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If you’re running a small business, then you might think your environmental impact is insignificant, but in fact, it matters immensely. Do you know that using sustainable resources and introducing recycling and waste reduction measures not only can create a positive effect on the environment but can also improve your business’s profitability and reputation. The environmental impact of business activity is a growing concern for customers, who are becoming increasingly aware and expectant of good environmental practices.
Here are 5 ways to make your business greener:
1. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Companies should try to reduce waste as much as they can. Instead of disposable cups, plates, and utensils, they can choose real glass and ceramic alternatives. Placing recycling bins and composting bins throughout your business can encourage employees and customers to participate in your company’s eco-friendly practices.
2. Use Sustainable Products
The items that company purchase to make sure their workplace functions well, for example, printer papers, cleaning products or plastic containers, it can be harmful to the environment due to the processes that go into making them. For all those paper items that commonly used, such as toilet rolls or printer paper, company can look for those with labelling that says it is made from post or pre-consumer waste. Recycled products such as these maintain a circular economy and reduce overall waste.
3. Manage Energy Use
Becoming energy efficient not only helps to decrease carbon footprints, but it can also help to reduce the company’s energy bill. Many simple steps can be done such as use energy-efficient appliances, switch to LED lights, automate lights with sensors, etc.
4. Get An Environmental Audit
An environmental audit looks at how your business affects the environment and sets a benchmark for improvement. It’s useful for finding the areas of your business that impact the environment the most. Checking how well you meet environmental regulations also helps you manage business risk.
An environmental audit can help you:
- assess the nature and extent of harm to the environment caused your business
- assess how you can manage or improve the condition of the environment
- prioritize what you need to do to reduce your environmental impact
- show your business’s accountability to the government, customers, and shareholders.
5. Set up an Environmental Management System
Consider setting up an environmental management system (EMS). This is a tool to manage your business’s current and future environmental impact. ISO 14001 standard sets out the requirements for a certified EMS.
ISO14001 standard can :
- Reduced cost of waste management
- Savings in consumption of energy and materials
- A systematic approach in addressing environmental protection
- Continual improvement of the environment management system to prevent pollution
- Improved corporate image among regulators and environmentally aware customers
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