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As the demand for environmentally friendly products and services, as well as consumer interest in protecting the planet, increases, more and more companies are looking to reduce their carbon footprint and adopt greener business practices. environmentally friendly. However, many companies may not know where to start, and some efforts may seem dishonest if not handled properly.
To help, eight members of the Young Entrepreneur Council recommend several ways businesses can start going green and discuss the impact it can have on a company’s overall success.
1. Start thinking cyclically
Companies can think cyclically rather than linearly when it comes to their own production processes. A manufacturing company can take an honest look at the waste created during its production and think of ways to minimize or reuse that waste. If done effectively, the business can increase productivity while saving money. With increased consumer education about sustainability and its importance to the future of our planet, as long as efforts are genuine and consistent, a company pursuing sustainable goals will create strong bonds with employees, customers and the surrounding community. -Charles Bogoian, Kenai Sports
2. Go digital
If we start to pay attention, we will notice that businesses still print a lot, even today in the digital age. However, this is not necessary at all. Going digital is a win-win solution for the planet and the business, as fully digital processes contribute to better organization, more transparency, faster transactions and better work while helping to reduce a highly consumed product for which a large amount of natural resources is extracted every year. Even if you use recyclable paper, you will have a greater impact by going digital. -Riccardo Conte, Virtus Flow
3. Identify a greener core offering
Every business is different, so identify ways to go green in your operations. For example, in the waste disposal industry, we are able to donate and recycle items instead of putting them in the landfill. We are also able to go paperless and sign everything in one app. If your business model is driving-related (e.g. pizza delivery), consider investing in electric vehicles. If you sell physical products, use recycled packaging materials. If you’re a real estate agent, give your clients a plant for their new home so that each house sold allows you to plant a new tree. Find your company’s only offer and make that thing green. Not only is it good for the environment, but it’s also a marketing advantage! – Nick Friedman, College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving
4. Engage your supply chain partners
Companies must be willing to invest in new technologies and processes and work closely with their supply chain partners to ensure sustainability is a shared priority. You should carefully assess your supply chain partners and select those that prioritize sustainability in their operations, such as using renewable energy, minimizing waste, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. tight. Ultimately, the benefits of adopting more environmentally friendly business practices can positively impact a company’s success, both in terms of financial performance and brand reputation. – Rachel Beider, Modern Massage PRESS
5. Set up a take-back program
Businesses can reduce their carbon footprint and improve their green practices by starting a take-back program. This allows customers to return used products to the company instead of throwing them away, which can help conserve raw materials and reduce environmental damage. It will also help businesses improve their reputation and attract environmentally conscious customers. Additionally, the company can offer incentives to customers to increase engagement and brand loyalty, which ultimately leads to increased sales and customer satisfaction. As a result, a take-back program will have a positive impact on the environment, provide incentives for customers, and also help the business succeed. Everyone wins! -Vikas Agrawal, Infobrandz
6. Switch to renewable energy
More and more people are becoming more and more aware of sustainability and are choosing to buy from brands that are environmentally friendly and contribute positively to shaping the environment. For companies that have yet to adopt sustainable processes, this means taking a step back and measuring your company’s carbon footprint. Then the next change probably recommended is to switch to using renewable energy to run the business. If your current supplier does not offer renewable energy, it may be time to consider choosing a new supplier who can guarantee that their electricity comes only from renewable sources. Get creative and find areas of your business (office supplies, processes, and packaging) where you can reduce, reuse, and recycle. – Candice Georgiadis, Digital Day
7. Go fully remote
Switch or revert to a default remote working situation for all employees who do not need to be onsite. Remote work has supporters and detractors, but few would argue that it’s better for the environment. After all, depending on where you live, even electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in EVs get their power from a “dirty” grid, and even public transport isn’t zero carbon in the vast majority of cases. . Thus, the less you ask your employees to travel during the week, the more your carbon footprint should be reduced, all other things being equal. – Andrew Schrage, Money Crashers Personal Finance
8. Partner with eco-friendly nonprofits
I find a great way to start being more environmentally friendly is to work with non-profit organizations that are dedicated to promoting sustainability. Businesses can partner with these organizations to learn more about best practices for reducing their carbon footprint and adopting sustainable business practices. In many cases, these nonprofits can source alternative materials, products, and services that are better for the environment. A positive impact is that a business can leverage the nonprofit’s reputation by partnering with it. But you’ll also find that it’s faster to implement environmentally friendly solutions and practices with the help of a partner. This, in turn, has a positive effect on the customer experience. – Blair Williams, MemberPress
