![\"Sustainability](\"https:\/\/theboonroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/The-Boon-Room-Sustainability-Ideas-for-Businesses-1.png\")
<\/p>\nIn today\u2019s world, sustainability is a topic on everyone\u2019s minds, and many businesses are taking note. More and more consumers are demanding more sustainable products and sustainability practices from the companies they support. Companies that implement greener ideas and practices will attract more customers while helping protect the environment and preserve it for future generations.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Going green is a good idea for any business\u2014big or small\u2014and there are many reasons to implement sustainability efforts. These green initiatives provide several benefits; they:<\/p>\n
Whatever size and type of business you run, there are many ways to go green at work and reap the benefits of sustainable practices in your company. Here are some of our favorite sustainability activities for companies of all types to implement:<\/p>\n
Start with a professional energy audit to find ways you can cut back on energy usage. You\u2019ll find out just how much energy your business uses regularly, and get tips on how you can improve. Some easy ways to lessen your energy use include installing weather stripping around doors and windows, changing out lightbulbs to LED bulbs, and using smart power strips for computers and other electronics. Turn off lights and electronics in rooms not in use or install automatic lighting systems.<\/p>\n
On the production line, upgrade or repair any old machinery and equipment to increase energy efficiency. Evaluate the process flow to see if there are more efficient options. Use training and quality checks to reduce waste in production. Use Energy Star-certified appliances in kitchens, breakrooms, or wherever your company uses appliances.<\/p>\n
If your company uses a lot of disposable items, find reusable alternatives to green up your routine. Look into washable options for towels, gloves, personal protective equipment, and more. You can use a laundry service for towels, uniforms, and other cloth items so that you don\u2019t have to worry about washing them yourself. Besides, the high-efficiency machines at these services are often more eco-friendly than most smaller washing machines used in homes and small businesses.<\/p>\n
Stock the office breakrooms with ceramic dishes and coffee cups instead of paper, Styrofoam, plastic disposables, or encourage employees to bring their own reusable cups and dishware.<\/p>\n
All businesses need to be cleaned regularly, and cleaning products aren\u2019t always eco-friendly. Make the switch to a company that uses green cleaning products, or if you do the cleaning in-house, provide more natural cleaning supplies and washable mops and towels.<\/p>\n
![\"Recycling](\"https:\/\/theboonroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Recycling-Bins-1024x768.jpg\")
Be sure to offer marked recycling bins next to every trash bin, sorted for your local pickup standards. Include smaller recycling containers for every desk or work station to make recycling easy.<\/p>\n
If your area offers compost pickup, or your property allows composting, you can take this a step further and offer compost bins for food waste in breakrooms. This green step dramatically reduces the amount of garbage generated in lunchrooms.<\/p>\n
Plants inside your office space, lobby, or retail area can help provide better indoor air quality and a serene environment that customers and employees will find more soothing. If your business has an outdoor area, consider eco-friendly landscaping options such as adding trees if space allows, using native plants to reduce watering, and using landscaping options that reduce or eliminate the need for mowing. Consider creating habitats for native birds, bees, and other pollinators with your landscaping.<\/p>\n
Depending on the type of business you run, this idea may or may not apply, and will depend on just what you offer consumers. Look at the services and products you provide for your customers and see if there are more eco-friendly options. For example, a cleaning company can switch to natural cleaning products and use reusable cloth instead of disposable paper towels. A clothing company could source fabrics from more sustainable resources like organic cotton and bamboo, or promote upcycling used clothing and fabric.<\/p>\n
For many types of businesses, packaging can be an issue. Whether it\u2019s shipping boxes, shopping bags, or takeout containers, your customers will appreciate eco-friendly packaging options. Try to reduce plastic and Styrofoam use as much as possible, and package your goods in recyclable or compostable materials.<\/p>\n
![\"Sustainable](\"https:\/\/theboonroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/sustainable-cannabis-products-611.jpg\")
![\"Recyle](\"https:\/\/theboonroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Recyle-and-Reuse-Coffee-Cups.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"Sustainability](\"https:\/\/theboonroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/The-Boon-Room-Sustainability-Ideas-for-Businesses-2.png\")
<\/p>\n