Consumers prefer to do business with companies that care about the environment. According to a 2018 Nielson report; “81% of global respondents feel strongly that companies should help improve the environment. This passion for corporate social responsibility is shared across gender lines and generations.” Making small changes within your company can create an impact on your business bottom line and the environment.

Benefits of using Green practices in your business

Internally: Businesses can start using Green Marketing strategies to cover their product/service development and distribution. A sustainable approach can help companies reduce their operating and production costs.

By reaching a new market of socially and environmentally conscious consumers, the company will also increase sales.

Companies that are sensitive to the environment and social climate tend to attract employees that want to be part of the greater good. A positive corporate culture can help build strong employee retention.

Externally: By committing to be more energy-efficient, reducing toxic wastes and greenhouse gases, recycling and creating less waste, businesses gain a competitive advantage over their competitors. Sharing the same values in protecting the environment will also increase the consumer's loyalty to the brand and continue to build a positive image for the company.

Brands can advertise their products or services as Green and overtime; they can build their reputation and qualify to work with other companies and agencies who prefer to do business with other Green companies who share the same values.

Businesses seeking to convert to Green Marketing can start by implementing Green practices within their processes and slowly take positive actions to encourage change in their industry.

Here are a few examples that will get you thinking about Green initiatives in your business;

1. Energy Efficiency: The idea is to save energy and cut costs where possible. Some changes are significant and require a more substantial investment to start, like installing solar panels, which are a huge source of renewable energy. Other changes can be small and require little investment, like installing energy-efficient light bulbs.

- Laptops use less energy than desktops, so consider a laptop when shopping for your workplace equipment.

- Make sure to enable energy-saving features on all the computers and devices in the office.

- Sometimes, upgrading old equipment to new energy-saving devices can save you more in the long term. Be sure to dispose of the outdated equipment properly. Look for appliances that have energy-saving ratings and can cut costs on your utility bills.

- Do an energy audit to review the overall efficiency of your workplace.

- Monitor your cooling and heating by investing in a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust the temperature when no one is at work.

Bonus: Take your commitment one step further by reducing/eliminating your energy-related footprint. Explore offsetting your business emissions by working with companies such as Bullfrog Power.

2. Paper Management: In a modern age of cloud storage, content management software, and mobile communication, paper is less necessary and more of a habit and preference.

- Think before you print; "Is it necessary to print this?"

If you must print, implement a "print on both sides of the page" rule.

- Enforce a printing policy that includes things like; no printing of emails, reduce print margins and fonts.

- Conduct paperless meetings.

- Centralize files, reduce distribution lists and consolidate forms.

- Use programs such as GoogleDocs and Docusign to share files and documents and to collect electronic signatures and to avoid printing contracts.

- Use electronic press kits and USB drives to share presentations with clients.

Bonus: Steer away from the traditional paper print ads, flyers and newsletters and direct your marketing budget to digital methods of communication to connect with your customers. Use digital marketing agencies like Fierce Media to help you focus on your Green marketing strategies and help you with your digital proposals, E-Newsletters, Social Ads and email campaigns.

3. Green Packaging: Packaging that is not biodegradable takes up vast amounts of space in landfills. A manufacturing company that packages products can convert to Green packaging and provide their customers with a higher quality experience.

- Design the packaging to be recycled and keep in mind things like separability, cleanliness, labelling and coloration.

- Use compostable mailers.

- Design for packaging to be reused and steer away from the traditional tear open and throw away approach.

- Reduce the size of your packing.

- Reduce and remove packaging from bulk products/produce such as cucumbers. Think of the lifecycle.

- Introduce a return program for empty packing.

- New ideas on packaging, recycling infrastructure, government regulations, and educating the public.

Bonus: Research local companies like Rootree in Ontario. They offer compostable and recyclable packaging OR Wisebox in Toronto. They provide reusable takeout boxes for restaurants. Clients just pay a deposit and can return their containers to any participating location to be reused.

4. Natural Decorations: Instead of spending money on expensive trinkets and office decoration, use natural design elements to add life to your workplace.

- Green plants can add colour to your workstation, act as a divider to separate space, and they can improve the air quality.

- Take advantage of windows and glass doors to let in the natural light and brighten up any space.

5. Recycle: Placing recycling bins in visible areas in your office/building will let employees and clients know that recycling is important and practiced at your workplace.

- Stock up the break rooms, hallways, conference rooms, and high-volume areas with at least one recycling bin.

- Educate the employees about how to use the bins to separate materials

- Collect more than just paper. Electronics, light bulbs and other E-waste should be disposed of properly.

- Collect organics by adding a green bin where food is consumed.

- Eliminate disposable tableware and encourage employees to use reusable mugs, glasses, dishes and cutlery.

- Audit your company's waste and introduce recycling programs wherever necessary

Bonus: Support small businesses and research companies like StackITnow to pick up and recycle your coffee cups in your area.

6. Cleaning: Green cleaning tips can benefit your employees and your client's satisfaction.

- Not only are eco-friendly cleaning practices good for the environment, but they are also less toxic to the indoor air that you, your employees or clients breathe in.

- Switch disposable cleaning tools with reusable options. Consider using a rental program where towels, mops, and microfibre wipes are collected and laundered.

- Use walk-off matting at entrances to reduce dirt and debris from entering the office/facility.

- Ask your cleaning management to use Energy and Environmental Design products to meet LEED credits.

Bonus: Check out Canadian companies like Aspen Clean who provide all-natural cleaning products. Aspen Clean was founded in 2004 in Vancouver with a mission of creating a healthier green alternative to chemical-based cleaning products.

As companies become more aware of their environmental footprint, new policies and practices will start to become natural. It is best to start slowly and encourage employees to embrace the new changes. Operating a Green business is not only good for the environment, but it's also good for the business owner, employees and customers. A circular economy makes it possible for companies to benefit from making a profit and changing the world at the same time.

How to apply Green practices to your Business