Going Green in Business – Is Your Business Prepared?
Going green in business is not something that you can ignore today. The big corporations are trying to lead the way to show that they operate businesses that care a damn about the environment. With carbon pricing already implemented in many countries, there is a hefty price tag if you want to continue to operate with little regard for the environment.
Perhaps you are a small business which has just started to think about how to go green. There are many different ideas that you can apply to go green. Some ideas can be applied almost immediately – it just requires a change in habit from the way we are used to doing things.
Going Digital
Reducing the amount of paper and printing that we use in conducting our daily business affairs is an easy way to reduce the environmental impacts of our business. Only print hard copy documents where necessary. More often than not, important documents can be stored digitally on your computer. Plus, there is plenty of space on your hard drive to organize your important business documents into compartments or folders.
Green Hosting
If you have an online presence for your business, when you next sign up to renew your hosting, check with your hosting company whether they used green energy. Many green hosting companies use wind energy to provide hosting for businesses, at no extra charge.
Run Teleseminars
Rather than meet with clients in person by driving your car to their office premises, consider speaking to them over the phone. If they are overseas, consider using Skype to have a business meeting, or for longer more formal events which involved your suppliers or customers, consider holding a teleseminar or webinar. These services are a relatively low cost way to reduce your commute, and still conduct your business operations to achieve your objectives.
Environmental Audits
Many Governments are encouraging businesses to have an environmental audit done of their business. An environmental audit can help identify what environmental practices you are currently doing well in your business, and also to identify areas for improvement. It is also important from a legal perspective, to find out whether you are breaching any environmental laws or regulations in your country. Although, it is a cost of business, ultimately it could save your company money, as reduce any exposure to liabilities or risks that could otherwise have been mitigated if you were aware of them.
Commute to Your Office
Try commuting to your office using an alternate mode of transport besides your car. Forget about getting stuck in traffic jams, and enjoy the benefits of using a more environmentally friendly alternative to get to work. Walking or commuting to your office by bike is an excellent way to get to your office. You can also stay fit and healthy by getting some exercise on your daily commute. Get to your know your fellow neighbors and business occupants as you walk or cycle to work. It’s a much friendlier mode for getting to work and for meeting people. You might even find yourself doing some useful business networking along the way.
Going green in business doesn’t have to be difficult if you take some simple actions each day to be more environmentally friendly. Identify how your business can go green, and start putting your plans in motion by taking action.
