How green is your BUSINESS?

Community

The more invested you are in your community, and vice versa, the more likely it is that residents will shop local, supporting your business and keeping you a part of their community. Additionally, the stronger the local economy is in your area, the more desirable the neighbourhood will become, and the higher the property value will become for you.

Use locally-owned and -operated businesses for your services

Cleaning services, plumbers, electricians, handymen, key duplication services, hardware stores, and management services can all come from local businesses. And again, when you support our local economy, it becomes stronger, which benefits all of us.

Reduce the amount of Waste you generate

Waste reduction can lead to big cost savings for your business. For example, by double-sided printing and purchasing in bulk, you not only reduce the amount of materials you use and associated packaging, you have less to dispose of, and more - leading to reduced disposal costs.

If you're a restaurant, donate your food waste to a local garden for composting.

Sending more emails can save on a lot of paper waste, which, in turn, decreases the amount of trees which have to be cut down.

Another way to significantly cut down on paper is to utilize email marketing instead of direct mail and flyers. Direct mail and flyers require a lot of paper, often up to a tree a month.

Switch to LED lighting

LED lighting is more “green” than its traditional counterparts. LED lights contain no harmful toxins, which can pollute the earth and harm living life forms if released when the bulbs shatter. Florescent lighting, on the other hand, does contain harmful toxins, such as mercury and lead. LED lights are also more energy efficient, mostly recyclable, and last a lot longer than traditional lighting, which cuts down on waste.

Use non-toxic cleaning materials

By using cleaning products without toxins especially Sodium Laurel Sulphate, you will run less chemicals into the waterways and improve your staff’s health.

Eco Procurement

Practice environmentally preferable purchasing by purchasing and sourcing materials locally. If you are in retail, can you sell more organic or natural products? Try substitute recycled-content materials for new.

Items that are mined in South Africa, built in China, assembled in Mexico, then sent back to South Africa for retail have a high Carbon Footprint.

Insulation

Weatherproof windows and doors throughout the building or office. Use eco insulation for the ceilings.

Calculate your Carbon Footprint to give your company a baseline.

Employ an ECO AUDITOR to calculate your Carbon Footprint calculator to see how you're doing and where you can start making improvements.

Plants

Utilize your outdoor spaces by growing shrubs and trees. Not only will this be visually appealing, but you'll also be helping to create more oxygen in the process. Add many potted plants into the office or building to adsorb toxins.

Replace Old Appliances with New, Energy-Efficient Ones

By replacing your old, worn-out appliances with new, energy-efficient ones, you can save a ton of energy. This not only saves you money, but also cut down on the amount of electricity which has to be used.

Buy Organic

Organic products are created without the use of GMO’s (Genetically Modified Organisms) and harmful chemicals, like pesticides. This lowers the amount of toxins released into the air, thus lowering the damage to the ozone layer.

Use Recycled Products

Recycled products help because you are reusing items which have already been used. There is a new trend called Repurposing – where old items are created into shelves, tables, chairs etc.

Recycle

Recycling is super simple, cost effective, and can really make a big difference. In fact, recycling is the very foundation of the “green” effort. Plastics, metals, and glass can all be recycled.

Use Alternative Energy Sources for Power

Alternative energy sources like solar power, wind power, and water power use natural elements to create electricity, so there aren’t toxins released into the air. Solar power is the most popular and readily available, but wind power and water power are options in certain areas of the world. Alternative energy sources save your business money, while simultaneously helping the environment.

Start a Lift or Ride Share

Cars omit a lot of emissions, which can pollute the air and harm the atmosphere. By starting a lift or ride share for your business, you can help reduce some of these emissions.

Staff Happiness Factor

By treating your staff well, giving correct medical and financial support, bonuses and time off, adhering to all safety compliances, and short travel distances to and from work -your company will have a content crew – which can only be beneficial to your business.

Help one another out!

If your business has had success working with a specific recycling program or a great recycled content product, share your experience with your colleagues!

These simple changes can help your business while also helping the environment. Your business has the ability to generate new leads, bring in new business, and cut down significantly on their overhead costs.

If you would like me to access your business and assist you to GREEN YOUR BUSINESS, please email me on danielleklaff@gmail.com

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