A more energy efficient business saves you money and effort and here are some tips and tricks to achieve it.
1. Switch To Eco-Friendly Paper (Post-Consumer Waste Paper, Packaging, And Paper Products)
Although doing everything electronically can help reduce your demand for paper, there are times when you need/have to print. Switching to eco-friendly printing paper and especially PCW (post-consumer waste paper) can significantly reduce your carbon footprint. This is because recycled paper uses/needs fewer raw materials, 45% less energy, and also creates half the waste. Be sure to look for products labeled as 100% PCW whenever shopping for printing and packaging papers. Remember to recycle all paper scraps you might have in the workplace instead of tossing them into the rubbish bin.
2. Switch To Biodegradable Cleaners
Biodegradable cleaners (shampoo, soap, laundry detergents, etc.) are made of greener and more eco-friendly ingredients. Ditching products made of toxic chemicals for the greener option is not only good for the environment but lowers your exposure to some of these toxic compounds. Most of these products are available in many stores near you.
3. Use Natural And Green Beauty Products
Although you may already know this, green beauty products are considered much safer and more effective than chemically manufactured ones. These products sell at almost the same price or even lower than conventional beauty treatments. Making the switch thus means a more radiant and healthier skin, at an affordable price too. The fact that green products are free of toxins makes them good for the environment too.
4. Use More Energy Efficient Lighting Options (CFL Or LED Lights)
Much of your energy consumption goes to heating and lighting. Switching to LED and compact -fluorescent bulbs can, however, see you save lots of energy in the long run. LED bulbs, for example, use a fraction of what incandescent bulbs need and are more durable too. Consider replacing all halogen and standard incandescent bulbs with more energy-efficient LEDs and CFL bulbs.
5. Upgrade To Newer, Energy Efficient Appliances
Most of the appliances manufactured 5 or more years ago are energy hogs. They use up/waste more energy than the newer, more energy-efficient ones. Consider upgrading all your appliances to Energy Star rated appliances for improved energy and cost savings. All you need to look for when shopping for the new appliances is to check for the Energy Star logo or yellow tags on the device. While the initial cost might seem high, the overall savings from making the upgrade are more significant.
6. Schedule An Energy Audit
Investing in the best and most energy-efficient appliances might not be enough. The business premise itself might not be as energy-efficient as required. Get help with energy bills with an energy audit. Luckily, most states offer free energy audits for companies and businesses. Thus, you can request an energy audit to see what can be done to make your business more energy efficient. Inadequate insulation, cracks, air leaks, and gaps within the doors and windows are some of the culprits for wasted energy.
7. Consider Alternative/Renewable Energy
Opting to use green power is one of the best ways to cut down on your carbon footprint. Most utility providers have an option where you can sign up for this energy. The energy supplied is generated using renewable sources such as geothermal, wind, solar, plant matter, and hydropower, hence no need for fossil fuels. Green power is, however, a bit more expensive, which is a small price to pay for purchasing clean energy. Check with your power utility provider to see what options are available for you.