Guest Article: Save the Environment With Eco-Friendly Business Practices

Author: Kristin Louis, parentingwithkris.com

When environmental friendliness became a common marketing tactic in the late 2000s, it could’ve easily been dismissed as a fad. The urgency of climate change and the longevity of eco-awareness proved that it’s not. “Green” is far more than a label used to sell cleaning products. It’s a philosophy of conservation that’s founded on sustainable business practices. Entrepreneurs who are equally driven by ambition and eco-friendliness can combine their passions by starting a business that’s green. This guide will help first-time business owners navigate the steps and expenses associated with starting a sustainable business.

What Makes a Business Green?

Entrepreneurs who aspire to start a green business must first define what “green” means to them. Is it a commitment to zero waste or does it demand a minimized carbon footprint? Your definition of “green” should start with assessing opportunities based on their environmental impact. If your business relies on serving food, for example, think about the impact of disposable plastic utensils.

Considerations like this can make all the difference in keeping your company green — but they’ll also likely increase expenses. Starting a business is already a costly pursuit, but when you add the additional cost that’s often associated with sustainable materials, it can add up. It’s important that entrepreneurs budget appropriately for eco-friendly expenses.

You can look to businesses such as Patagonia that prioritize sustainability by promoting biking and discouraging clothing disposal. The brand has seen incredible growth as a result. Chocolate brand Tony’s Chocolonely has seen similar success after eliminating child labor and minimizing carbon emissions from its production process.

How Can Entrepreneurs Start Eco-Friendly Businesses?

According to research, the average person in the U.S. is responsible for 16.6 metric tons of carbon emissions each year. The first step towards creating an eco-friendly business is strategizing ways to reduce its carbon footprint. You can do this by minimizing waste, using renewable energy, and upgrading your office to feature eco-friendly fixtures. You can also minimize paper waste by using the cloud and utilizing a PDF editor. You can edit a PDF online with a PDF editor without printing — just upload, revise, and download the document.

Another great way to implement eco-friendly business practices is to allow staff to work remotely. Requiring employees to commute to the office for work that could be done online isn’t just inconvenient — it’s irresponsible. Work-related travel is one of the greatest sources of pollution, and you can minimize it by accommodating work-from-home positions.

The most important part of starting a green business, though, is simply prioritizing the planet’s wellbeing. As a business owner, you need to make a profit, but as an environmentalist, you need to do so sustainably. Juggling these two responsibilities will be a challenge, but it’s also an opportunity to discover new sustainable business practices.

How Can Entrepreneurs Start Eco-Friendly Businesses?

According to research, the average person in the U.S. is responsible for 16.6 metric tons of carbon emissions each year. The first step towards creating an eco-friendly business is strategizing ways to reduce its carbon footprint. You can do this by minimizing waste, using renewable energy, and upgrading your office to feature eco-friendly fixtures. You can also minimize paper waste by using the cloud and utilizing a PDF editor. You can edit a PDF online with a PDF editor without printing — just upload, revise, and download the document.

Another great way to implement eco-friendly business practices is to allow staff to work remotely. Requiring employees to commute to the office for work that could be done online isn’t just inconvenient — it’s irresponsible. Work-related travel is one of the greatest sources of pollution, and you can minimize it by accommodating work-from-home positions.

The most important part of starting a green business, though, is simply prioritizing the planet’s wellbeing. As a business owner, you need to make a profit, but as an environmentalist, you need to do so sustainably. Juggling these two responsibilities will be a challenge, but it’s also an opportunity to discover new sustainable business practices.

Starting a Business and Going Green

Businesses are some of the biggest contributors to carbon emissions and environmental damage. This is a problem for any entrepreneur who cares about being eco-friendly. Luckily, there are many ways for business owners to minimize their carbon footprint and benefit the environment rather than harming it. You can start by defining “green” and developing a plan to implement sustainable business practices.

Start a business that reflects your values and protects the environment. You can create your own eco-friendly approach and build a clientele that appreciates your efforts.

Author: Kristin Louis, parentingwithkris.com

Looking for more ways to live with intention? Zero Waste California has all the tips! Visit today.