In the world’s fight against climate change, more and more people are leaning towards Eco-friendly and sustainable practices. Even businesses have started to go green, like restaurants, fashion brands, offices, hotels, and car companies. But there are also lesser popular industries when it comes to talks of environmental efforts.
Did you know that sustainable dentistry is a thing? This Australian dental clinic discusses how they’re incorporating green dental practices in their website. Dental clinics are just one of the businesses where the practice of sustainability seems unusual but is actually possible. Considering plastic is an important material in dental practices, they have come up with unique Eco-friendly solutions.
So no matter what your business is, even if green business practices seem unlikely, there’s always a way to be sustainable.
But Why do Businesses Go Green?
Let’s talk about why companies want to go green in the first place. Sustainable business practices would mean expensive implementation and a lot of operation changes. But it also means an improvement in productivity and profit in the long-term.
Smart businesses know that environmental risks are also corporate risks, so they tweak their operations to streamline effort and conserve resources. This efficiency helps save money and boosts employee productivity and morale. Going green also makes your business promptly compliant with changing regulations.
But the prime reason why sustainability benefits the bottom line is because of people. In an era of strong social consciousness, employees, investors, shareholders, and customers want to be associated with green companies. Sustainability builds a positive, trustworthy image. A survey found that 66% of consumers are willing to pay more for green businesses.
If there’s anything marketing taught us, is that you should go where your customers are and listen to them. And right now, they want to support environmental initiatives.
Ways to be Sustainable for Businesses (where it’s unlikely!)
Now that you know that sustainability is helpful to you in more ways than one, you might be considering doing the same. It can be difficult to think of ways to go green with your business, especially if it’s not one of the “common” ones.
But green practices come in many forms after all, and each business has its own unique ways to help the environment. Besides single-use plastic reduction and opting for sustainable packaging, here are some ideas you might find useful:
1. Use energy-efficient appliances
Did you know that McDonald’s have reduced their energy consumption by 25% thanks to these appliances? If your business is reliant on appliances, consider switching to energy-efficient ones.
2. Promote a recycling program
Dell came up with an effective recycling program for its customers, allowing them to return any computer equipment to the company for free. The result? Safe disposal of equipment and slashing overall e-waste count. Think of what kind of recycling program your business can do.
3. Go paper-free & digital
How about cutting paper requirements at your workplace? A testament to the efficiency of this initiative is Bank of America, which saw a 32% reduction with its paper consumption. Its internal recycling program reached 30,000 tons of paper per year- which is about 200,000 trees! It’s time to go digital.
4. Give incentives to green customers & employees
Known companies have started doing this. Bank of America offers 3000 USD cash-back rewards to their employees who shift to hybrid cars. Savings are offered to Tesco shoppers who return shopping bags to their store. Think of something that you can offer to your customers that encourages sustainability.
5. Choose your partners & suppliers wisely
Consider who your company is affiliated to. Do they support the environment, or do they contribute to its degradation? Walmart made news when it announced to drop suppliers whose methods contribute greatly to carbon emissions.
6. Educate your clients and customers
An Australian dental clinic suggested that lifestyle education is a good way to tackle environmental issues. For doctors and dentists, you can educate your clients on preventive care. The healthier they are, the less need for appointments and surgeries, the more resources are saved.
7. Be a sustainability partner
Big brands like Starbucks are in partnership with numerous environmental organisations. You can do this too! With a partner non-profit org, you can incorporate their sustainable initiatives into your operations and products.
Business Sustainability: A Win for Everyone
Green is becoming the new modern status symbol, even in business. There’s no reason not to be sustainable; it’s a win-win for everyone and even your company’s bottom line. It’s an expensive but worthwhile investment that will benefit you in the end.
There are plenty of things you can do to contribute to the green initiative, no matter what your business or role is.
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