Going green is not only trendy but also environmentally smart. Luckily for budding entrepreneurs looking to start a business, there are easy ways to be eco-friendly. Here are three ideas on how to have an environmentally friendly business.

1. Focus on Energy Saving Ideas

From computers, air conditioners and servers, an office building can consume a great deal of energy. Invest in passive construction methods to cut back on energy consumption. Passive construction involves building or updating your office with energy-saving insulation. With keeping the inside temperatures in and the outside temperatures out, heating and cooling usage are reduced.

For another energy-saving idea, consider a work-from-home model. Without a physical building to heat and light, you save on both cost and energy use. You also cut back on the number of cars on the road since employees no longer need to commute to work. 

Office servers also expend a great deal of energy. Switching to programs that use the cloud to store information reduces consumption. These cloud-based programs are multifaceted with large storage capacities, shared-document features and virtual meeting capabilities. 

The cloud is best for energy-saving measures; however, CRM for small business is best for improving external interactions and relationships with your customer base. It provides a centralized tool for tracking customer information, forecasting revenue and managing marketing strategies.

2. Look to Sustainable Sourcing 

Look to buying products from sustainable sources. Much of the clothing, electronics and appliances purchased are built to last only a few years. These items then quickly end up in trash cans and landfills. Find manufacturers with the future in mind who understand the environmental importance of producing goods and products that are built to last. 

Source from companies that use recycled materials. Plastics and paper can easily be recycled and made into new products. Anything from the shirt you are wearing to the napkin you are using may be made with recycled materials.  

Purchase materials from close to home. Investigate who in your state or region you can source from. Avoid purchasing materials that are shipped from another country. Shipping an item from overseas has a bigger carbon footprint than sourcing from close to home. That item likely went from ship to plane to delivery truck before arriving at your doorstep. 

3. Make Recycling a Priority

Recycling old computer equipment is another easy way to go green. These devices may no longer be useful to your business, but they may be useful to someone else. Look for places in your area that recycle used electronics. Electronic stores are a good place to check. When you recycle old devices, electronic stores may even provide a discount on your next purchase.

Check and see if a nonprofit in your area refurbishes old and nonworking computer equipment. After the devices are refurbished, they are sold at a discounted rate or given away to someone in need. No need to feel guilty when updating office computers because you are likely providing someone else with a much-needed device. 

Have multiple recycling bins in your office space. Next to the bins, hang a sign that lists which items can be recycled. All too often, people unknowingly throw an item in recycling thinking it can be recycled. When this happens, it creates extra work for the person taking out the recycling. They either have to sort through the recycling or throw away all the contents due to the non-recyclable item contaminating everything in the bin.

Consider composting in your office. This saves on the amount of food waste that ends up in the trash. Many other things besides food can go in the compost, including coffee grounds, tea bags and paper towels. With a little extra time and planning, your business can be a zero-waste office.

An environmentally conscious business is an investment in the future; it also makes you more attractive to potential customers and clients. Start today by thinking about how your business can save energy, use sustainable sourcing and be a zero-waste office.