5 Ways to Make Your Small Business More Sustainable [Infographic]

For many small business owners, creating and implementing a business sustainability plan can seem like it will require more time and money than it’s worth. Without a dedicated budget for sustainability initiatives, many small business leaders feel they are simply “too small” to benefit from adopting eco-friendly business practices.

Here’s the good news: Not only do sustainable business practices often save money, but they’re also great for your business and your bottom line. Consumers today are more aware of how their purchasing decisions affect the environment than ever before. They expect the companies they do business with the make eco-friendly choices, too.

What are the benefits of going green at work?

Increased customer loyalty

A ]]>recent Cone Communications survey]]> found that 76 percent of global consumers would refuse to purchase a company’s product or services if they knew the company supported an issue that was contrary to their beliefs. ]]>Recent data]]> shows that 85 percent of millennials and 79 percent of Gen X consumers believe that it is “extremely” or “very” important for companies to implement programs to improve the environment. Sustainability is the key to boosting customer loyalty.

Increased revenue

Sustainability doesn’t have to cost a lot of green. In fact, sustainability initiatives may translate to greater revenue down the line. According to a ]]>2017 study]]> out of MIT and Harvard University, overall sales revenue can increase up to 20 percent due to a business’s responsibility practices. Just take it from Unilever, which ]]>claims]]> its “brands with purpose” are growing twice as quickly as other brands in its portfolio.

Increased employee satisfaction

Sustainable business practices may be the key to making your employees happier and more satisfied. According to a recent Net Impact ]]>report]]>, employees who say they can make a positive social and environmental impact through their job report much higher levels of satisfaction than those who don’t.

How can my business be more sustainable?

Find out how you can reduce your company’s carbon footprint while protecting your bottom line with this infographic highlighting low- and no-cost sustainability tips:

 

Reduce your energy consumption

Reducing electricity use in your office isn’t just a great cost-saving strategy — it also helps to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions. You can reduce your company’s carbon footprint by switching off electronics and adjusting utilities when they are not in use, including:

• Lights
• Computers
• Televisions
• Air conditioning

Green tip:

Energy-efficient lightbulbs such as halogen incandescents and light emitting diodes (LEDs) use up to ]]>80 percent less energy]]> than traditional light bulbs and last up to 25 times longer, according to Energy.gov.

Reduce your paper consumption

The average office worker uses about 10,000 sheets of copy paper each year, so it comes as no surprise that an estimated 90 percent of office waste consists of paper products. Reduce your company’s environmental impact by transitioning some of your print materials to digital formats.

• Invoices
• Service agreements
• Newsletters
• Internal memos
• Meeting agendas
• Employee forms

Green tip:

Digital payment options such as ]]>emailable eChecks]]> not only save money on printing and postage, they also save time and enhance data security.

Green your print marketing

Not all printed materials can be replaced with digital versions, especially customer-facing collateral such as brochures and business cards. Make your marketing materials more eco-friendly by swapping your standard printing supplies for eco-friendly (and often cheaper) paper and ink alternatives, including:

• Soy ink
• Recycled cartridges
• Recycled paper

Green tip:

Soy inks offer more color vibrancy and a wider selection than traditional petroleum-based inks. ]]>Get instant pricing for soy ink and recycled paper printing at PsPrint.

Ramp up recycling

Recycling opportunities don’t end with paper and plastic materials. Level up your office recycling efforts by offering alternatives for organic waste, small electronics and other recyclable materials commonly tossed out with the office trash.

Organic recycling

• Food waste
• Grass trimmings
• Landscaping debris

Universal and electronics recycling

• Lightbulbs
• Small electronics
• Batteries

Green tip:

Ask your waste service provider if they offer pre-paid recycling mail-back kits for small electronics and lightbulbs.

Improve the commute

According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2017 American Community Survey (ACS)]]>, more than 76 percent of Americans drive to work alone, contributing to an estimated 115 million vehicles on American roads every day. By promoting carpool programs and commuting alternatives within your team, you can reduce your company’s carbon footprint beyond the office. Create incentives for:

• Biking
• Walking
• Carpooling
• Public transport

Green tip:

Make carpooling easier for your employees by using mobile apps such as ]]>Scoop]]> that allows commuters to set up routes from their phone.

Making your business practices more sustainable doesn’t have to be costly, and one of the most cost-effective places to start is your printing. PsPrint offers a wide selection of recycled paper and soy ink options for your marketing collateral — contact us for a free quote.