64% of consumers worldwide prefer brands with an active environmental policy.
International corporations are actively involved in eliminating the negative consequences of their own activities – they launch programs to minimize waste and carbon emissions into the atmosphere, reduce resource consumption and plastic production, and sponsor research and development of scientists. Giants spend billions of dollars to save the planet and maintain the status of a socially responsible business. But what about local companies and corporate employees in this field?
As the owner of several businesses, I know that introducing green innovations is quite difficult, both from the technical side and from the point of view of working with the mind of the consumer (according to royalcraftwood.com).
Electricity
Rejection of obsolete incandescent lamps, the introduction of fluorescent lamps or LEDs, the installation of motion sensors reduces energy consumption.
Focus on natural light. Clean the windows, free them from blinds and curtains, this will reduce the use of artificial light.
Unplug appliances from the network at night. Appliances consume electricity even in standby mode.
Hang reminders around the office for employees to save energy.
Aerobatics – installing solar panels on the roof or receiving energy from the nearest wind generator.
Office equipment
The introduction of energy-saving equipment may seem like an expensive undertaking, but in the future it will allow you to save a lot. When buying new appliances, keep in mind that the energy efficiency of equipment is indicated by letters from A to G. So, much less electricity is consumed on class A + and A ++ equipment.
When replacing equipment, do not discard working equipment. Give it to social institutions or put it on sites with ads.
If the devices no longer work, then this is not a reason to just throw them away. Hand over used equipment for safe disposal.
Tableware
Replacing plastic office utensils with glass or ceramic or bamboo (like this bamboo cutting board f.e.) is an easy and cost-effective way to reduce plastic and waste production. You can also provide water and coffee to employees so they can refill their reusable water bottles and mugs, reducing the number of disposable bottles and coffee cups.
Food
If it is customary in the office to collectively order food, then you can choose companies with ecological packaging or with the opportunity to give the packaging for recycling.
Paper
You can reduce paper consumption by streamlining the process of transferring documents within the company in electronic format. And also – less often use delivery services.
When choosing paper, opt for recycled or FSC-labeled paper. This certificate indicates that the raw material for paper is obtained as a result of socially responsible forest management. Each ton of recycled paper saves 7,000 liters of water and 3 cubic meters in landfill.
Trash
Try to introduce separate waste collection in the office and take the garbage for recycling. It’s not as difficult as it seems. You can install a separate container for the type of garbage that you accumulate the fastest. On the Internet, it is easy to find out where the nearest recycling points are.
The most difficult thing in this process is to convey the need for the measures taken to the team, otherwise the initiative will not be successful.
Waste production
Let’s waste a second life. For example, sawdust, rubber, paper can not only be recycled, but sometimes even sold as raw materials for other companies.
Use of recyclables
Waste can not only be sold, but also bought to make your own goods (if the business requires it). Now upcycling is gaining popularity – the creative transformation of waste into art, household products, accessories, clothing. For example, fashion designers often use recycled materials to make clothes. These products sell well as they allow consumers to feel a sense of ownership of the environment.
