March 23, 2023
Every year on April 22, we celebrate Earth Day – a day to look at how we can all do more to protect the overall health of our planet.
For many, it can mean doing something “green” for the day and moving on.
But the intent of the day goes beyond a 24-hour timeframe.
For instance, did you know sustainability efforts can reduce your business costs and increase productivity?
Small beginnings
Being sustainable, or “going green,” isn’t a hard change to implement in a business.
Starting small can often have the biggest impact, such as reducing the number of single-use products.
Instead of using disposable plastic cups, why not provide reusable options – maybe even ones that are branded with your company’s logo?
It’s a great gift and can help reduce the use of single-use plastics while increasing your brand awareness.
Plus, a one-time purchase of water bottles, compared to a monthly (or even weekly) restock of plastic cups, can save your business money.
Another great place to start your sustainability efforts is by reviewing your storage and supply areas.
You’ll clearly see what items you have overstocked and what items are used the most by staff.
?For single-use or disposable items that are frequently used, think of how you can cut back.
?Include your staff in the discussion by asking them how frequently they use the items, if they are truly needed and if they have any ideas for more sustainable replacement materials or items.
?Creating buy-in for the solutions will help ensure that sustainability efforts continue.
If your business is constantly going through boxes of paper, consider going to a more digital format to reduce paper waste and cut down on your spending.
Even going to double-sided copies can save you time, money and be more environmentally friendly.
Available options
Evaluate if there are appropriate containers available to collect your waste and recycling.
Does each desk have two waste containers – one for recyclables and one for waste?
If not, are they available nearby?
Having the right containers available could make a difference in how waste is collected.
When staff sees you are making an effort to be more sustainable, they may follow your lead in becoming more sustainable themselves.
Businesses that actively support recycling and waste initiatives have seen productivity boosts from their staff when combined with other productivity practices.
Customers oftentimes value businesses that are finding ways to reduce waste and recycle more, through sustainable initiatives.
Be sure to share with your customers how your business is becoming more sustainable through your social media channels or e-newsletters.
You may end up inspiring them to do more, too.
Lasting impacts
Being sustainable can start small but have long-lasting impacts.
Just like with most changes, it will take time to implement, but with determination, assistance and inclusion of your staff, your business can be on its way to saving time, money, increasing productivity and helping to keep our planet healthy and thriving.
Mark Walter is the business development manager for Brown County Resource Recovery Department – which aims to meet the solid waste disposal needs of local communities and businesses through methods that are environmentally sound and economical.