Climate change action for businesses

The recent extreme hot weather in the UK has made many business owners think about what more they can be doing to reduce climate change. A few small changes can make a difference, and some changes will even have other positive outcomes, such as; help to cut operating expenses, attract environmentally conscious employees and more importantly, help towards securing a habitable planet for future generations.

Here is a list of some initiatives you can consider introducing to your business, to be more environmentally sustainable:

Create a sustainable culture

Make sustainability part of your workplace culture – the practice will become the norm for colleagues, both in and out of the office.  

Recycle your unwanted goods

Think about ways  your business can support the circular economy through reusing, recycling and repurposing your unwanted goods. Choice provides a complete collection service for businesses to recycle their unwanted items like clothing, books, shoes, and bric-a-brac. The tailored collection service makes it easier for businesses to be sustainable, save space, time and generate additional revenue. 

You could introduce a company-wide ban on single-use water bottles. Plastic water bottles take hundreds of years to completely decompose if they make their way to landfills. By adding filtration to your water system, your employees can get fresh water from the tap in the break room.

Waste reduction also makes good business sense, it reduces the costs associated with both purchasing and waste disposal. Recycling is a simple way to make a big impact. 

Reduce your travel

Travel, especially air travel, has a negative impact on the environment.

Business travel has become less essential since the introduction of good quality Video conferencing technology over the past few years. This has made it easier than ever to connect with co-workers around the globe.

Reducing the number of cars on the road also cuts back on pollution and carbon emissions. Allow working from home one or two days a week and offer incentives for employees who carpool. Even something as simple as installing an office bike rack or a charging point is a step in the right direction.

Work with environmentally conscious partners

If you want to take climate change seriously as a small business, work with other businesses and organizations that do, too. Review your supply chain to ensure your suppliers’ values align with yours. 

Save energy

How many of your computers and appliances remain on when no one’s around? Careful use of technology and appliances not only saves energy, it will also save you some coin when your monthly bills arrive.

Transition to renewable power sources. Cleaner alternatives wind or solar power, heat pumps.

Finally, LED light bulbs consume at least 75% less energy than traditional incandescents.

Show your climate commitment

Measure your carbon footprint. Place recycling bins around the office and clothing banks in outside spaces sends the message to employees and visitors that you take environmental responsibility seriously.

 Find out how Choice can support your business in being financially and environmentally sustainable, to help combat climate change: info@choicetextile.com