Easy Sustainability Practices for Businesses
Don’t call it a comeback. Environmental awareness has been around for ages. But anyone with eyeballs (and a keypad) can see that in the last few years, consumers have made sustainability a key factor in their purchase decisions. More than ever, people care about our planet. And they want businesses to care, too.
We get it. Company execs have to balance the long-term need to protect Mother Nature with the short-term drive to safeguard their bottom line. The exercise is a precarious tight-rope act. But like any undertaking, greatness happens when you take impactful first steps. So, consider these tips when making the leap toward a greener business model.
Invest in Sustainable Materials
No matter your industry, you won’t need to look hard to find eco-friendly products. From compostable cutlery for the break room to recycled ink cartridges, green is the new gold. Here are some great products to look out for:
- Recycled paper, tissue, and paper towels
- Non-toxic cleaners
- Compostable trash bags
- Biodegradable packaging and packing tape
- Previously owned furniture (it’s new to you!)
- Remanufactured printer cartridges
- Recycled plastics
While you’re looking into new materials to champion, it’s also prudent to think about practices and products to avoid whenever possible:
- Single-use plastic
- Paper coffee cups
- Single-use coffee/tea pods
- Thirsty landscaping (drought tolerant plants rock)
Offer Commuter and Public Transit Benefits
While hybrid and remote work is taking over the universe, we understand this kind of flexibility doesn’t work for every business. To give in-office employees a boost, try offering public transit benefits (like passes or stipends) or mileage reimbursements.
These extra perks can help in-person employees feel seen and valued, a win for everyone.
Go Paperless When Possible
If you employ a remote workforce, you’ve already reduced paper need by design. And with technology like DocuSign for contracts and cloud storage for document sharing, the paper demand for everyday office tasks has dwindled substantially.
Of course, many industries like marketing, education, and travel/hospitality still rely on paper to get the job done. And that’s okay. To lesson your company’s carbon footprint, you can try other tactics, like using recycled paper products, printing on both sides, and ordering from vendors who use similar practices.
Promote Energy-Saving Office Policies
Even with budget constraints, there are simple ways to keep your office energy friendly:
- Use LED lightbulbs, consider dimmers, and turn lights off when not in use
- Turn off computers and other office equipment when not in use
- Keep an eye on the thermostat (The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration—OSHA—recommends keeping office temps between 68 and 76 degrees F)
- Consider energy-saving appliances (refrigerators, faucets, dishwashers, oh my)
- RECYCLE (we feel so strongly about this tip, we’re yelling at you)
- Repurpose broken or outdated supplies when you can
- Use local products when possible to avoid the impact (emissions) of shipping
Choose Suppliers Who Prioritize Sustainability
A 2021 report from McKinsey & Company found that two-thirds of an organization’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) footprint lies with suppliers. That means choosing the right vendors is arguably one of the most impactful ways to improve sustainability efforts.
Every business has the power to contribute to positive change. At Xpressdocs, we’re proud of our green initiatives, including our Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Chain of Custody (COC) certification, and products printed on 100% recyclable paper with environmentally friendly inks.
About Xpressdocs
For more than two decades, we’ve provided top brands with direct marketing solutions that streamline and enhance their marketing efforts. From direct mail templates and brand management tools to marketing automation and promotional goods (branded Chapstick is a thing, friends), we have what you need to dominate your market.