It’s a widely known fact that climate change is real, as such businesses and organizations have altered their operations to incorporate eco-friendly business practices and maintain their environment sustainability. That’s why green initiatives are common in the workplace nowadays.
Going green involves committing to making some adjustments to almost every aspect of your everyday life. For businesses, it entails changing the way operations are done, and the materials your employees use daily. The ultimate goal is to reduce your carbon footprint through responsible adjustments.
Fortunately, because of modern times and various technological advancements, the quest to go green has become more realistic and attainable. Going green not only manifests the contemporary definition of a socially responsible business, but it also exhibits the organization’s concern for the welfare of the environment.
If you’re planning to make a switch, listed below are some ways for your business to go green.
1. Going Digital
Innovations in information technology and artificial intelligence are changing the way business is conducted globally, which is also helping to build a greener environment for all. Green technologies with minimal or zero waste during production have been produced as a result. Take cloud computing, for example:
Some organizations have an integrated cloud computing system that’s responsible for most computer-operated tasks. It’s connected to other systems, such as the human resource management (HRM) and inventory management system (IMS). The cloud computing system gathers all the data within an organization’s ecosystem enabling it to digitally summarize what’s going on in the organization. In a nutshell, the cloud allows businesses to manage all their processes electronically, without the use of paper. So, by using the cloud, a business reduces its footprint by default.
Another example of how your business can go digital is the use of an online fax service like MyFax which can make your business greener. By using an online fax service your business eradicates the need to use a fax machine, or paper. You can simply send and receive faxes through your phone or computer.
2. Paperless Billing
Nowadays, you can process most payments online. This applies to your bills, utilities, taxes, and even mortgage payments. The development of sophisticated mobile banking applications and online payment systems makes this possible. As a result, there’s no need to have a physical paper trail of a transaction in most cases. All you need is a secured means of transacting and storing digital receipts.
Paperless billing is also more convenient because it prevents the clustering of receipts and invoices which takes up space and adds to the clutter.
3. Access To Natural Light
Whether you work at home or in the office, access to natural light is necessary for your overall well-being. Not only is it healthy for you to have access to natural light, but it means that you won’t need to use light bulbs as much, which saves energy. So, when looking for a building office space, try to find or construct spaces that have access to natural light.
4. Remote Work
If your business operations are running smoothly on a remote work set-up, then there’s no need to go back to the office. Consequently, maintaining this kind of set-up makes a business greener because it drastically reduces its carbon footprint.
Plus, remote working has already gained traction, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Some employees prefer working from home as opposed to the office. Therefore, it doesn’t seem like the trend will slow down soon. Also, going remote brings a huge amount of savings for the business.
5. Recyclable Ink Cartridges
Instead of buying new cartridges every time ink runs out, refill the existing ones and reuse them. This ensures that you don’t waste cartridges. You not only save money, but you also save the planet as well by preventing these cartridges from ending up in landfills.
6. Recycle Bins
You should ensure that there are recycling bins in designated areas in the office, such as the kitchen, cafeteria, or lounge area. Not all waste is useless because some of it can be recycled. Recycle bins can separate recyclable and non-recyclable waste. Make sure that you clearly label the bins to prevent confusion.
In addition, to improve awareness, you could also organize an office drive to recycle old paper files and documents to clear the office space, thus making every employee realize the importance of going green.
7. Solar Energy
Solar energy is one of the most popular renewable energy sources available. Solar panels are becoming more affordable because of improvements in technology and efficiency. Instead of solely relying on the electric grid for power, consider using solar as a secondary power source.
Even so, solar is an excellent option for those businesses that operate in areas that receive a lot of sun. So, if your business is in a chilly place that barely receives any sunlight, this may not be the best option.
8. Reusable Packaging
Do away with plastics and other non-renewable packaging items. Most people are now aware of the harmful effects of plastic on the environment. So, for those organizations that want to go green, consider using reusable packaging instead. Encourage your employees to use recyclable items and materials as much as possible.
Conclusion
When you decide to go green, get your team involved in the entire process from the start. This is especially important if the transition involves changes that may affect people’s routines. Their input could be the difference between success and failure. So, open up the floor for your staff to contribute. Also, when you educate your employees, give them time to adjust. Understand that this may take time, but the rewards of going green are worth it in the long run.