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Businesses shouldn’t follow trends for the sake of it because it might be a waste of time and money. Let’s face it – every company is unique and the effects might not be the same. However, there is always an exception to the rule, and the exception is green technology. When a company goes green, it can expect to benefit from more money through reducing overheads and waste. Eco-friendly businesses also receive a boost to their reputation from helping the environment. Yep, going green is an essential facet of modern business today, but it is not simple. There are mistakes to avoid if you want to get all the benefits, but you have to know about them first. With that in mind, below are the main ones to consider.
Not Broadening Scope
Some bosses and owners think they are smart when they advertise the business as eco-friendly because they use energy saving light bulbs. Not only is this dishonest, but it isn’t enough for customers. The topic of saving the planet is becoming more and more popular, and they want to shop at firms who take it seriously. Trying to find loopholes has two negative effects. The first is that it reduces the reputation bump you expect to receive as consumers will brand you as untrustworthy. Secondly, it shows the people that your morals aren’t in line with their own. The result is they will bounce to your competitors who do have a comprehensive green package. Also, remember that trying to cut corners isn’t going to save you money. To feel the full force of green technology, it needs to happen across the board.
Doing Too Much Too Soon
For all you eco-warriors out there, your biggest problem is on the flip side of the first mistake. Instead of doing too little, you do too much and put the business in jeopardy. Although there is plenty to do, the key is to take small steps and build up to the major implementations. Otherwise, the company could struggle to deal with the added pressures which going green entails. An excellent way to begin is with a recycling programme. More than 8 million tonnes of plastic are dumped into the ocean each year, so your office can help solve the problem. Also, a recycling programme is something you can advertise, and which your base will relate to. After all, it doesn’t take much for them to start their own plan.
You Don’t Change The Mentality
For years, businesses have printed off forests full of paper and not batted an eye. So, it should come as no surprise that this attitude still exists today. Even when you say the average person uses more than 500 lbs of paper a year, the practice goes on. As the boss, it is your job to stop it and implement a new code of conduct throughout the office. A good tip is to invest in a digital contract management service. Not only does this prevent the printing of paper, but it is also a small and easy step to implement. Or, it is just as easy to tell your employees to communicate by email or instant messenger. With digital communications, there is no reason for physical mail as all conversations happen over the internet.
Don’t Inform The Customers
It is one thing going green, but it is another making sure everyone knows about the switch. And, this is not for cynical reasons, such as looking good to your base. Yes, an increase in awareness because of green technology is nice, but it won’t happen if you leave your customers in the dark. Think about mail for a moment. Do you connect the majority of your base with a hard copy? If so, you need to inform them this service will soon stop. Plus, it is essential to mention an email account is an easy and hassle-free way to make contact. Any individual who doesn’t know you are stopping the mail service will forget about the brand. Even worse, they could find charges on their account without any warning. Regardless of whether you sent an electronic message, they will lay the blame at your door and bounce as a result.
Quite simply, there is no doubt that going green will help the company in the short and long-term. However, there is the possibility it could bite you in the backside if you don’t do it right. The key is to think about the possible side-effects, small and big, and factor them into the process.