7 Steps to Becoming an Environmentally Conscious Business Owner
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Becoming Environmentally Conscious
As we’re big on companies scrapping the paper and being a bit more environmentally conscious, we decided to share this great guest post from the guys at WPJ Heating. Which covers 7 simple steps you can take to help make a difference. Check it:
“Being socially and environmentally conscious is in vogue, and that’s a good thing.”
Being an ‘environmentally conscious’ business (or not) can buy you valuable brownie points in the form of goodwill with your customers or on the flip side, spark incredibly fierce public scrutiny and debate.
Millennials, in particular, are one of the main consumer groups companies can’t afford to ignore and they are more likely to put their money where their mouth is, making purchasing decisions in favour of companies that support causes they’re aligned with.
According to consumer insights group Nielsen, “brands that establish a reputation for environmental stewardship among today’s youngest consumers have an opportunity to [grow market share]”.
So it’s established. Businesses can’t afford to ignore environmentally positive practices.
But this can also be very daunting.
While larger businesses can afford to implement complex CSR policies, as a small or medium-sized business owner, it can feel like just another thing added to the never-ending to-do list – making it a mammoth task that’s off-putting.
But don’t fear, we’ve got you covered. We’ve compiled a list of 7 simple things that we’ve applied that you can start doing today, won’t cost much and will nudge you towards your goal of running a business that is conscious of its impact on the environment.
Let’s get started…
“Do you need to print that?”
Encourage your staff to communicate via email and read emails on screen first to determine whether it’s necessary to print them. Consider investing in a cloud-based document management system, where contracts and other documents can be signed electronically, without the need to print them.
“Switch it off.”
It might sound basic, but it’s the easiest to forget. Institute a policy of switching off computers, light switches, printers etc when they’re not in use. Or for convenience, at the end of every business day. A shocking amount of computers are left on standby, rather than switched off, so they continue burning energy.
“Don’t waste water.”
If you happen to own or rent your own building, be sure to install plumbing that manages your water use. Install displacement toilet dams, which will reduce the amount of water you use (and save money) over the year. Also, encourage staff to check to make sure taps close tightly, dripping and leaking taps can waste up to 20,000 litres a year.
Recycle everything.
Consider using suppliers who collect packaging for it to be reused, and purchase paper that’s been 100% recycled. If you ever need to dispose of old electronics like computers, old printers etc, capitalise on recycling programs offered by most major computer manufacturing companies.
Remove paper and plastic cups.
Simply ask employees, (or if you’re feeling generous, purchase) mugs and glass cups for use. It might be slightly inconvenient to do the washing up but it is by far more environmentally friendly.
Be intelligent about heating.
So far as it’s up to you, use an energy efficient boiler in the winter months. Nothing burns energy (and money) like an inefficient boiler. Again, if you happen to own your building, or have an input in its construction and design, opt for energy efficient windows and insulation. Radiators don’t need to be permanently switched on, use a timer/programmer to make them come on and off throughout the day.
It’s about the culture
Changing or implementing new things and becoming more environmentally conscious is hard. Make sure that the changes you’re trying to create in how you do business are more than just about “policy” make it a culture thing. Explain to your employees why it’s important for the business to be conscious of its environmental impact, and take steps to reduce the carbon footprint it leaves, however small.
Author bio:
This article was written by WPJ Heating, a plumbing and heating company based in South West London.