7 tips to make your business more eco-friendly

Little changes you make within your business can collectively have a massive impact on the environment. But where do you start? Here are seven tips to make your business more eco-friendly.

Ditch the plastic cups at the water cooler

Your business can make a big impact by reducing something as simple as disposable plastic cups. Single-use plastic cup waste is said to rise by a third by 2030 if changes are not made now. Just think about how many employees use these cups for water every day and you can imagine the waste building up. But there are alternatives you can consider to reduce your plastic waste.

You can make changes such as using paper cups rather than plastic. Or encourage employees to use their own water bottles instead. Maybe even gift a reusable water bottle to your employees for use whilst at work. This will result in you reducing your plastic waste and saving money in the long term too.

Use energy-efficient lights

Another small change that you can make for your business that will ensure your energy usage from lighting is reduced. This will bring down your running costs in the long term as well as make your business premises more eco-friendly. Energy-efficient light bulbs can last up to 12 times longer than regular light bulbs. They use less electricity but give the same amount of light.

When you consider these benefits as well as reducing the carbon footprint of your business it is an excellent way to become a greener brand. Making the switch will ensure the impact of your carbon footprint and energy bills are decreased over time.  

Eco-friendly transportation

Did you know that over 25% of the UK’s carbon footprint is due to transport emissions? By encouraging your employees to take eco-friendly transport you’ll have a positive impact on the environment. There are a few options such as encouraging the use of public transport, cycling or walking to work. Essentially asking your employees to take responsibility.

But what about a sustainable, personalised service that can also be used as a retention and employee satisfaction tool? A benefit provided by your company to all: an employee-only executive commuter coach service at an affordable price. The average commuter coach takes 30 cars off the road, decreases the parking spaces you need to invest in, and is much better for the environment too.

Zeelo can provide flexible, personalised transport for your business which includes as many service times as you need, premium vehicles and Wi-Fi onboard among other things. Zeelo services give your employees back control of their commuting time. Interested? Get in contact with us today!

Recycling your old electronics

Printers, computers and mobile phones are all electronics that need to be amended or replaced now and then to move forward with your business. But what do you do with your old electronics? To help the environment and improve your green status as a business you should consider recycling them.

The UK produces 23.9kg of electronic waste per person each year, which is higher than the EU average of 17.7kg (the second-highest amount of e-waste per capita in the world). And with the increase in electronic usage, this figure will only increase so we all need to find a sustainable way of dealing with this. As a business, you can reduce your waste by using services which fall under the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Recycling (WEEE) initiative.

Swap to eco-friendly products

When considering the products, you use within your business, you should think about how sustainable these products are. Small swaps can make your business greener quickly and easily. For example, use recycled paper for your stationery and printer paper, or eco-friendly soap in your bathrooms.

Think about the products you use the most and seek to find greener alternatives. Make your employees aware of your plan to use more eco-friendly products and promote a sense of protecting the environment as a business. Remember small changes can make a big difference.

Use alternative energy sources

Depending on where you are located and how big your business is, you may be able to swap from conventional energy providers to more sustainable alternative energy sources. Renewable energy solutions include solar, wind, biomass, hydropower, geothermal and biofuels. You may be able to find your own energy provider that completely or even partly uses renewable energy.

If you are really interested in investing in renewable energy for your business, you could consider generating your own power. Installing solar panels, for example, is a popular choice for both businesses and households.  Check with your current service provider and research other providers in your area.

Plant trees

There are so many benefits to planting trees and shrubs around your business premises. Not only does it create a nicer environment for your employees, but it also helps to improve the air quality in and around your business by producing oxygen and filtering pollution. Planting trees is the original way to help the environment.

Having a garden or just a few trees where you can make your building look more inviting and can create needed shade too. Why not get your employees involved planting and caring for your greenery? Spending time outside can improve a person’s mood and boost productivity so not only is it good for the environment its good for business too.

How will you make your business more eco-friendly?

As you can see there are many different ways to make changes and be greener as a business. But it can be cost-effective and even save you money too. Look at your business practices and see what small changes can make your business more eco-friendly. From switching your printer paper to providing commuter services, you can do your bit to help the environment.

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