Sustainability is a journey, not a flick of the switch if a firm wants to succeed.
Small businesses can break into the sustainability game with a few changes.
Low-hanging fruit is a good place to start for small and large businesses. This can include finding ways to use alternatives to products that contain toxic chemicals or avoiding purchasing an item altogether. Avoidance is at the top of the chart when it comes to sustainability.
Another point to consider is if an item can be recycled or repurposed at the end of its life. When purchasing an item, consider its entire life, not just its use.
A limited number of companies are looking at ways to retrieve their products at the end of their life and finding ways to profit from them later. Do your research on your supply chain.
Speaking of your supply chain, doing a little digging and speaking with your suppliers can lead to increases in your sustainability score. Things like your suppliers using renewable energy to power their facilities or managing their waste. This upstream view can assist a company in becoming more sustainable.
Companies can also consider their internal operations, such as energy and water use, especially in drought-stricken areas. Seek out technologies that can assist with saving money and energy or water such as solar power or changing your faucets. Simple things on power management on your PCs or laptops can also work well.
There is a long list of possibilities. Do some research and enjoy the journey.
What are the benefits of going sustainable at the office?
- Potential for brand recognition from doing good for the environment and workplace.
- Workforce retention and support of the company may increase. Higher productivity is also a possibility.
- Companies may save money by reducing consumption of power and other items.
How to get started being sustainable recap
- Mitigate the use of toxic chemicals in cleaning products and other typical products purchased by offices.
- Seek items that are recyclable or can be repurposed at the end of their life and take care to make sure those items stay out of the landfill.
- Seek companies that take sustainability seriously–solar or solid waste mitigation.
- Reduce water and power use.
- Look at technologies that can help mitigate water and power use (remember, conservation practices also need to be considered).
- Add your target for sustainability here___________.