Why going eco-friendly can save your business money

It’s a difficult time for small businesses, so much so that most of us are looking for ways to tighten those purse strings and save ourselves a little more money. As a business owner, it’s only natural for you to be mostly concerned with your business’ bottom line, but did you know that if you focus on making your business a little more eco-friendly, you can save a little of the planet too?

There are many ways you can save money on your business, including:

• Tackling your debts and freeing up more money – try this budget calculator if you need guidance
• Outsourcing roles and jobs
• Negotiating with vendors and haggling for better prices or finding products you can buy in bulk
• Reducing expenses e.g. business lunches/staff nights out

However, more and more business owners are making the connection between going green and saving money. There are many advantages to making your business eco-friendly:

• A business will always benefit from having a green reputation
• Greener workspaces and incentives make happier employees
• A business can save money by going green!

Here we’ll look at why going eco-friendly can save your business money.

You can save money on your utilities

We’re all aware of issues relating to greenhouse emissions and wasted energy contributing to the problem. Therefore, when you make the switch to go green, you’ll not only help the planet but also save your business money in terms of:

• Switching to LED lighting to reduce costs and longevity of bulbs
• Turning lights off when rooms are empty/closed
• Turning all computers/laptops and tech off at the mains
  

You can save money on employees and staff

Opting to outsource your employees or have them work from home is not only great for the environment but it’s great for your wallet too!

• You won’t have to power and pay for an expensive office/unit
• Fewer people commuting on the roads
• Lower utility bills if most staff work remotely
• Less waste means you don’t have to pay to remove the waste or replenish goods quicker
  

Food and snacks

Vending machines are big business in any office space. But they cost you electricity and a vendor fee. By removing these and promoting healthier, organic snacks instead you can cut your carbon footprint and encourage a healthier lifestyle among employees.

• Food waste can be used as compost to plant flowers or even grow veggies
• If you have a cafeteria encourage plant-based meals rather than meat products to reduce your carbon footprint/costs and the environment.