Eco-conscious initiatives are a powerful way for companies to win big when it comes to both the environment and their bottom line. Now more than ever, “going green” is a key component of a successful business strategy — one that involves everything from reducing the carbon footprint of manufacturing and production practices to creating energy-efficient office buildings with renewable resources.
As more and more companies adopt environmentally-friendly practices, questions and challenges are bound to arise — specifically for players in the ecommerce industry. How do you go green when it comes to shipping supplies? Are green practices important to my customers? Can eco-conscious initiatives make my business more successful? How do I encourage my employees to also adopt these practices? Are there green companies around that are doing it right? These are just a few of the questions that emerge when it comes to implementing sustainable practices in the workplace.
If you’re overwhelmed at the thought of going green, don’t worry. There are small steps you can take that will ultimately make a huge difference for your company, your employees, and your customers. Read on to learn why you should make the switch, how it will impact the environment and your profits, who’s doing it right, and how to get started.
Begin by examining your footprint.
Are you dropping the ball when it comes to eco-friendly practices? Here are a few common shipping mistakes and how to fix them.
The Fix: Make the switch to corrugated cardboard boxes made from recycled materials.
The Fix: Replace styrofoam inserts with eco-friendly alternatives like biodegradable bubble wrap or cornstarch-based packing peanuts.
The Fix: Ask your customers directly to recycle their boxes, and encourage them by playing up your company’s own dedication to sustainability.
Reasons to Go Green
It’s no secret that green companies can appeal to consumers with eco-conscious mindsets, reinforce your company values, and even improve your bottom line. In fact, 90 percent of CEOs believe that sustainability is fundamental for success. Learn how your efforts to help the environment can impact your business for the better:
- Customer Appeal: Today’s consumer values social responsibility. If your business’s values align with their own, they’re more likely to shop with you now and come back for more in the future. Click here to learn more about how sustainable packaging can help grow your customer base.
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Environmental Benefits: It’s in everyone’s best interest to protect our planet for future generations. When your company goes green, you’re preventing the waste of natural resources, reducing waste and pollution, and so much more.
- Tax Breaks: Tax credits and incentives are available at the state level for varying eco initiatives. In addition, the IRS makes allowances as well, offering credits for things like hybrid vehicles and the use of solar or wind energy.
Find out more on how going green can contribute to your company’s success here.
Green Companies: Who’s Getting it Right?
If you need a little green-spiration, look no further than these standout sustainability rockstars.
This cleaning product company and certified B Corporation takes clean and green to a new level, with non-toxic products packaged in 100 percent recycled plastic.
Known for its outdoor apparel and accessories, Patagonia consistently examines their use of resources and audits the materials and methods they use in production.
Did you know that 80 percent of plastic water bottles end up in landfills? Boxed Water aims to create more sustainable packaging with water boxes made from renewable raw materials.
Check out more of our favorite green companies here.
Green companies win with equally eco-conscious employees.
You can talk the talk, but does your company walk the walk? When it comes to reinforcing company values, the actions of your employees matter — especially when those values involve the environment. Here are a few ways to encourage company-wide participation in your new green initiatives.
- Place recycling bins throughout the office. Office recycling bins are easy to find online, and you can choose the size of your bins depending on the number of employees and the amount of waste your office collects. Centralized recycling bins are also a great excuse for employees to take a break and get up from their desk throughout the day.
- Suggest carpooling for coworkers. Many companies offer carpool incentive programs as part of their commuter benefits package. If you're a smaller company without an established benefits program, start small with preferred parking for carpoolers or small prize drawings for cash.
- Add a bike rack to encourage alternative transportation. If you’re short on outdoor space, wall-mounted bike racks are both a great way to add aesthetic appeal to your office space and attract employees' interests in biking to work.
- Switch to LED office lighting to save on energy costs. The savings are significant when you make the switch to LED lighting. In fact, the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy reports that by 2027, widespread LED usage could save about $30 billion.
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Go paperless when possible. From invites and cards to bank statements and beyond, paperless communication is becoming a common practice for many businesses. Encourage your office to print less and go paperless for meetings and presentations.
- Ask office workers to take Brandable Box’s No 2 Plastic Pledge. Thanks to this worldwide community, pledgers have eliminated over 250,000 plastic bottles, 250,000 plastic straws, and 150,000 plastic bags from the waste stream annually. Encourage your office to be part of the movement.
Every Effort Counts
Without a doubt, there are many factors to consider when it comes to adopting green practices for your business, but the most important thing to remember is that even small changes can make a big impact. To recap, simply follow these steps to win big for the environment, for customers, and for your business.
How Green Companies Win in 4 Easy Steps
- Evaluate your footprint and let Brandable Box help you fix your packaging mistakes with custom shipping boxes made from 100 percent recycled materials.
- Consider the benefits. There’s a long list — take advantage!
- Get inspired by other green companies. See who’s making a difference and follow in their footsteps.
- Get your employees on board by incentivizing them to go green, too.
This article was written by our content marketing agency, MarketWake.