The devastating impacts of climate change have been in the news a lot in recent years. Concerned consumers are looking to responsible business owners to make changes to improve their impact on the environment. Whether your business is a huge corporation or a small start-up there are changes you can implement to make your company greener.

1. Conserve Water

Recurring revenue is vital to a business's continued success. One way to keep recurring income stable is to retain loyal customers. Customers who are concerned about the environment are more likely to stick with you if you can demonstrate a commitment to eco-friendly practices such as conserving water. As a bonus, conserving water can also save you money. There are multiple ways you can use less water, including installing low flush toilets, modern water heaters and other appliances that use less water. Regularly maintaining your equipment to prevent water leaks can also reduce waste.

2. Encourage Eco-friendly Commuting

Gas-powered vehicles are one of the largest contributors to global warming. You can reduce your company's impact by encouraging your workforce to choose eco-friendly ways to get to work. Offer your employees incentives to ride a bike or walk to work. Consider paying for passes for public transportation. Help your employees create carpools. Make a deal with a local dealership to provide discounts to employees who purchase electric cars.

3. Recycle

Excessive use of landfills threatens our groundwater and uses large amounts of land that could be put to better purposes. Simply adding a few recycling bins and then taking recyclables to a local center is an easy way to encourage your employees to recycle the paper, cardboard and plastic products they use while they are at work. Encouraging your employees to recycle at work may also motivate them to recycle at home.

4. Choose Green Cleaning Products

The chemicals in many cleaning products can be harmful to the environment. Look for products that do not contain toxic chemicals and are packaged in bio-degradable packaging.

5. Plant Some Trees

Trees and other plants help filter pollution and produce oxygen, which can improve air quality. Trees can also provide shade that may reduce your cooling costs, requiring you to utilize less energy to operate your business.

6. Reduce Your Fossil Fuel Usage

Switching from coal or gas powered utilities to renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar or water can substantially reduce your business' carbon footprint. Installing solar panels or using wind power can also cut down on your utility bills. If your solar panels generate enough extra energy, you might even be able to sell some power back to the utility company for additional cost savings.

7. Install Energy Efficient Appliances

Modern, energy-star certified appliances use significantly less energy than many older models. If you have not updated your appliances in a while, consider replacing older models with new, energy-efficient ones.

8. Do Not Throw Out Your Electronics

Schools and charities may be able to use or sell your old electronics. Additionally, some manufacturers and electronic retailers offer recycling programs. Taking advantage of these programs can help reduce the number of electronic items taking up space in landfills.

9. Support Green Businesses

Purchasing goods and services from other businesses that maintain green practices is another good way to make your company greener. The more you support green business, the more businesses are likely to join in on your efforts.

Green practices can benefit both you and the environment by reducing your environmental impact, creating goodwill with eco-concerned customers and saving money on utility bills. These eight ways to make your company greener can help your business make a positive impact on the health of the planet.