How can you make your business greener?

With the ozone layer deteriorating and the polar ice caps melting, everyone should be doing what they can to help care for the environment. Did you know that Australian businesses contribute 6.5 million tonnes of waste to landfills every year? This can’t go on, and there are ways to reduce the damaging effects your business can have on the environment.  

A primary objective for all business owners should be to search for power companies that are energy efficient. Some people may not be aware of all the green energy suppliers that are cropping up, but according to Catherine Anderson, Head of Marketing at Powershop, every company should get educated:

“Gone are the days of paying an electricity bill and wondering how on earth it got that high. Powershop’s clever online usage tools and smartphone app can help you get in control of your home or business’ energy costs. It’s our responsibility to start making decisions about our purchasing behaviour that are better for our businesses, our homes and the environment. By knowing how much power you use, you can use less, save money, but more importantly reduce your impact on the planet.”

There’s nothing worse than thinking you’ve been frugal all month only to be shocked with a whopping energy bill. So keeping track of what you are using from your mobile, tablet, or desktop is a step in the right direction. By being able to see detailed graphs and stats that display how much energy a walk-in freezer uses compared to a commercial oven, you can identify which things are draining the most power and develop strategies to limit these items. This data will enable you to single out the main energy-wasting offenders such as equipment being left on overnight or air conditioning units operating in rooms that nobody occupies. You could also look into using solar incentives as a way to incorporate renewable energy. 

Identifying power-wasting appliances and conserving energy is only one step towards a greener business. Recycling is another fantastic way to do your bit. According to the National Australia Bank website, the bank uses 100% recycled carbon neutral Australian made paper. They ensure that they are minimising their paper use and supporting sustainably managed forests. The company has also reduced its water use by installing waterless urinals, flow restrictors on taps and showers, and by using rainwater where appropriate. 

Once you have decided to go green, play a part in spreading the message to other businesses. If you run a business that needs a constant supply chain of produce, deal only in green suppliers such as Flowerdale Farm. If every business starts to do this, others won’t have a choice but to change the way they operate so they can continue to function.

Going green isn’t as hard as you may think. Making sure everything is switched off at the end of the day, using energy-saving equipment, and seeking ways to profit from renewable energy are all steps in the right direction.