In order to better preserve our planet for future generations, we all need to do our bit to tackle issues like climate change, deforestation and pollution. With businesses in the UK producing as much as 17% of the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions, it’s essential for companies in all industries to make steps towards becoming more eco-friendly. From supply chain to production, packing to raw materials, businesses should ensure that their operations are optimised for sustainability wherever possible.
Alongside looking at the fundamentals of your business practices, there are also some simple ways that you can make daily tasks greener too. Here are just a few ideas to get you started.
Recyclable Packaging
One of the most significant ways that businesses can reduce their carbon footprint is by opting for recyclable packaging materials. Traditional plastic containers, such as those used for ice cream tubs, contribute to pollution and can take hundreds of years to decompose in landfills. By switching to recyclable materials like paper or cardboard, businesses can massively reduce their impact on the environment.
A great example of this is Marshall Wilson’s range of eco-friendly paper ice cream tubs with lids that are not only biodegradable, but also sturdy enough to protect your products. Made from sustainable sources, these paper tubs can be easily recycled after use, helping to close the loop on waste and mitigate harm to the planet.
Save Energy
Energy usage will vary drastically depending on the type and scale of your business, but on average, businesses will consume between 15,000 and 25,000 kWh of energy a year. Fortunately, avoiding wasting power in the workplace is incredibly simple.
Making the most of natural light at your workplace is a great way to save energy, and it can also be better for your health and wellbeing. Allow natural light to flow in through windows and doors, and make sure that large pieces of furniture or tech aren’t obstructing any key light sources. You could also use bright colours on walls and appliances to reflect light around the room.
For areas where natural light is hard to come by, motion-sensitive lights are ideal for energy conservation, as they only turn on when needed and don’t need to be turned off manually.
Encourage Recycling
Promoting recycling within workplace culture is another critical step towards corporate sustainability. Installing clear and accessible recycling bins for various types of waste, including paper, plastic and glass, will encourage employees to dispose of their waste responsibly.
Businesses can even take things a step further by educating employees about the importance of recycling and providing training on proper waste management practices. Doing so can help your business to make a meaningful impact on reducing landfill waste and conserving valuable resources.
Install Energy Saving Measures
Investing in energy-saving measures can help to reduce your business's carbon footprint, whilst also cutting energy costs in the long-term. Although an upfront investment, solar panels are a great example of how to do this. Because they harness the power of the sun to generate clean, renewable energy, businesses can lessen their reliance on fossil fuels and lower their electricity bills.Similarly, installing proper insulation can improve energy efficiency by reducing heat loss during the colder months and negating the need for heating systems to work overtime.
Sustainable Supplies
Beyond packaging and lighting, if you work in an office or similar environment, you can also make eco-friendly choices with your choice of supplies. Opting for recycled paper and stationery made from sustainable materials lowers the demand for virgin resources and reduces waste. Incorporating green alternatives into your daily operations helps you to contribute to a more sustainable future while still meeting the needs of your business.
Eliminate Paper Waste
With technology having come so far, there are countless opportunities to reduce or eliminate paper consumption through the use of digital alternatives. Transitioning from paper-based processes to digital solutions not only saves trees, but can also generally make tasks more streamlined and reduce costs. A couple of ways you can do this is by implementing electronic document management systems and encouraging digital communication amongst employees.
Rethink Commuting
When thinking about how to reduce your company’s environmental impact, it’s important to think outside of the workplace too, and take a look at how your employees are travelling to and from work. Reducing our reliance on cars is a big part of achieving the UK’s 2050 net zero target, so encouraging staff members to take more sustainable transport on their commute, such as walking, cycling or public transport, is an excellent idea.
On top of this, the pandemic has demonstrated to us just how many business transactions, meetings, training sessions and networking events can be done remotely. Moving forward, your business could be more conscious of which items can be held virtually to reduce unnecessary travel. If travelling is a necessity, try to maximise the trip by combining multiple visits.
Customer & Employee Incentives
To further encourage eco-friendly practices, more and more businesses are implementing customer and employee incentive schemes that reward individuals for making sustainable choices. For example, offering discounts or rewards to customers and staff members who bring their own reusable packaging can help reduce single-use waste and promote a more sustainable shopping experience and workplace environment.
By incentivising environmentally friendly behaviours, businesses can not only attract socially conscious customers but also inspire positive change within their community. From a business perspective, initiatives can also help businesses differentiate themselves in the market as leaders in sustainability and corporate responsibility.
Recyclable Ice Cream Packaging and More
The Marshall Wilson online packaging store is the place to find all your food packaging supplies with top quality recyclable products at great prices. Whether you’re looking for disposable ice cream tubs or takeaway containers, we have the right product for you. Offering nationwide delivery from our Glasgow warehouse, we supply food industry businesses across the UK. If you'd like to see our products in person, please visit our showroom. Alternatively, get in touch with us for more information.
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