17 May Going Green: 5 Great Reasons To Introduce Eco-Friendly Initiatives To Your Business
With the rising awareness of issues relating to climate change, environmentally-conscious or ‘green’ initiatives are becoming ever more popular, and if you run a business, there has never been a better time to get involved!
Governments, policymakers, and members of the public have all become more environmentally aware in recent years, as warnings of a potential climate crisis spur many into making ‘greener’ decisions in their day to day lives.
This is perhaps especially true of companies, entrepreneurs, and employers who must set an example within their industry and be conscious of the environmental impact their work can have.
But what are the benefits of going green – both to the environment, and to your business?
Below, we explore five key ways that getting on board with green initiatives can help you and help the planet at the same time.
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Protect The Environment
Perhaps the most obvious benefit of green initiatives is the positive impact they have on the environment. Green initiatives and environmentally-conscious policies help to protect the planet from harmful substances such as chemicals, plastics, and other pollutants.
They also help to minimise wasteful practices such as burning fossil fuels, felling trees for paper and cardboard, and using disposable, ‘one time only’ materials that must be discarded afterwards and can be neither reused nor recycled.
Because businesses may operate on a large scale with many employees and customers, their environmental policies can have a major impact. For example, even making the small switch of sending electronic copies of documents – rather than printed ones – to your team, can make a real difference when enacted across the whole company, while also saving you a small fortune in printing costs!
Whether you are a small team, an international corporation, or even an individual, your environmental choices can make a genuine difference.
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Benefit Your Community
Benefitting the whole planet may sometimes seem like a lofty ambition, but positive environmental choices can have a more local impact too.
For example, by using fewer resources or limiting the amount of pollution your company produces, you may contribute less to local landfill and improve the air quality of your area.
You can even choose to become involved in local green initiatives, such as recycling, ‘re-wilding’, planting trees, or sponsoring parks. This form of green initiative can be especially popular, as the result is both tangible and valuable to local residents!
Plus, by creating a positive, healthy impact on the environment that is visible to the immediate population, you will help to improve your image as a company and your standing as a member of the community.
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Better For Your Budget
Being environmentally-conscious is not only better for the planet, it may also be better for your budget!
This is because certain environmentally-friendly policies – such as reducing your energy usage, for example – can help you to cut certain costs.
Be aware also, that harsh punishments are sometimes meted out to businesses whose practices cause undue harm to the environment, so by not risking these penalties you are helping yourself as well as the planet!
Additionally, some green initiatives and environmental policies can also make you eligible for certain discounts, tax incentives, or financial relief. For example, electric company cars are not taxed in the same way as those that use fossil fuels.
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Improved Safety & Compliance
Implementing environmentally-conscious policies will help to ensure that your company is in full compliance with the rules and regulations of your industry.
These often involve limiting the use of harmful substances and preventing the release of toxic materials into the surrounding areas. Not only will this help the planet, but it will also keep your team safer and more protected.
The health of your clients, customers, and co-workers should be a primary concern of your business, and by having environmentally-conscious policies in place, you will be taking a big step to support their wellbeing.
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Appeal To Clients & Customers
As environmental issues are now at the forefront of many people’s minds, companies that are considered to be environmentally-conscious are more likely to be deemed professional, responsible, and in touch with contemporary issues.
This is especially important to younger demographics, but it is also a growing concern across a range of target audiences.
In fact, bear in mind that some clients, collaborators, and customers will not do business with companies that don’t have some form of environmental principles in place, so don’t let an absence of green policies damage your bottom line!
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