With global warming, melting ice caps, destroyed habitats, and much more, it’s more important than ever that we’re conscious and careful of the effect we’re having on the world we live in. Creating a more eco-friendly home is a vital first step, but, if you want to make some real change, then you need to take care with your business too. Unfortunately, many business owners have no idea where to start when it comes to creating a greener office. If you are one such entrepreneur, then here are five vital tips you should know.
Eliminate Your Phantom Power
Phantom power is the electricity you use to light and power your office when you don’t really need to. This could refer to the lights you leave on unnecessarily or the computers that remain in standby mode the entire weekend. Even if you only do this now and then, it is going to add up, especially if all of your employees are doing the same. For this reason, you should make a point of switching everything off every time you leave the room and ask that your entire team do it too.
Cut Down On Paper
Years ago, entrepreneurs had no choice but to print off all of their important documents and stick them in a filing cabinet. Thankfully, times have changed, and, with the invention of the cloud, this is no longer necessary. For this reason, you should cut down on your paper use and work towards creating a paperless office. You could even install bidet toilet seats to eliminate the need for toilet paper. This would save countless trees and save you a lot of money.
Change Your Team Building
Team building activities, exercises, and days are something that many business owners and managers organize, as it gives their employees a chance to get out of the office, have some fun, and bond with one another. If you’re thinking of planning a team building day for your employees, then consider one that benefits the environment. For example, you could help out at a beach clean-up or tree-planting drive. If you can’t do this, then consider sponsoring an event instead.
Encourage Cycling And Carpooling
Everyone knows that driving to work each day is bad for the ozone layer, so try to cut back as much as you can. Instead, consider walking or cycling to work each day. If your office is too far away to do this, then carpool with a few of your employees or take public transport, even if only for a few days a week. You should encourage your employees to do the same, and consider offering perks and rewards to those that do.
Meet Using Telecommunication Facilities
As a business owner, you probably have to meet with a number of different people, including customers, clients, vendors, employees, and potential employees. If you’re driving or taking public transport to all of these meetings, then you’re massively contributing to greenhouse gases and global warming. Thankfully, with Skype and other telecommunication facilities, it’s no longer necessary to travel to meetings. This will save you money and time, as well as the environment.
Running an eco-friendly company is great for the planet and your pocket, so there’s no real reason not to give it a go. Hopefully, with these tips, you’ll find your green mission a little easier to complete.
