So you want to do your part in protecting our planet but you don’t think you have the resources to go green in your business? No worries – we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re a small business owner or you are simply managing your household, we’ll show you 5 simple ways you can live life more green and make an impact on saving our planet.
- Say goodbye to one time use items
Whether you’re using paper plates, plastic cutlery or a disposable coffee cup, it’s safe to say that we weave these items into our daily routine for convenience sake. Being intentional about carrying a reusable mug, a travel set of cutlery or a reusable straw is a small change that can make a big impact on our planet by reducing waste.
2. Go Paperless
Ok, so going completely paperless might not be feasible for you and your lifestyle, but you can certainly limit paper use through technology and designing a digital filing system. This will not only reduce paper use but it will eventually cut costs.
3. Check your sources
We all make choices everyday. We decide what brand paper towels, cleaning products, groceries. We make a choice when we select our shipping provider or where we get office supplies. Each one of these decisions can either help or hurt the environment. Here are a few things to consider when stocking up on supplies:
- Are they sustainably manufactured?
- Does it contain toxins or harsh chemicals?
- Can it be recycled or reused?
- Is it made from renewable materials?
- Is it designed to last for years to come?
4. Simply Switch
Making simple changes and upgrades can help conserve energy and it will help you save on the cost of doing business. Here are a couple of ways to save when you make the following changes
- Swap out your light bulbs for energy saving bulbs
- Use a power strip to conserve electricity
5. Reduce Water Usage
That slow drip isn’t just working your last nerve, it’s slowing draining your budget and rapidly draining a crucial natural resource.
- Fix any leaky appliances
- Inform your employees and encourage them to help reduce water usage
If you’re reading these tips and starting to feel overwhelmed, take a breath. Start with one small step. Once you get the hang of it, move on to another one and so on and so forth. Before you know it, you’ll be running a sustainable small business and making a big impact!