Five Ways Your Business is Hurting The Planet

We all know the impact that we as humans have on the environment, in recent year especially it’s become all too clear the damage we’ve caused to the planet. Masses of plastic washing up in oceans and rivers, climate change, ozone damage, acid rain- the list goes on and on. As individuals we’re all responsible for our carbon footprint, but as company owners, even more responsibility falls to us to do more. It’s the businesses of the world that tend to cause the most damage and destruction, and so we need to do what we can to prevent this further. Here are five ways you could still be letting down the planet when it comes to your business. 

You’re still not paper free

In the digital age we live in, there’s absolutely no way we need to be using so much paper. Since trees can be re-planted, this is often overlooked as people assume that paper wastage isn’t that damaging to the environment. But actually, growing trees uses a lot of our most precious resource- water. Producing paper in factories also uses fossil fuels which contributes to environmental damage. Stop using so much paper- get on board with digital receipts and invoices. Use cloud based storage for your documents and do everything online instead of using old manual paper methods. Not only is it more efficient and safer, it’s also better for the planet than using paper unnecessarily. 

You’ve not reduced your plastic consumption

Plastic has become a cancer of the earth. Think of every single use plastic ever created- almost all of it still exists somewhere on earth. Every plastic bag, water bottle, straw or cotton bud. It clogs up rivers, gets into the stomachs of wildlife, microplastics are even finding themselves in the human food chain with what will be disastrous consequences. In the office, plastic can include things like single use pens, ink cartridges, plastic cups and bags. Make changes and inform your staff that these things will be changed for refillable or eco friendly alternatives. Ask them to bring their own cup or glass to drink from the water cooler rather than a single use plastic cup. Use refillable pens and cartridges. Invest in a sectioned recycling bin to throw away waste properly so that it can be recycled and not just end up in landfill. 

You’re using too much power

Electricity is often powered by plants that still burn fossil fuels. So the less you use, the better. Switch to energy saving bulbs, and laptops which use less power than computers. Consider having solar panels fitted so you can use more renewable energy in the office. 

You’re not choosing the right suppliers

The suppliers you use should be carefully chosen, you might be practicing eco friendly practices but if your supply chain are still doing damaging things then you’re essentially responsible. Choose companies that are environmentally friendly, giving your business to them creates more demand and in turn can help force change. Look a the alternatives to raw materials, companies that choose to create eco friendly products for example instead of pumping out more plastic to end up in landfill. You could use Fair Trade companies, those that don’t test on animals, vegan companies or those that don’t use high VOC materials. Do your research and ensure you’re putting your money into companies that aren’t actively harming the environment. 

You’re not using carpooling

Finally, as well as the impact of your actual business, another thing to consider is your employees. If every individual is driving to work then think of the damage this causes to the environment over the years? Set up a carpooling scheme which will help to reduce this. You could also encourage walking and cycling to work, set up incentives. You could offer the prize of a new bicycle to the person that gets the most sales in a year, or running shoes every few months. Have incentives for walking, this includes things like showering or changing facilities that staff can use when they arrive. 

Have you considered the environmental impact of your business, and what you could do to resolve these issues?