Several entrepreneurs and business managers nowadays seek to run ethical businesses to ensure the wellbeing of their employees and the environment. The challenge that most stakeholders face is devising a strategy that allows them to implement sustainable processes and initiatives in a way that will still enable the business to profit from its commercial activities. For larger businesses that have access to more cash or credit, they can afford to hire dedicated resources that can come together for a long-term sustainability plan. This could further ensure a smooth transition to an eco-friendly business model.
However, for the majority of small to medium-sized businesses, the option of having dedicated resources arenโt even on the radar. Their priority is survival and growth. Although the desire to build a sustainable business is there, processes and initiatives that prioritize cash flow and guarantee organizationโs survival will always remain the core focus.
Businesses need to work toward a more sustainable economic model. But what are the practical solutions thatโs available to them?
Leveraging technology
Eco-friendly technology is the answer to minimizing organizationsโ impact on the environment. It allows the processes to stay the same; however, the impact on the environment is minimized. One of the leading examples of this is the advancement of LED technology in the lighting sector. Lighting typically accounts for approximately 15% of an organizationโs overhead costs.
LED lights have been responsible for lowering energy consumption in organizations by up to 60%. This is significant because the majority of the worldโs energy production comes from the burning of fossil fuels such as coal and oil. This contributes to significant amounts of carbon emissions being released into the atmosphere. This also contributes to the Earthโs global warming problem.
Organizations can easily make the switch by retrofitting their existing lighting setup so that it is powered by LED lighting.
Useful resource: 5 things you should know before buying LED light bulbs
Other types of technology include double glazed windows, which trap solar heat and help to minimize the amount of energy consumed for internal heating. Solar tubes and skylights also help to increase the amount of solar lighting within a property; thus, minimizing the reliance on artificial lighting and minimizing propertyโs overall energy consumption.
Implement eco-friendly practices within the organization
Simple eco-friendly practices within the organization can go a long way. Put in processes that will allow people within the organization to easily recycle or reuse items so that they can minimize their own impact on the environment.
For example, provide containers or storage bins with labels for recyclable items, such as cardboard, paper, plastics, glass, metals and ink cartridges. These items can then be distributed to the appropriate recycling partner on a weekly or monthly basis.
Useful resource: 5 ways to reduce wastes and costs on your companyโs campus
Partnering with recycling partners
One of the easiest ways businesses can minimize their impact on the environment is by partnering with organizations that already have processes in place to manage the recycling. One example is Cartridges Direct, who provides OEM printer cartridges and is committed to the ethical distribution and disposal of ink cartridges. According to Wikipedia, approximately 350 million used ink cartridges end up in landfill every year. These used ink cartridges can take 400-1000 years to decompose. The chemicals in the plastics and inks risk contaminating the local ecosystem, which can affect water sources, food chains and increase health risks.
Do you know what you should be doing next?
Take a look at the structure of your organization and the eco-friendly models that are currently being implemented. Is it being implemented internally or is there help from external organizations? Is your organization leveraging technology? Based on this insight, seek to outsource as many of the eco-friendly practices or to invest in eco-friendly technology that will allow your organization to reach its sustainability goals.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
