5 ways to make your business more eco-friendly

The country is becoming more eco-conscious. Of that, there's no doubt. At home, there are many things we can, and are, doing. But what can businesses do to improve their carbon footprint?  

How your business can be more eco-friendly

1. Reduce your plastic waste

   We know we should be buying less bottled water, drinking fewer coffees in disposable cups and refusing straws in bars. But have you thought about how your business could be contributing to the huge amount of plastic waste we create every year? Do you have a water cooler that has a sleeve of plastic disposable cups? Could you ask staff to bring reusable cups, or buy them a reusable water bottle each? At EverythingBranded, we supply a huge range of water bottles that can be branded with your company’s logo, or even the names of your employees. If you host meetings and provide lunch, there's plastic waste to cut back on. Can you find a company that serves food in biodegradable packaging, or buy from a local business that let you use your own reusable plates and trays? It might not sound much, but it all makes a difference.

2. Promote your business with eco-friendly products

   If you attend trade shows or industry conferences, you might have a range of promotional items for your business. Many promotional goods that are printed or embossed with your logo aren't made in a green and sustainable way. However, EverythingBranded has a range of EcoFriendly products which is expanding all the time. From cups and water bottles to pens, pencils and bags, from notepads and lanyards to toys, keyrings and badges, check out our range. You’ll enjoy the benefits giving promotional products to customers brings, with the added benefit of doing your bit to look after the planet and its future.

3. Swap to renewable energy sources

   UK businesses consume 56 per cent of the UK’s energy. If more businesses switch to renewable energy to power their premises and digital platforms, it could make a huge difference to the environment. Not only will this help to improve your green credentials, but it can save you money and reduce how much you rely on the world's dwindling supply of fossil fuels. Consider using green website hosting, switching to a renewable energy provider or even installing solar panels.

4. Encourage your staff to use greener forms of transport

   Transport emissions are responsible for around 25 per cent of the UK's carbon footprint, according to the UK government. If you can encourage staff to use greener forms of public transport, this could have a massive effect on the environmental impact of your business. For example, if your business offers company cars, you could consider offering electric options. Or you could also provide incentives for your employees to carpool, or even cycle or walk to work. The Cycle to Work scheme can help employees save up to 39 per cent on the cost of a bike and accessories. Perhaps you could set up a prize draw for employees if they travel on an emission-free form of transport so many times a month.

5. Recycle your electronics

   The computer that’s been sitting on the desk alone for months, the printer that never works, or the mobile phones that even the 1980s wouldn’t want back – we’ve all got them. But instead of binning them, it might be worth looking at more eco-friendly solutions. The United Nations University’s Global E-waste Monitor predicted global E-waste is due to hit 52.2 million metric tonnes by the end of 2021 – and the UK is one of the biggest culprits. All of these points might seem like small changes, but together they can lead to big differences and a different mindset.