Learn How to Make Your Business More Sustainable

Have you started a business recently or have been running one for a while now and want to start adopting eco-friendly measures to reduce the negative impact the company can have on the environment? Regardless of the size or focus of your business, something can be done! 

Sustainability has been a hot topic for many years now. And as necessary as it is to take action, until recently, there has been more talk and less action. So, it is of utmost importance to put drastic innovative and decisive actions into practice. While debating is helpful and can bring many of these much-needed actions to life, there isn’t the time anymore only to discuss such measures. 

It is now the time to start applying them, no matter at what scale. Whether you have a small business or large organization, sustainable measures are needed and can have a major positive impact even if they seem not big or significant enough. Every action is an excellent step towards more change for a healthier environment. So, don’t be afraid to begin setting goals in this direction – you have to start somewhere. 

Indeed, making your business more sustainable can be pretty intimidating, especially if you have a start-up or your entrepreneurship journey hasn’t been long, and you are unsure what should be the first step. But don’t worry! We have got you covered. The following article represents a helpful guide on how to begin making your business eco-friendlier. So, if you have started giving serious thought to this matter, you are on the right track. All that is left to do is open the discussion on sustainability to set green goals and adopt sustainable measures. 

Here’s a good place to start:

Goal-Setting Based on Research

Before you begin setting your green business goals, it is of the utmost importance to first decide what you want to achieve based on your company’s budget, taking into consideration its size and revenue. Indeed, it may be straightforward that this must be done. However, it is crucial to allocate this step enough time and think about how you will achieve your goals, not just set them on paper. 

While doing this, it is vital to conduct research on climate change and the latest updates as well as the recommended measures businesses can take to reduce the negative impact they can have on the environment. Therefore, thorough research with achievable goal-setting is an excellent way to begin making your business more sustainable. 

Utilize Renewable Energy Sources

From solar panels to wind turbines, businesses have a lot of options when it comes to using renewable energy sources rather than using fossil fuels. The latter can significantly harm the environment, polluting air, water, and wildlife, resulting in habitat loss, damaged land, and putting public health at risk. 

For this reason, you should start considering implementing and installing a form of renewable energy that can reduce considerably the harm businesses do to the environment. Lighting and heating are highly essential for an office-based workplace and on-site work practices. Plus, there are many electrical appliances. In this case, it is necessary to use energy-efficient lighting alternatives, such as LED units.

Using renewable energy sources is an effective method for businesses to diminish their carbon footprint. Not to mention that these types of green energy sources are less expensive, so companies will be able to reduce their costs. Hence, now is the time to switch to renewable energy.

Adopt Various Recycling or Upcycling Methods

Recycling is a huge part of reducing environmental impact and reducing waste. No matter its focus and size of operation, any business will undoubtedly produce waste. However, the critical part is how much waste it generates or what it does with it. So, adopting various recycling and upcycling methods is an essential part of your journey towards a more sustainable business.

In regards to recycling, you can certainly install bins around the office for designated materials to be recycled and make sure you work with a company that recycles them correctly. Apart from this, you can also adopt recycling measures at a larger scale for the waste the business produces. This can be achieved by partnering with professional companies like Mil-Tek that provide trash compactors and recycling balers. This way, you can effectively reduce waste or avoid ending up in landfills.

In some cases, you can even upcycle, which is the process of repurposing unwanted or broken products, unusable materials and waste materials. Doing this also reduces waste significantly, given that a new product is born out of items and materials that would otherwise end up in a landfill. 

Get A “B Corp” Certification

The “B Corp” movement is essential for businesses, given that it encourages and supports social and environmental performance. Hence, B Corporation is a private certification that for-profit companies receive every two years, providing they adhere to social and environmental measures. Their performance in this area is visible. 

The “B Corp” certification is highly recommended for young businesses, so if your company is at the beginning of its road, you should definitely consider becoming a B Corp company, given this provides you with an excellent supportive framework and network. This way, your business will have access to other companies that can provide helpful advice and working groups for a more individual feedback and professional advice. 

Be Flexible with Work Practices

Flexibility when it comes to work practices has become an incredibly valued aspect by a growing number of employees. This means having the opportunity to work remotely, either permanently or partially. At the same time, companies have also started to see the results of flexible work as well as the benefits business-wise. For this reason, many have adopted the remote or hybrid paradigm work practice to meet the popular demand from the majority of employees. 

Apart from the need to remain relevant and listen to what today’s employee wants, introducing flexible work practices is also a more sustainable and cost-effective business action. This way, people will have to spend less time traveling and commuting, and, therefore, the carbon footprint will be reduced. With remote work becoming a norm, many business meetings and day-to-day activities take place virtually.