28 Jul Make your Small Business more Sustainable

There are lots of ways to make your business more sustainable, here are some tips to get you started:

>> Reduce meeting costs: make a phone call instead of holding a meeting, send an email rather than posting, conduct virtual meetings to save the cost of making business trips.

>> Minimise using materials: archive computer files rather than print files, prioritise digital marketing and print brochures and supporting collateral on recycled paper.

>> Reduce waste: re-use old envelopes, have staff use their own mugs, get printer cartridges refilled not replaced and buy recycled stationery supplies.

>> Recycle it: recycle everything you can’t reuse – check with your local council what they will recycle. Set up recycling bins in locations staff will use them. A good way to involve staff is to hold a regular office book, clothing or DVD swap day.

>> Turn it off: switch off lights, computers, printers and appliances at the power point when not in use – they will last longer and your power bills will be considerably reduced.

>> Outsource it: reduce your server needs and cut power costs by using cloud computing services (web-based data storage) and use virtual office services or outside contractors rather than expand office space.

>> Reduce it: turn down the air conditioner – lowering the temperature just one degree on a hot day can increase your energy costs by 10 per cent. Reduce energy consumption further by: using cut-out switches to cut out standby power usage, installing automatic lighting sensors, having power supplied by green energy providers, choosing hybrid cars for your fleet vehicles. In the office kitchen, reduce water and power consumption by running office dishwashers when full, fixing leaky taps and reducing the hot-water temperature setting.

>>Buy green: get some green credentials by setting up a sustainable supply policy and guidelines, and send a checklist to your suppliers asking about their sustainable products and services. Ask printers for recycled paper, replace defunct equipment with high-energy efficiency models with a long shelf life.