7 reasons why you need to embrace the green revolution before it’s too late
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Eco-friendliness is no longer an option but a necessity. And in some cases, the law. Yet there are numerous benefits when you embrace the green revolution, further to avoiding sanctions.
Help improve brand image
As a business, you have a responsibility to your brand’s identity. And you can’t build or sustain a modern brand built on outdated thinking and harmful environmental practices. Perhaps established companies can escape some penalties. But even the mighty corporations such as McDonald’s, Coca-Cola and DuPont are making massive strides, such as using sustainable flexible packaging solutions to change their business practices and maintain brand loyalty. For example, all Coca-Cola’s 500ml or less bottles are made from 100% recycled plastics.
Embrace the green revolution for public alignment
Your internal structure, who you do business with, and manufacturing practices need to change in line with public expectations. Among the most considerable expectations customers have today is that you do everything possible to make your company greener and more sustainable. Just as the public is forced to do at home. You can capitalize on public sentiment by pledging net-zero policies. This could help your business stand out, given that only 6% of the surveyed 54,000 firms are taking this approach. A dishearteningly low figure, you will agree.
Play a role in reducing waste
Waste is among the most concerning aspects of making our planet healthier and more sustainable. The facts and figures are shocking all over the world. But in the USA alone, and just for food, almost 110 billion pounds (40%) is wasted at the cost of over $400 billion. You can help reduce waste in the workplace with trash pre-sorting, banning single-use plastics and encouraging the paperless office. You are responsible for being an example to your employees, and adjusting business practices accordingly will play a considerable role in any changes.
Educate employees about sustainability
Your company can be a beacon of eco-friendliness no matter your sector. And while it begins at the top, you will achieve significant results through employee education about sustainability at work and home. Some methods of doing this include the following:
- Place posters or signs around the workplace.
- Encourage using digital communication rather than paper.
- Hold regular meetings and seminars for sharing ideas.
- Remind about waste and sustainability with digital newsletters and emails.
- Offer employees bonuses and prizes for being greener.
You can’t force people to be greener at the office or home. However, you can change the way things are done with company policies. As an example of what you want to see, your company can educate its employees for a cleaner, waste-free and healthier workplace for everyone.
Provide a healthy workplace for staff
Going green will provide a wealth of benefits to your company and its employees. The simple act of introducing more plants into the office reduces carbon in the air and increases oxygen. As a result, you contribute to the overall health of your employees. Lower carbon in the atmosphere will reduce common office ailments such as headaches, fatigue and sore throats because of improved air quality. But you can also save energy and money and help employees. For example, switching off the lights in favour of sunlight helps people sleep for 46 more minutes.
Embrace the green revolution for more customers
You expose yourself to a broader customer base as a company outwardly dedicated to more sustainable practices. Eco-conscious public customers and other eco-friendly businesses will see you in a whole new way. You might have to cancel business relationships with previous companies. But there will be just as many, if not more, willing to take their place with aligned principles. Working with greener companies to actively make your sector more sustainable will only be good for business as you are seen as a pioneer of change in your industry.
Cut the cost of doing business
Of course, your business is a business. And you operate a business for service and profit. Installing significant changes into your entire company culture from the top down will help your company make or save money. For example, using natural light instead of office lighting will reduce your energy bill significantly. And with the average company spending 3% on paper supplies, you can eliminate the cost altogether using digital communications. Digital communication includes collaboration apps, video conferencing, and, of course, email.
Summary
Going green in business seems like an uphill battle. But it’s easier than ever and has many benefits such as brand perception, a healthier workplace, and of course, reduced expenses.