Green is Good 2020: An Eco-Friendly Plan for Businesses

Dec 26, 2019

With the new year approaching, it’s time to reflect on how to improve your business in the upcoming year. With new laws in place, like Connecticut’s 10-cent fee on single-use plastic bags, there is a high demand for going green. One resolution your business might consider is becoming a green company.

Now, what is a green company? A green company is one that adopts principles that are consistent with being what the average person would consider to be environmentally friendly. Those who are green companies aim to improve the lives of customers, employees, communities, and the environment based on the actions and choices they make.

Benefits of Being a Green Company

There is more to just being green than meets the eye. There are benefits to going green other than being a friend to the environment.

Meet Expectation of Buyers

A popular trend nowadays is living a sustainable life. Consumers want to do what they can to help the environment and one way to do that is to help companies who agree with their own philosophies. Being a green company connects a business to its market. Those who are eco-conscious consumers are more willing “to pay more for brands that they believe in, such as health/wellness, sustainability, organics, eco-friendliness, and other social values.”

Increase in Customer Loyalty

Not only will your company exceed expectations of the consumer, but you can strengthen their loyalty as well. If customers know the company they purchase from is environmentally friendly, then the clients will be more willing to support that business. You will not only be reaching out to those who are eco-conscious, but you will also be educating those who are less involved in sustainable practices.

Improved Reputation

When you make the pledge to go green, it doesn’t just affect your customers and business; it also effects the world outside the company. By going green, you are making the conscious choice to make a difference and supporting a national cause to becoming energy independent. Making the choice to be eco-friendly improves your image in the eyes of consumers.

Creating a Healthy Work Environment

It is important to have a healthy quality of life in the workplace to help boost employee morale. What is a company without its employees? With a healthy and green work environment, it shows employees that you care for their well-being.

Save Money by Going Green

Reducing waste and energy consumption leaves some extra money in the bank account. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, in 2012, space heating accounted for 25 percent of the total energy use.

You reduce waste by buying less packaging or by buying green products. With energy consumption, you use long-lasting, efficient lighting to decrease electricity which lowers the utility bill.

How to Kickstart the Green Campaign

Recycling is a good way to start the “going green” campaign, but there is more than one way to become a green company.

Minimize Energy Consumption

A good place to start would be decreasing the amount of energy your company consumes. Put an energy-conserving policy in place so that all employees are aware of the rules on energy conservation. Be conscious of the use of heating and cooling systems. Set the thermostat to a maximum of 70˚F when the office is occupied and 61˚F when unoccupied. Use low-energy lighting with motion sensors to prevent lights from being left on when no one is in the office. Set computers to hibernation if not in use for more than 10 minutes and turn them off at the end of the day. Switch to the use laptops instead of desktops computers. Laptops use 80 percent less energy than that of a of PC desktop.

Reduce Waste

There are a lot of ways to reduce the amount of waste consumption in the workplace. Create less waste by ordering out less. Bring in a lunch from home, instead of going out. Have on hand reusable dishware and cutlery instead of the plastic or paper ones that can be thrown away. Encourage employees to bring in reusable mugs or bottles instead of using paper cups. Order the stuff you need in bulk as to minimize the amount of packaging waste. In bathrooms, replace paper towels with hand dryers.

Use Green Cleaning Supplies

When keeping the office clean, use cleaning supplies that contain natural substances instead of hazardous chemicals that could harm the environment, the user, and furniture or electronics.

Be Conscious of Printing Habits

Be aware of how much paper goes through the office by only printing when necessary. If it doesn’t need to be printed, don’t print it. Set the printer to double-sided printing if something must be printed. 

Use Real Plants in the Office

Not only do plants make nice décor for the office, but they are a natural air filter. Plants absorb the carbon in the air.

Visible Recycling Bins

To make sure employees keep up with recycling, make all recycling bins easy access. People will more likely recycle if they can see the place it’s supposed to go.

Overall, Be Mindful

The best way to be environmentally friendly is just be mindful of the choices the company and its employees make. Take the bad habits and change them into good ones.

2020 is just around the corner, but its not too late to start your plan on becoming green. There is more to being a green company than just recycling. Reducing waste and energy consumption helps cut down on costs and creates a healthy green environment for employees. Customer relations will improve knowing that a company they support cares not only for them, but for the environment as well. Going green will only improve your company through these methods.