Should Businesses Care About Environmental Waste? We Think…Yes!

Businesses, just like homes, use all the same utilities; businesses, however, create considerably more waste than the average four-person household. It’s obvious to see that most businesses reside in large buildings that contain hundreds of light fixtures, many electrical devices, multiple restrooms, large break rooms, etc. Businesses are also a paper-filled land mine – creating more and more copies of environmental waste (the ultimate anti-green). So how can your business go green and stay aware of the wasteful devices in your office? Here’s how:

Identify the “Energy Suckers”

    *Did you know that the most energy sucking devices in the office include desktop computers, large scanners and printers, modems, and older lighting solutions? 

Research New Sustainable Solutions and Implement Them! 

    *Click HERE to find out how.

Chron - Small Business discusses why businesses should care about how much waste they produce and the impact of going green. When businesses consume and throw away less, they reduce the need to handle, treat, and dispose of waste. Here are a few forms of waste prevention:

• Promoting the elimination of   raw materials that are not   embedded in a final product or   service
• Utilizing products that are free of toxic and harmful materials
• Reducing the amount of packaging material used
• Working to conserve water and electrical use
• Creatively implement a recycling plan
• Investing in durable, long-lasting materials

Not only should businesses care about their environmental waste contribution, but they should also care about the opportunity to save their business money! When you’re saving, you know it’s working – here are ways to evaluate your green success:

• Monitor process and waste production changes
• How? Track measurable data such as the volume of waste produced, frequency waste is collected, length of time the building uses lights, heating/cooling usage, etc.
• Calculate the savings $$$
• How? Evaluate cost/savings analysis in handling, treating and disposal costs. Look at how much energy is used throughout the year and which devices are main contributors: find your savings!
• Acknowledge the indirect benefits
• How? Your business now has an improved public image and known concern for environmental sustainability... The greatest part is your business is taking action head on! Improving production, employee morale, and safety are a few other indirect benefits.
• Are you doing all you can? Have processes or ideas changed?
• As technology advancements increase every year, businesses must be prepared for change and new ideas. Change promotes efficiency, which increases revenues! An evaluation of the business's green efforts must be done frequently - making sure that the business is as green as possible.

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Take away that we the people, have a social responsibility; economic value, is our profit; the planet, has the stewardship of environment, and that each of these factors contribute to sustainability. Without togetherness, we fail.

Keep our communities strong, sustainable, and thriving. Visit Green Empowerment to see how you can do your part to save the planet.