It is well understood and known that the environment needs our help. Without our dedication and commitment to healthier environmental choices, the place that we call home will not be able to exist in the same way. This calls on a change in behavior from individuals, companies and larger systematic change. While many companies want to do their share to reduce their environmental impact, they are not always aware of how to get started. Consider beginning your journey with these strategies to create a more eco-friendly business company.

Understanding Your Impact

It can be difficult to understand a company’s impact on the environment and how business contributes to the damage of the physical world. However, a useful first step is conducting an audit, as this can shed light on the issues at hand. By consulting with an environmental firm, you can receive feedback from a third party who can evaluate your company’s current progress and make recommendations. While this can be a cost-prohibitive option, for those that can afford it, this step can provide useful insight that you would otherwise lack.

Unified Front

It is critical to get everyone in the office on the same page in this effort, as a company’s progress is only as impactful as its weakest link. By bringing the group together to agree on the practices that can create a more environmentally friendly office, other employees can provide their perspective, gain ownership of the project and see where they can impact the future of the company. The future of the initiative will be highly dependent on daily operations and choices, so this is something that everyone must agree on.

Waste Reduction

A key factor in creating a more environmentally friendly office environment is to reduce the amount of waste that the company consistently creates. Whether that is making a dedicated effort to reduce the amount of paper that you use each day or more accurately calculating the catering for events and meetings, these factors can all impact the waste reduction. 

One simple solution for catering and food within the office is to challenge each employee to use reusable silverware and plates instead of one-time use only items. For companies that have the ability, offering to buy each employee a set of silverware for their office use can be a kind gesture and sign of goodwill, signaling that the company takes this effort seriously. By reducing waste and one-time use only products, there will be a significant reduction in everyday waste.

Common Understanding

Some of these options can come with hefty price tags, however, there are easy and less expensive options for any office. There is sometimes a barrier to entry for environmentally friendly practices, as many are unclear what can and cannot be recycled or composted. Instead of looking or feeling stupid or doing the wrong thing, people may opt for throwing away what can be recycled or composted. By providing clear and well-displayed signage throughout the office, particularly around waste receptacles, you can remove that barrier without breaking the bank.

Alternatives

Alternatives to what can be done within the office exist, as well. With the introduction of digital engagement and technological advances, doors have been opened for businesses that never existed before. Whether you consider ways to reduce the company's carbon footprint by allowing employees to work from home a couple of days per week or look into more digital professional development instead of training where you need to be physically present. 

These days with the advances of technology, there are online programs that can offer wondrous results and keep employees engaged, such as the USC online MBA program. This program can be accessed from a distance and without the location-based environmental toll that comes from their in-person counterparts.

With a refreshed focus on the physical world, many companies are taking a stance to devote their time and efforts to reduce their environmental impact. Not all changes have to break the bank and there are many strategies to take on more eco-friendly approaches to everyday life at the office due to technological advances, a joint commitment and easy updates to the office.