Going Green in Your Small or Medium Size Business

Going green is the way of the future and this shows. Not only does sustainability in business help the planet, it is also shown to help the business. According to The Natural Marketing Institute,  consumers are 58% more likely to buy products or use services from a company when it is conscious of its environmental footprint. Establishing eco-friendly practices within a business can lead to a wide range of benefits on top of attracting customers. Companies with sustainable ideals reduce the costs of operations, qualify for eco-friendly incentives through federal tax credits and energy companies, and have higher employee retention rates with surveys showing that 52% of employees want their companies to be more environmentally aware.

Businesses That Use Sustainable PracticesIt’s possible for any company to build a sustainable business regardless of size. Implementing a green business model only takes innovation and dedication and is feasible for small companies with a handful of people. Examples of small to medium sized businesses that can incorporate green practices include eco-friendly retailers like West Paw or Thread, organic food companies like Galactic Pizza, or even green housekeeping services. These types of companies are focused on reusing materials, using environmentally friendly packaging, implementing renewable energy, and sourcing ingredients from responsible places. Other companies are focused on energy consumption and reducing their carbon footprint. 1&1, a web hosting company has lowered heat loss in their data centers by 20% and also purchased Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) that go towards funding renewable energy projects.

The Basics of Implementing Green Practices In Your Company 

​Implement Environmentally Friendly Lighting

• Use work spaces with natural light.
• Install timer lights/motion sensor lights.
• Switch out light bulbs for energy efficient options.
• Remind employees to turn off lights when they leave.
• Use desk lamps rather than overhead lights.

Reduce Paper Use

• Paperless billing.
• Green reminders in email signatures.
• Remove your business from unnecessary mailing lists.
• Utilize the cloud to keep track of documents.
• Only print essential documents.
• Use both sides of the paper.
• Recycle.

Minimize Single Use Products

• Install a filtered water fountain & distribute reusable bottles.
• Encourage employees to use reusable containers.
• Get rid of plastic utensils in the break room.

Be Conscious of Device Use

• Use power strips.
• Turn off electronic devices when they’re not in use.
• Set computers on automatic sleep mode.
• Buy energy efficient electronic devices and appliances.
• Donate old electronics or recycle them.

Ready to Take it to the Next Level?

Does your company have all your entry-level “going green” bases covered? Try taking it up a notch by investing in some of these suggested practices. 

• Support Policy Initiatives: Seek out policies that support your company’s values. 87% of customers will purchase products from a company that supports issues they care about. This could mean advocating for land conservation, climate change studies, or animal rights.  
•  Switch To Renewable Energy: Look into using Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGO) backed energy at your company. REGO certificates assure that the energy you are using is 100% renewably sourced. This helps you stay conscious of your energy use and helps you calculate your electricity emissions.
• Create a Green Business Model: Implement green practices into all aspects of your business to completely reform your company into a green business. This means using eco-friendly vendors, recycling and reusing supplies, and using sustainable materials.
•  Participate In Green Finance: Green finance is a great way for companies to show their commitment to improving the environment. This involves supporting local projects that focus on sustainable agriculture, local ecology, and other projects that benefit the community. 
• Green Marketing : Focus on marketing tactics that don’t harm the environment by reducing paper waste and light pollution. Instead focus on eco-friendly marketing strategies that revolve around word-of-mouth and social media. ​