How to Make Your Business Green – 10 Easy Business Recycling Tips
Some business owners may think that taking steps to protect the earth is too expensive. They think that turning a business green is only for major corporations with billions of dollars at their disposal. Fortunately, there are various ways your company can decrease its environmental footprint. Visiting All Green Electronics Recycling is one way to get useful information about making your company greener.
There are many items in your business that can be recycled that you may not even know about, such as electronics. All Green Recycling is the perfect resource for all of your electronic recycling needs. You can also check out this list of ten easy business recycling tips. Try some of these suggestions and you’ll be well on your way to a greener company.
Use CFL or LED Lights
One of the easiest ways to go green is to change the kinds of lightbulbs you use in your company. Two good choices are compact-fluorescent (CFL) or LED lights. Regular incandescent lights may be cheaper, but CFL and LED lights save you more money in the long run. Even better, they last a lot longer and use less energy. Eventually, you end up saving about $200 per bulb. In short, it’s a great way to begin your journey towards becoming green.
Ditch those Plastic Bottles
Yes, we know you want to provide your employees with great-tasting water for their lunches and breaks, but that doesn’t mean you have to purchase plastic water bottles. Some of those plastic bottles thrown away around the world end up recycled but do your part by not using them at all. This is how to make your business green. Install a water filtration system. Forget the paper cups too. Instead, give your staff reusable bottles. That way you provide your employees and clients with clean, refreshing water while saving money and time. You’ll also help care for the earth in the process. Now that’s a win-win situation!
Cut Down on the Printing or Use Recycled Paper
Some businesses don’t want to go completely paperless. If that’s the case, strive to use less paper. Purchase recycled printer paper too. You’ll end up saving the trees and cutting down on the use of ink cartridges, toner cartridges, and electricity.
Use Natural Light and Light Timers
Keep your windows unobstructed so you and your employees use as much natural light as possible. This way you don’t have to use an excessive amount of electricity. Purchase light timers that detect motion. When someone enters a room, the light turns on. When someone leaves a room, the light shuts off. These are perfect ways to save money on your electricity bill and go green at the same time.
Reuse and Recycle
Think about all the soda cans, plastic, and paper people throw into the trash can. All of these items can be recycled. Get your employees on board, encouraging them to put these items in a recycling bin instead of chucking them into the waste paper basket. Provide incentives to employees who embrace a greener way of doing business.
For example, challenge your employees to avoid using plastic spoons or forks for an entire month. Those that meet the challenge win a small prize. Buy recycled ink cartridges and paper products. When purchasing furniture for the office, search for furniture made from recycled materials. Do you have obsolete computers and printers? Don’t throw them away so that they languish in the city’s landfill. Send outdated technology equipment to be recycled at nearby computer manufacturers or electronics stores.
Use Green Cleaning Products
We all want our businesses to be clean and dust-free, but be careful with the cleaning products your housekeeping staff uses. Many traditional cleaning powders and sprays release toxins into the air. These toxins are breathed in by employees, housekeeping staff and your clients. Chemicals in these cleaning products can contribute to birth defects, asthma, and cancer. Avoid these dangers by switching to natural cleaning products. Do your research before deciding on a particular brand. Not all products labeled “green” are all-natural.
Decorate the Office with Plants
Improve the air quality in the office by placing small plants on desks and other areas of the building. As our elementary school teachers taught us, plants release oxygen into the air. This oxygen combats any chemicals released by office furniture. The result is a cleaner, more peaceful environment in which to work.
Travel to Work the Green Way
If possible, encourage employees to commute to work by biking, walking or taking public transportation. If this isn’t feasible, see if employees would be willing to carpool. Offer some type of incentives for those who commit to a green commute. Consider allowing your employees to work from home one or two days a week. All of these strategies can help reduce your company’s carbon footprint.
Use Area Rugs in the Office Space
When the weather grows cold, it’s so easy to crank up the thermostat so everyone stays warm and cozy. That’s great, but don’t forget that cranking up the heat uses more energy. Instead, buy area rugs to provide insulation. They will keep your office warmer and beautify the building as well.
Go Easy on the A/C
When summer rolls around, don’t be so quick to turn the air conditioning on full blast. You’ll waste precious energy. Instead, keep the thermostat at around 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure you turn off the A/C when everyone leaves for the day. Not only will you save money, but you’ll contribute to a greener planet.
Going Green Isn’t as Hard as You Think
These ten basic strategies help you to see that making your business green is easier than you think. By making small changes in the way you run your business, you can contribute to our planet’s health. Whether it’s getting rid of plastic water bottles or making a commitment to recycling, anyone can reduce their business’s environmental footprint.
Do you have a green business? We want to know! Comment below so you can tell us all the things you’re doing at your company to protect the environment.
