Environmental Errors
Many companies need to use hazardous chemicals or materials to power their operations. However, a business error can lead to serious repercussions for the planet and its wildlife, which you must resolve as soon as possible.
For example, an oil spill is a toxic form of pollution that can affect animals, plants, and trees. If your company is responsible for the contamination, right this wrong immediately with an oil spill clean up service to remove it from any surface, from the underground and on the pavement to on soil or in the ocean.
Decrease Energy Usage
In addition to introducing more eco-friendly technologies and processes, you must aim to decrease your daily energy usage by:
- Turning off lights at the end of the working
- Optimizing heating or air conditioning with a smart thermostat
- Unplugging unused devices
- Instructing employees to shut down computers each day
Work with Sustainable Suppliers
If you are serious about becoming an eco-friendly business, you must choose your suppliers wisely. Pick a partner that follows good environmental practices that align with your company’s mission and values. Your suppliers’ operations will determine your business’s ecological footprint. It is an important consideration for companies applying for sustainability and CSR certifications.
Find suppliers who follow sustainable practices, such as:
- Ethically disposing of waste
- Paying fair wages
- Not employing children
- Reducing their carbon emissions
Permit Telecommuting
Remote work is becoming increasingly popular. If you haven’t followed in many companies’ footsteps, it might be time to permit your employees to work from home permanently or offer a hybrid model.
The fewer people in your office, the less energy you will use each day. Plus, fewer people commuting to work will reduce your brand’s carbon footprint, which will help save the environment. Telecommuting could even help your business downsize to a smaller premises to protect its finances and the planet.
