All around the world, business decisions are some of the most dominant forces that are shaping our environment. From the type of material a business chooses to use to the gas emissions a company emits during the production and transportation stages, companies of all sizes play a role in the preservation or the destruction of the environment.
Business decisions, however, are the result of a complex equation; namely, balancing customer preferences, budget limitation, supply availability and manufacturing processes. With governmental policies and international environmental protection organizations demanding eco-friendlier choices for the planet, businesses need to face further challenges in the path to a green strategy. Making your business eco-friendly comes at a cost that can be crippling for start-ups and small companies.
With more and more tips to help businesses to address their carbon footprint, it seems important to note that companies have never lacked inspiration. In the 21st century, a lack of awareness of environmental issues is not an option anymore. The reason why companies too often fail to adopt green processes is not that they don’t understand how their choices can affect the environment, but, on the contrary, because they can’t afford to take more ethical choices.
There are, nevertheless, cost-effective options for start-ups and small businesses that are looking to reduce their impact on the environment without breaking the bank.
A reminder of popular tips and why many choose to ignore them
Popular suggestions, as discussed in a previous article, encourage ethical choices, starting with the disposal of waste electrical and electronic equipment and instruments. Companies are legally responsible for the safe destruction of their WEEE items. However, it’s fair to note that, despite the regulations in place, many small companies choose not to dispose of e-waste via professional solutions. On the contrary, you’ll find many small businesses selling their used equipment to the public as a way of financing the purchase of future items. This can result in a destructive environmental impact if the public doesn’t follow the appropriate procedures of disposal. Similarly, decisions related to travel, water and energy consumption can be motivated by monetary requirements, which will also affect their environmental performance in the long term. Unfortunately, the lack of financial support can make it increasingly challenging for companies with limited funds to pick a green solution. Therefore, it has become essential in the business world to accept that the survival of the company should remain a top priority. While integrated eco-friendly processes can be a long-term objective for all companies, there is an increasing need for short-term, affordable and achievable green actions.
Explore ways to buy green equipment
As a business owner, you can establish a strict line of action when it comes to the equipment you require for everyday tasks without risking to go over your budget. It is fair to say that energy-efficient office equipment can be found in most dedicated retail stores at an affordable cost. Besides, as a company, you can sometimes negotiate a privileged discount for the purchase of commercial office items. However, large machinery and professional equipment, on the other hand, tend not to propose green options – or when they do, it’s unlikely to be affordable for a start-up business. Nevertheless, this isn’t to say that you can’t knock two birds with the same stones, picking an environmentally friendly item that doesn’t overstretch your budget. You can find attractive machinery auctions that sell used equipment at a discounted price – more details found online here. As a rule of the thumb, the auction company reviews the condition and functions of each item, so that you know already whether your bargain comes with faults or not! Ultimately, second-hand purchases offer a new take on the environment, giving a new life to existing item and reducing manufacturing pollution.
Educate your teams and contacts to a paperless process
A preferred option for all small businesses that are budget conscious is to move toward a paperless work environment. You need to keep your expectations realistic: No office goes fully paperless. But reducing your consumption of paper can make a significant difference in the long term. Of all the green strategies, choosing to cut your paper dependency is standard procedure in a modern workplace. Indeed, paperless processes increase productivity and customer satisfaction, as they ensure that all data can be accessed in real time and from anywhere. Cloud-based solutions are therefore not a novelty anymore. But you can be satisfied with the knowledge that your digital systems can actively support the environment. Indeed, employees benefit greatly from a click and go process which eliminates time waste and slow communication.
Can you afford to go office-less?
Starting a virtual office is the most logical step once you’ve made your paperless policy an office lifestyle. While the solution is not suitable for all business types, tech, IT, design and communication start-ups benefit significantly from a flexible office environment. Indeed, a virtual office presents, more often than not, a cost-friendly approach over a physical office. More importantly, by encouraging your team to work from home, you can cut the carbon footprint associated with the daily commute. Once you’ve implemented paperless work systems, removing your physical office address is only the natural extension of a digitalized workplace.
Lead with examples in the office
Last, but not least, while big business decisions are determined by your cash flow potential, small and everyday choices can enjoy more financial flexibility. If your office has a kitchen space, you can actively choose eco-friendly products without putting your budget at risk. You’ll find, for instance, plenty of plastic-free bean bags for the office coffee machine, ensuring not only that your staff’s needs are catered to but also reducing your impact on the environment. Similarly, using natural soap bars in the bathroom instead of a bottled option is a green decision that doesn’t impact on the comfort of your team. Toilet paper is also an often ignored environmental decision: You can make a point of using recycled toilet paper rolls without breaking either the bank or the team’s morale. The bottom line is that every company has the power to make a difference.
Making your business eco-friendly comes at a cost, especially if you’re keen to follow the examples of large corporates. But, it’s important to focus your efforts on the actions and strategies that are relevant to your business size and budget. Making a difference is less expensive than you think.