Over the last few years, there's been a significant push for Americans to start taking sustainability more seriously.
For the most part, many they have risen to the challenge. In fact, 78 percent of people report buying sustainable products and services.
In response to the market demand for increased sustainability, many businesses are starting to change their practices as well. By doing so, they're seeing some impressive results.
Read on to learn about seven of the advantages that environmentally friendly businesses have. These advantages might convince you to take your business in a greener direction!
1. Higher Profits
As you know, there's a higher demand among consumers for sustainable products. If your business can provide those, people are going to be more inclined to purchase from you. This, in turn, can lead to more money for your business.
2. Tax Benefits
There are also a lot of tax benefits that green businesses can enjoy. For example, you may qualify for a tax credit if you use alternative energy sources for your business or switch to more fuel-efficient cars.
You can also write off a lot of expenses associated with making your business more sustainable, such as investing in new lights or switching to a solar-powered office.
3. Government Subsidies
If you're a business attempting to be more eco-friendly, you may qualify for certain government subsidies. There are lots of grants and financing programs available that are meant to help businesses (especially small businesses) make the switch to more sustainable options.
4. Save Money
The initial investment associated with making your business more environmentally friendly might be off-putting at first.
Keep in mind, though, that there's a lot of money to be saved along the way once you make these changes. For example, if you switch to solar energy, you'll be able to save a ton of money on electricity each month.
5. Better Reputation
In addition to saving money and bringing in more money for your company, going green is also a great PR move.
If consumers know that your business is making efforts to be more conscious of your impact on the environment, they're going to appreciate you and be more willing to make purchases from your company.
People appreciate when companies take action. Even if you're not perfect about your sustainability efforts yet, many of them will be inclined to support what you have done in an attempt to encourage you to do more.
6. Improved Employee Health
Going green is great for your employees, too. If you make an effort to minimize carbon emissions, reduce waste, and clean up your business's act, your employees will benefit.
Even small changes like switching to safer cleaning products in the office can help to purify the air and make life easier for employees who are sensitive to harsh chemicals.
7. New Business Opportunities
When you decide to go green, you'll be amazed at all the business opportunities that open up to you.
You'll likely have opportunities to get to know and network with other business owners who may want to do business with you or partner with you on upcoming projects.
You might also be able to branch out and expand to audiences you never would have been able to reach otherwise.
Tips to Create Environmentally Friendly Businesses
Now that you know more about the benefits of being a "green" business in the modern age, you might have decided you want to find out more about how you can make your business greener.
The following are some simple steps you can take today to start running a more sustainable business:
Recycle and Used Recycled Products
One of the easiest ways to start making your business more sustainable is to start recycling and using recycled products. This includes recycled paper and recycled paper goods (plates, cups, etc.).
You may also want to put someone in charge of your company's recycling program. That way, they can ensure that recyclable items end up in the appropriate place.
Dispose of Ink and Toner in the Proper Way
Did you know that there's a correct way to get rid of these common office staples?
Instead of throwing away printer ink and toner into the garbage, look for stores in your area that have drop-off bins for them. These products can be recycled if you do this and won't end up in landfills.
You may also want to check and see if your office equipment company has a program in place where you can ship empty ink and toner cartridges back to them.
Swap Out Your Cleaning Products
When you run out of a particular cleaning product, replace it with a non-toxic option that's safer for the environment.
There are lots of green cleaning products out there that are better for the environment and better for your employees to be breathing in and exposing themselves to on a regular basis.
Go Solar
If possible, look into switching to solar energy for your business. This can help you save a fortune on electricity, and it'll help to reduce the carbon emissions your business produces.
Use Green Web Hosting
Many people are unaware of the environmental impact that web hosting has. Running servers day in and day out can lead to a ton of carbon emissions. To avoid this and reduce the impact your website has on the planet, consider switching to a green hosting platform.
Meet with a Consultant
Finally, talk to a consultant about ways you can make your business's products or services more sustainable. You might be able to change up your packaging material, for example, or swap out ingredients for safer, non-toxic ones.
These won't always be easy switches, but they'll be worth it if it helps you respond better to the demand from your customers.
Go Green Today
There are lots of benefits that environmentally friendly businesses get to enjoy.
From tax breaks to increased customer loyalty, there are plenty of reasons why you might consider making your business more sustainable.
If you do plan to take your business in this direction, keep the tips listed above in mind. They'll help to make the transition easier and ensure you get all your employees on board.
Need more help managing your business and navigating change? Check out some of our free business resources today for additional advice.
