To be sustainable could imply many things, but when referring to business, sustainable practices should best utilize resources in a way that produces the least amount of waste while still executing goals. This varies across type of business, workspace and especially industry.
To understand why your workplace should practice sustainability, first take a look at the resources that are necessary for your business to function properly. What kind of infrastructure do you require? What physical items do you use daily? How do you discard used resources?
By taking a look at what assets you’re using daily and how often you must replace them, you may gain insight into how well your business is able to sustain the materials required to run.
Why would sustainability be important?
By utilizing resources in the most effective way possible, you’re helping to eliminate waste and landfill accumulation that negatively impacts our climate and environment. Depending on where you’re located, and the size of your community, the surrounding area may also be affected if the intake of your business is greater than what you put back, either through recycling or donation, outside of the product or service you produce.
How can you be more sustainable (without breaking the bank)?
It doesn’t have to be expensive to be sustainable. In fact, by producing less waste through fewer resources, you may find it is easier to implement greener practices with just a few easy changes.
Start by looking at what you’re discarding, say workspace materials like old desks or chairs, and consider recycling by material or donating to a local charity or nonprofit organization if items remain usable.
Here are some additional ideas to help create a greener workspace and potentially save money:
- Initiate a sustainability committee. It will be rewarding for your business and its members to fulfill new initiatives.
- Take a look at how you can implement more environmentally friendly items or ideas, like going paperless when you can or investing in higher-quality, longer-lasting office items.
- Consult with your local waste agencies to confirm what items and materials are in fact recyclable, and establish what collection schedules you can take part in.
- Keep an eye on energy usage, and be sure to turn off items that are not in use.
- Research if reusable energy could be beneficial to your business style and budget.
If you are a business looking to decommission or a nonprofit seeking furniture donations, learn more here.