Environmental consciousness is good for business. Not only are consumers becoming more likely to buy products from companies with less environmental impact, but businesses themselves also stand to save money and even boost morale by going green. Here are a few ways that small businesses can do their part to help the environment:
Take it to the Cloud Cloud computing has not only allowed businesses to become more streamlined, collaborative and efficient, but they also make them greener too. Consider, for example, how much paper and ink is saved when files are saved, shared and disseminated digitally. Applications like Mobile Work Folder and Microsoft’s Office 365 that allow employees in different office locations to collaborate more efficiently and access documents from anywhere with no travel required.
Reduce Paper Waste There are also ways to reduce waste for those documents that absolutely must be printed. Printing double-sided pages, using post-consumer waste paper, eliminating unnecessary fax-cover sheets, printing documents in less-bold fonts and ensuring that used paper ends up in the recycling bin are just a few ways to reduce the carbon footprint made by paper products.
Travel Via Teleconference Businesses are now able to save on travel time and expenses by taking advantage of teleconferencing and video conferencing technologies. Employees that have access to Internet Plans and Mobile Internet solutions, combined with the right devices and collaboration software can save money, spend less time on the road, and decrease commuting and carbon emissions.
Bring Nature To Work The office environment itself can be an opportunity for business owners to reduce their carbon footprint while saving money, and even boost office morale. Introducing little changes like taking advantage of natural lighting, using open windows instead of air conditioning and bringing in a few potted plants instead of more wasteful office decor can make a big impact on how employees view their company’s commitment to environmental sustainability, while freshening the air they breathe everyday.
Recycle Beyond the Bin Throwing empty pop cans or used paper into the recycling bin is a good start, but there are a number of ways for businesses to take recycling to the next level. At many organizations, used smartphones end up in a drawer, closet or storage room collecting dust and taking up space. These units contain both valuable materials and hazardous substances and should be properly recycled so they don’t end up in landfill. Rogers Business Trade-Up – a safe and simple buyback program that accepts phones from any carrier – is one way businesses can safely dispose of company-owned devices and get value in return.
Be Vigilant Taking these steps is a great way to start your company on the road to a greener future, but the range of environmentally conscious solutions and products is growing everyday. Those who are serious about reducing their carbon footprint should stay on top of these solutions as they become more cost effective and more widely available in Canada.
