Considering the current state of the environment, there’s no time like the present to make your business more eco-friendly.
Why Run an Eco Friendly Business?
There are so many reasons to run an eco-friendly business, the main one being that it’s simply the right thing to do. Consumers all around the world are doing their part to reduce their carbon footprints and live more sustainably, but they can’t make enough of an impact if businesses and corporations don’t lead the way and offer more “green” choices. To give you an idea of the impact businesses and corporations have on the environment, just 15 American food and beverage companies generate more greenhouse gasses than the entire country of Australia combined!
What’s more, running an eco-friendly business can be a win-win for the environment and your bottom line. In fact, research shows that a whopping 90 percent of global consumers would be likely to switch to a brand that supports a worthy cause. Plus, 55 percent said they would be willing to dish out more money for products and services from businesses that are committed to supporting the environment. So, even if going green means having to raise your prices, you are likely to gain more support for doing so!
Last but not least, it’s easy to make your business more eco-friendly! There are so many small changes you can make to your business model that go a long way in reducing your carbon footprint and supporting a more healthy environment. We’ll explore some of these in the section below.
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10 Sustainable Business Ideas & Tips
Here are 10 easy and effective changes to consider that can make your business more sustainable and eco-friendly:
1. Choose Eco Friendly Office Supplies:
Make an effort to reduce, reuse and recycle as much as you possibly can. When you do have to buy new, choose eco-friendly supplies like recycled paper products, non-toxic cleaning supplies, compostable trash bags, etc. For example, here at Bestowe, we ask all of our vendor partners to send us their product using compostable peanuts, which are made of cornstarch and easily dissolve in water, leaving no toxic waste!
2. Reduce Waste with Compostable Packaging:
Plastic packaging should be avoided at all costs, but plastic isn’t the only material that harms the environment. Go with 100% recycled paper and packaging and/or compostable packaging whenever possible. Your packaging is a part of your marketing, so this is a great way to show your customers that take sustainability seriously.
3. Make Energy Efficient Upgrades:
Upgrade to LED lights, energy-saving power strips, and other more energy efficient electronics. These small changes can make a big difference! If you can, go a step further and make the switch to renewable energy, such as solar or wind energy. Not only will these types of upgrades help make your business more eco-friendly, they can also save you money on the cost of utilities over time.
4. Support Environmental Causes:
Another easy way to be more eco-friendly is to simply donate a portion of your proceeds or profits to support an important environmental cause. This can help generate support from your customers and even boost employee morale!
For example, here at Bestowe, 15% of the proceeds from our Support Local gift boxes goes to Direct Relief, an organization helping those in need get medical supplies during times of crisis.
5. Switch to a Remote Office:
The COVID-19 pandemic forced many people to work from home, and this came with some surprising environmental benefits. For one, no commute for your employees means fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Remote businesses also use less paper, consume fewer natural resources, and produce less waste. So if you’ve gone remote temporarily and it’s working for your business, why not make the switch permanent? Your employees will likely thank you too!
6. Encourage the Use of Public Transportation:
If you do work in an office that your employees must commute to, you can encourage or incentivize them to take public transportation, carpool, bike, or walk to work. Many cities even offer subsidized transit passes for small businesses, so this doesn’t necessarily have to come out of your own pocket.
7. Choose Green Web Hosting Services:
Businesses often don’t think about the web hosting services they use and the negative impact they can have on the environment. You may be shocked to learn that a single server produces more carbon dioxide per year than a car. That being said, some web hosting services are more “green” or carbon neutral than others, so choose your provider carefully!
8. Support Small & Local Businesses:
The more you can buy locally, the better. This helps minimize how far your supplies and products have to travel, thereby reducing your business’s carbon footprint. It also helps you give back to your local community and foster a network of like-minded businesses. Small, local businesses also do more to support important social and environmental causes than most large corporations. Be mindful about where your dollars are going! At Bestowe, promoting local businesses and artisans rather than large corporations is an integral part of our mission.
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9. Partner with Other Eco Friendly Businesses:
In addition to supporting your local businesses, try to partner with other eco-friendly businesses whenever possible. Look for partners that share similar values, minimize waste at the production level, rely on renewable energy, use plant-based, natural, or recycled materials, etc. Remember, who you choose to do business with is an important aspect of your overall brand image.
10. Go Green with Your Corporate Gifting:
Corporate gifting can be wasteful or tasteful. Don’t waste money on gifts for your clients, partners, or employees that will end up in a landfill! Instead, partner with an eco-friendly gifting company like Bestowe Gifting that can help you curate sustainable gifts that align with your eco-conscious company values. Our Support Local Gift Baskets are just one example of our many curated gifts that give back. What you choose to give to your clients, partners, and employees sends a strong message about who you are and what you care about as a business, so don’t miss this opportunity to make a great impression.
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Sustainable Corporate Gifting for Your Eco Friendly Business!
At Bestowe Gifting, we pride ourselves on being an eco-friendly, small business that supports other small businesses and artisans. We curate our gifts carefully, with sustainability in mind. If you’re looking for eco-friendly gifts that tell a story, schedule a discovery call with us today to explore your many options!