9 Eco-Friendly Tips for Running a Business

You are running a business, but you are also an environmentalist. Whether the two are related or not, one doesn’t exclude the other. After all, if this planet is damaged, your business is most likely going to be affected.

There are plenty of ways to run an eco-friendly business and it starts with you. We have compiled some environmental-conscious strategies for starting an eco-friendly company that will benefit both you and the planet.

Check out these tips on how to run a sustainable company with minimal impact on our environment so you can live your values right now!

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

This one is not rocket science. One of the easiest and simplest ways to live your values as a business is to do what you can to reduce your carbon footprint and impact on the environment. A good way to start is to purchase green equipment and products for your company. If you don’t have the budget to invest in this right away, consider a one-time use or one-time purchase option.

Get Creative With Green Materials

Recycling cans and bottles does not have to be boring. Consider using alternative packaging such as reusable plastic bags, alternative packaging for the office and even reusable plastic straws. What you do with a reusable container, or packaging in general, is up to you. Use your creativity to come up with creative ways to use these materials.

Host workshops

Learning about sustainable practices and using green materials can also be fun. Host workshops and seminars about sustainability to bring more awareness about eco-friendly practices. This not only makes the company more sustainable, but it can also bring awareness to a specific cause or purpose of your business. Even if your company has only one other employee, this can bring great awareness to the whole community.

Recycle And Reuse To Save Money

Recycling is a way of reducing the amount of waste that we produce. By doing so, we cut down on the amount of waste that we send to the landfill and make sure that our resources are being used efficiently. Waste that is sent to a landfill is a huge ecological issue. One piece of recycling can reduce the carbon footprint of the environment by approximately 2,5 kilograms.

Choose Eco-Friendly Packaging

This is the easiest one to implement and one of the biggest barriers to doing so is choosing eco-friendly packaging. However, there are plenty of products out there that can be sourced and packaged in a way that is friendly to the environment.

For example, take rice, which is a super important staple for a lot of people. Why are we tossing half-full bags of rice in the trash when we can recycle them? When you can, it is always better to keep recyclable goods in use and throw away unusable products that will end up in the landfill. Think about your supply chain as well, you can also recycle cups, plates, or cups of all types at your local restaurants or businesses.

Seek Out Eco-Friendly Vendors

You’re in the business of getting the best and, most of the time, the most eco-friendly service you can get. As such, you’ll want to check out the various vendors you contract to provide you with products. There is nothing worse than working with a vendor that lacks an eco-friendly strategy. If you’re unsure of whether a vendor fits your needs, read their environmental policies to find out.

Walk-Around With Vendors

Many small businesses aren’t business-minded enough to know that eco-friendly vendors exist, so they often go with the first company that comes along. This is a mistake. Instead, read the vendors’ websites to see what their business strategies are and whether they are more than just another outfit.

Paper

The first big thing is switching to environmentally friendly paper. When you’re out there producing new products, no matter how green they may be, it only takes a single piece of paper to cause a huge environmental impact. This one thing can easily be done differently to make an eco-friendly impact. Read more about doing business while protecting the environment.

Get a Green Business Card

If you are not yet familiar with this eco-friendly tip, make sure to get a green business card. One of the simplest ways to show off your values and make a difference in the world is to get yourself a green business card. Not only will it showcase your company’s commitment to the environment, but it will also let potential clients know where to find your product.

Plastic

When you’re out buying an eco-friendly product, it is advisable to go the organic route and opt for items that aren’t processed with plastic. Even something as small as your water bottle could take up valuable resources in packaging. We know a lot of companies use metal or stainless steel for their products, but even the plastic ones are not so eco-friendly.

Turn It Green

When you’re traveling or trying to justify a move to somewhere that you can save money and lessen your environmental impact, you can save money on going eco-friendly by buying items that come in plastic, as opposed to non-plastic items.

Glass

Glass products have an intensely clear look, meaning you can actually see what you’re doing and see how it looks. They can also be darker depending on the color, which gives them a look similar to leather shoes.

You can even opt for very subtle palettes, which gives them a subtle, earthy quality that can be used to highlight design elements and boldness. Glass also uses much less energy than standard plastic bottles when packaging.

Employ More Environmentally Friendly Practices For Your Business

The first step towards running a sustainable business is understanding where your product is coming from. Is it plastic or paper? Will it end up in a landfill or the recycling bin?

By taking the time to research the sources of the products you use, you are removing unnecessary waste and making a difference on the planet. If you are going to use something like a credit card, make sure that you don’t end up with a ton of plastic in your pocket and in the landfill.

Sustainable businesses also use renewable energy. There are some eco-friendly electric and hybrid cars that are becoming more affordable and even require less gasoline. Even purchasing power from renewable sources can help you save on energy costs.

In conclusion, there are plenty of ways to run an eco-friendly company. Start with these tips on how to run an eco-friendly business and you’ll be off to a good start.