By: Dwight Smith OnMedia
IntroductIon • Operating a green business is not only good for the environment but good for your business's bottom line because conserving resources and cutting down on waste saves money. The good news is that whether you run a home-based business or an offsite enterprise, there are simple things you can do to run an environmentally friendly business.
Ways To Make Your Business Environmentally-Friendly Office Supplies Be conscious about electricity Use natural cleaning products Get involved and support a cause Switch to reusable or green packaging
Office Supplies •
In the U.S. alone, over four million disposable pens are thrown away every day. And that’s just pens. Your businesses can make changes by stocking the office with reusable pens - ones which simply have their inks refilled. The process of refilling makes it easier to keep track of pens, rather than losing them and simply replacing them. Plus they actually work out cheaper longterm.
Be Conscious About Electricity •
This may seem like a no-brainer, but how many times do you walk by a store or building and see so many lights left on when the place isn’t even open? Turn off your lights, unplug things that aren’t in use, change lighting to be energy-saving, or better yet, if you have windows, use natural light more.
Get Involved and Support a Cause •
Being socially responsible doesn’t always have to do with eco-friendly lifestyle changes, getting your business involved in the community to support a cause can be great for team building, your community, and your business. Organize a local neighbourhood clean up after the snow melts, volunteer at a local soup kitchen, give a portion of profits on particular days towards a cause you care about, the options are endless.
Use Natural Cleaning Products • When you use regular cleaning products, harmful chemicals are being released into the environment. By changing to natural cleaning products, you’re helping reduce pollution into our water system and eliminating fewer smog-producing chemicals. There are so many recipes online to make your own cleaning products with products you may already have in your cupboards, like vinegar or baking soda.
Switch to Reusable or Green Packaging •
Does your store use plastic bags? Or what kind of packaging do you use to ship product to your customers? There are so many eco-friendly packaging options now, from compostable or reusable bags, to packaging that can be planted in your garden. Rethink the type of packaging you are using at all stages of your business, and figure out alternatives or ways you can cut back.
• Dwight Smith OnMedia offers innovative 100% biodegradable beverage and food carriers that can hold 4-color process printing.