Tips to Make Your Company More Eco-Friendly

Making your business green is not simply just recycling paper and other consumables, like inkjet

and toner cartridges. There is much more you can do to convert your office into an eco-friendly

environment. Implementing changes may take some time and resources, but, in the long run, not

only are you helping the environment, but also end up saving money you can reinvest into your

business. The following are a list of some useful tips you can implement in your effort to go

green.

1. Use uniform rental services. Your employees have to spend money on clothing and wash

their work clothes. By using a uniform rental company, you help your employees save

money on work clothes and reduce their water, detergent, and energy usage at home. In

addition, the uniform supply company already has eco-friendly practices in place, such as

using green detergents and high efficiency washers and dryers.

2. Lower energy usage. One of the biggest wastes for businesses is energy usage. Encourage

employees to turn off computers, monitors, and office equipment at the end of the day.

Keep cell phone and tablet charges unplugged whenever they are not needed, as they still

draw some power if they are left plugged into an electrical outlet. Put lights on a timer

with a motion sensor so they automatically turn off. Replace lighting with energy saving

LED lights.

3. Reduce paper usage. You would be surprised to see how much useless information is

printed on paper. There is no need to print email messages and other such documents in

today’s digital society. The next time you print, ask yourself why you need to print and

whether it is really necessary. If you find you want to be able to see the document or

email message, and not have to switch between different applications on the computer,

consider adding a second monitor instead.

4. Recycle more than just paper. E-waste (electronic waste) is a growing concern for the

environment. Any time computers, printers, and other devices reach the end of their

lifecycles, instead of tossing them out like yesterday’s news, there are charities willing to

take these unwanted items off your hands and recycle them.

5. Eliminate paper and fax junk mail. Junk mail is a big waste. Contact the companies that

are sending your unwanted mailings and request to be removed from their mailing lists.

Do the same with junk faxes. You can also find free services online you can use to

remove your business from direct marketing and mailing lists.

6. Turn one person’s trash into treasures for your business. If you need new office furniture,

check out Craigslist and other such sites for items another business or individual wants to

get rid of. There are many great items to be found for bargain prices or even for free.

Additionally, if you have unwanted office furniture and other such items, utilize these

same sites to find a new home for them.

Following these tips and evaluating others can help set you on the right path to making your

office green-friendly. You are able to use your new eco-friendly status to promote your business

in your community, too, and let prospects know you follow green business practices.