In order for this whole saving-the-planet-from-imminent-doom thing to work, everyone is going to have to do their part.
Making sustainable choices isn’t just for the green industry! There are choices that every company can make that are a huge step in the right direction. Here are four of them.
Remote Work
Why should working in your pj’s have to end just because Covid cases are slowing down? Remote work is the quickest way to become a more eco-conscious company—no more commuter pollution!
In the last two weeks of March 2020, fine particle pollution dropped 4.5% compared to the same time in years prior, according to a study conducted by the University of California, San Francisco. It’s simple: Fewer cars on the road every day = fewer car emissions polluting the air.
For companies that are able, remote work is an easy solution to helping our planet. As many return to the office, it’s worth asking whether that transition back is really necessary. And if it is, a hybrid remote/in-office schedule would be the next best thing.
Switch to LED lightbulbs
If you must be in the office, LED lightbulbs are an absolute must. Although regular, incandescent bulbs are becoming more energy-efficient, LED lightbulbs are still incredibly better for the environment and your utility bill.
Switching to LED bulbs compared to incandescent bulbs can save an average of 70 to 90 percent on costs. Plus they last between 10,000 - 20,000 hours, compared to only 1,000 on incandescent bulbs.
This begs the question—how many of your employees does it take to change a light bulb?
Moving to a completely digital system
This seems like a no-brainer. Why do we even still have the option of paper? Nearly everything can be done electronically—signing documents, paychecks, newsletters, and so on.
Moving to a completely digital system can have an immense impact on helping to save the trees. Plus, there will probably be fewer paper cuts.
Supporting eco-friendly/local businesses
I think this is one that might slip companies’ minds as they take steps toward a more eco-conscious workplace, but it is so important. Supporting local and sustainable businesses can have a major impact!
Team lunch? Instead of ordering a large chain that is doing more harm than good for our planet, check out that local farm-to-table restaurant. Hosting a kickoff event? Find a local place that explicitly shares what choices they are making to be more sustainable? Cleaning up a mess in the breakroom? Ditch the paper towels and order reusable Skoy Cloths.
Saving our earth cannot be done by a small minority of people and businesses. Companies of all kinds can make a difference by implementing these small sustainable changes.