As worldwide pollution levels increase and climate change begins to impact our lives in different ways, many businesses are switching up their practices to do their part to help combat climate change and the destruction of the planet. But why are these businesses going green, and what are the benefits of making business more eco-friendly? Read on to find out.
Why should I make my business eco-friendly?
Becoming an eco-friendly business can significantly impact a business’s bottom line in addition to helping save the environment. Here are a few reasons to go green:
- Reduce costs: The top reason to switch to being more eco-friendly is to help reduce your overhead costs. When you pay attention to how much energy or water you’re using on a daily basis, you can drastically cut your monthly expenses.
- Consumer preferences: If all other things are equal, many customers will work with a company that identifies as eco-friendly over one that doesn’t. If you’re trying to top your competitors, follow our eco-friendly business practices below and make sure you advertise them to the public!
- Business opportunities: It’s not just customers who want to work with eco-friendly companies—going green can also open up opportunities with other business partners, especially with the government. If you’re looking to get some government contracts, consider going green.
- Tax incentives: Even if you don’t win any customers or make any new business partners, you can still save a bundle during tax time after going green. Many state and federal tax credits are available for eco-friendly businesses.
Ways to become an eco-friendly business
The good news is there are plenty of easy ways to become an eco-friendly business. Practice these steps to experience all the benefits of making business more eco-friendly:
- Recycle and use recycled paper: The easiest thing you can do to go green is to set up a few recycling bins for all of your used paper. You can take this initiative one step further by using recycled paper and paper goods, including packaging materials, toilet paper and napkins.
- Dispose of ink properly: It’s all too easy to toss that empty ink or toner cartridge in the trashcan once it runs dry, but even dry cartridges can negatively impact the environment. Instead of sending those cartridges to the landfill, take them to cartridge drop-off bins, which are typically located at stores like Staples, Office Depot and Walmart.
- Purchase energy-efficient lights: Along with encouraging employees to turn off lights after leaving a room, consider switching to energy-efficient LEDs or compact fluorescent lights (CFLs). These lights are a bit more expensive, but they’re better for the environment, and they last 50 times longer than traditional bulbs.
Let us help you go green
The answer to the question, “Why should I make my business eco-friendly?” seems pretty straightforward! If you’re ready to experience all of these eco-friendly business benefits for yourself, get in touch with our team at CIWA, Inc. today. Our sustainability programs help get your business on the path to being eco-friendly.