A green business is a smarter business. Going green protects your wallet as well as the environment, which is why huge numbers of businesses have introduced ways to reduce their negative eco-effects.

It’s very easy to become overwhelmed with the huge variety of different ways you could make your business more environmentally friendly, but it’s also incredibly simple to start making positive changes to the way your company operates.

Here are a few things to brainstorm to begin moving in a more sustainable direction.

• Going Clean and Green —

  Everyone wants a clean, sweet-smelling workplace but most people don’t realize that most traditional cleaners are petroleum-based and packed full with harmful chemicals that are hazardous to the environment, and sometimes even other people.
  
  Make a conscious effort to replace your cleaners with planet-friendly and effective cleaning products that are non-toxic, biodegradable products that are made from renewable sources.
  
  

• Make a Green Statement when Marketing —

  By purchasing eco-friendly marketing goods and merchandise, you set yourself apart from your competitors as well as making a statement about the type of business you are — one that cares about environmental issues and committed to running a sustainable business.
  
  

• Recycle, but Properly —

  Shoddy recycling practices by your employees can cost your business between 4% - 10% of its annual turnover. A misplaced apple core or food container can scupper the recycling efforts of everyone else, but it’s easy to introduce small changes to minimize this risk.
  
  Try using clear bags for recycling instead of empty bins or black bags. This makes it easier to spot any rogue items before being collected. You can also ask staff to use the normal waste bin for any items they are unsure about, rather than guessing whether they should be recycled or not.
  
  Appoint a recycling champion to emphasize the financial and environmental importance of smart waste disposal.
  
  

• Get an Energy Audit —

  Most utility companies are offering businesses free on-site consultations on how they can reduce energy waste and save money. They are likely to make suggestions on how to improve insulation and save electricity by installing timers.
  
  Even if this is not your case, your business can still benefit. You can still perform an energy audit to lower utility bills.
  
  

• Reduce Business Travel —

  Investing in a video conferencing system may seem like a huge decision, but when you consider the financial costs involved with regularly transporting staff to meetings and conferences, as well as the loss of resource during traveling time, it starts to make more sense.
  
  In addition to the financial savings, you’ll also be reducing the harmful emissions and fossil fuels necessary for business travel.

Do you have any green business tips or experiences? If so, please feel free to share them with our readers in the comment section below. Thanks!