This is a collaborative post but all the opinions are my own
Just because we're coming to the end of Plastic Free July, doesn't mean we should stop making a positive change. Businesses are places that drive change. If you don't offer eco-friendly alternatives, consumers can't buy them! There are lots of little changes you can make that will make a big difference. Here are some ways to can make your business more eco-friendly!
Use Eco-Friendly Packaging
If you ship out items, opt for eco-friendly postal packaging. It's better for the environment and can keep your customers happy. Not only are cardboard packages more durable, but they are also recyclable. From biodegradable mailing backs to boxes, there are so many ways to ship your products ethically. There are lots of options that mean you no longer have to use plastic in your packages. If you're packaging your products, here are some easy swaps you can make:
- Swap plastic tape for brown paper tape
- Use shredded paper for protection instead of bubble wrap or plastic airbags
- Use recyclable mailing bags instead of plastic mailing pouches
- Wrap clothing in tissue paper instead of plastic clothing bags
- Get rid of any unnecessary packaging
- Combine orders where you can to reduce the packaging needed
Try Plastic-Free Products
There are 2 ways you can achieve a plastic-free office; not purchasing plastic items and not selling items with plastic. If you're creating your office space, avoid buying things that are made with plastic. This includes bins, chairs and even snacks that have plastic wrapping. It also includes buying products to resell. If your supplier uses packaging or lids, see if they're willing to change or find a more eco-conscious supplier. Understandably this isn't always possible.
The second way was, don't sell plastic. If you create your own products, use eco-friendly packaging. Glass jars and cardboard are a great combination. The jars can be refillable for a discount to the customer - great if you're aiming for zero-waste! Make sure your postal packaging is also recyclable. Lil Packaging offers an amazing range of packaging, all of which is eco-friendly. They also allow you to order smaller quantities if you're a smaller business, reducing your waste if you don't need them!
Introduce A Cycle-To-Work Scheme
Cars and public transport are great, but they produce a lot of emissions. There are lots of businesses who opt for cycle to work schemes, especially ones located in the city. They provide dedicated bicycle parking, and some even offer vouchers to help purchase a bike with. If you're not willing to give out bikes, you could offer other incentives like cycling-related prizes for the employees who cycle the most days in a month. I have seen lots of businesses run competitions to encourage cycling to work, which brings employees together and helps the environment!
Recycle Where You Can
To make your business more eco-friendly, you could implement a recycling scheme. By having dedicated bins for different rubbish, you'll encourage your employees to recycle more. You could even set up battery and ink cartridge recycling bins, prompting employees to bring these items into work to recycle. Recycling bins are a great way to ensure that rubbish is being disposed of correctly. It's simple to do, but effective in making your business more eco-friendly.
If you want to take it a step further, you can remove the general waste bin. This will encourage employees to take their unrecyclable rubbish home with them. It may even stop generating single-use trash. Crisp packets and chocolate wrappers aren't recyclable, so removing the trash bin may encourage lower consumption of these unhealthy treats, and less rubbish for your business!
Have A Roof Top Garden
Greenery is relaxing and beautiful. If you can, create a rooftop garden on your building! It's a fun and creative way to encourage your employees to look after their environment and have a green thumb. You could have an allotment where you can grow food, areas to sit and relax and even include outdoor working spaces. Having just a few plants or trees is better for the environment than none at all. It's a great idea if you're located in a build-up, industrial area.
If you don't have a rooftop you can use, try and create any sort of outdoor space for your employees. Not only do these spaces help the environment, but they also help the productivity of your employees! It can reduce stress and increase motivation to work . Just being around nature has positive impacts on your workers.
Go Paperless
Although paper is better than plastic, you're still cutting down trees. You can make your business more eco-friendly by swapping to online. If you're sending invoices, send it electronically. You can also request that your suppliers do the same. If you want to send a card from the team, go for a digital option. Group card websites like ecardforest offer a perfect solution for reducing your paper waste. Only print things off if it's necessary. There are lots of cloud storages that you could use to keep all of your important information in one place. Technology is amazing and should be utilised. If you reduce your paper consumption, you'll be reducing the amount of waste your business uses. It will also save you a lot of money on paper and printing!
Reduce Your Electricity & Heating Consumption
It's easy to turn the heating on as soon as the temperature starts to drop. It's also really tempting to blast the air conditioning when temperatures soar. If you're looking to be more eco-friendly, avoid using the thermostat. In the winter, employees can wear jackets and uniform can be relaxed in summer months. If you explain the reasoning behind your decision, your employees should understand that, especially if they share similar eco-friendly values.
These changes are small, but they make a massive difference to both the environment and your outflows. A lot of these methods will save your business money, so what isn't to love! Change starts with businesses, and consumers are becoming more aware of what they're buying. Make sure you're prepared for the shift and become more eco-friendly today! What eco-friendly changes are you making with your business? Let me know what you think is the best change to implement!
Disclaimer: AD - This post is sponsored, but all the opinions are my own. This AD contains affiliate links where you will not be charged anything extra for the things you purchase. I will make a small commission from it to help me run my blog. Read my disclaimer for more information.
Hi there! I'm Emily, and welcome to my little corner of the internet. You can find me preaching sustainability, hustling hard or working on my endless to do list! Together, we can make a productive, happy lifestyle!