Every entrepreneur hopes that their business will be a monumental success, but there is growing evidence that there is another area that new businesses should focus on – protecting the environment. Creating environmentally-sound practices in a new business can not only benefit the planet but can also increase the profitability of the business as well.
All Types of Businesses
Even businesses that are not normally considered as environmentally friendly, such as the lumber or oil industry, have developed company policies designed to lessen the impact of their processes on the environment. Industry leaders, such as Sukanto Tanoto, have even developed non-profit agencies designed to teach others alternatives to practices that have been determined to be detrimental to the environment.
Long-Term Health
Several studies have been conducted over the past few years that indicate environmentally-friendly policies can provide long-term health for a company. One study found that 74 percent of companies that engage in earth-friendly practices show an increase in profits and that 33 percent say that protecting the environment is very important to their business. These statistics have led more companies to develop “green initiatives,” which were initially designed to protect the environment, but have now shown promise in increasing company profits.
Tips for Green Initiatives
The best method for developing environmentally-friendly practices is to put them in place from the beginning. Some ideas for creating green initiatives include:
Incorporate green thinking into the company culture with little things like encouraging employees to bring reusable mugs and tumblers rather than keeping a supply of Styrofoam or plastic cups.
Create a “green team” who are responsible for establishing and administering green incentives.
Use energy-efficient products such as CFL and LED lighting, lowering or raising thermostat temperatures and adding solar power when possible.
Significantly reduce paper consumption by going digital. Requiring employees to keep files in digital form, distribute documents electronically, print on both sides of paper or adding paper recycling can save almost 350 pounds of waste paper per year.
Create a recycling program by placing a recycling bin at each desk or by donating equipment that is still operational but has been phased out.
By implementing these simple steps and promoting green initiatives in all company branding, businesses will see an improvement in the bottom line while also helping protect the environment.
Environmental practices are critical to helping sustain the earth, but it is also a method for improving company profits. Green initiatives are now part of the global marketplace and developing policies that show a company is environmentally-conscious show responsibility and empathy for the world around them. With statistics indicating that environmentally-sound policies can help build company profits as well as create a more positive brand image, it is easy to see why all entrepreneurs should consider implementing such policies in their business plan. When implemented from the beginning, employees have a clear understanding that they are also expected to keep protection of the environment in their mind as they complete tasks. It can also promote community involvement among the staff as they gain additional understanding of how important it is to give back to the area around them.
Article Submitted By Community Writer.
