Every day, we produce unprecedented amounts of waste. Where can one expect the million tons of trash we generate each day? These usually end up in landfills and waterways.
Thankfully, more people are now aware of how big our garbage problem has become. More entrepreneurs are starting to embrace the green movement. By making your business more sustainable, your company can help reduce waste and set a good example for everyone.
Feeling inspired to join in but don’t know where or how to start? Here’s how you can turn your business in a more sustainable one:
Send in your recyclable materials to a materials recovery facility
A materials recovery facility (MRF) generates value by processing municipal solid waste. Their employees will separate the waste and densify the materials before shipping the end product to recycling firms and manufacturing plants. MRF owners are always looking for ways to improve MRF productivity. You, as a business owner, can help by separating your waste and sending to an MRF clean garbage that is easier to sort.
Source your materials from suppliers that share the same goal
Many suppliers are advocates of the green movement. They provide sustainable materials that businesses can use to create their goods. Ask your suppliers where they get their raw materials from. It also helps to check if they comply with your ethical and environmental goals.
Switch to recyclable and eco-friendly packaging
Using recyclable and environmentally friendly packaging instead of plastic is one easy way to start running a sustainable business. If you can, find ways you can reduce packaging and still distribute your goods effectively. Go for minimal packaging and reusable products.
Go paperless
Switching to a paperless system doesn’t necessarily mean eradicating the need for printing materials. We know that there are essential documents that need to be printed, signed, and sent back. For those files that you can process and work without printing, save them in your business computers, customer relationship management (CRM) system, or the like. This way, you get to reduce your paper waste and even save money.
Promote your sustainable goals and achievements
More consumers are demanding businesses to embrace the green movement. This is the perfect time to advocate sustainability and promote your brand as a green business. Show off your success and inspire others to do the same.
Hire people who share the same vision
For your plans to work, you’ll need teams by your side. Hire people who are also advocates of the green philosophy. Thus, it will be easier for you to practice what you preach.
Work with influencers in promoting the green movement
It’s incredible how powerful influencers are nowadays. By partnering with one who is also into the green movement, you can be sure to get support from their followers. Think of it as hitting three goals with a single stone. Your brand gets the exposure you need, you get to promote and share the importance of running a sustainable business, and you gain a new partner along the way.
Making the switch can be challenging, but it is definitely worth it and never impossible to achieve. If you can do something for the environment today and build a better future for everyone, why not take the plunge? Keep this list in mind and share this with someone willing to make a difference.