Qurat ul Ain Ghazali

With the ongoing global climate crisis, more and more individuals, organizations, and states are calling for a green solution. According to a study conducted in 2017, it was noted that 68% of millennials did business with companies that were socially and environmentally aware. In the same study, it was also noted that 88% of individuals have or will become loyal buyers of companies that support environmental causes. This is just a small glimpse of a growing movement. In recent years, companies are actively participating in creating performance reports that detail the measures taken by them to reduce harmful practices. These practices have reached a point where shareholders or investors carefully analyze their target company’s eco-friendly measures before taking any financial steps. The emphasis on eco-friendly practices is further made apparent with the introduction of the Association of Certified and Corporate Accountants’ award scheme. In this scheme, various companies’ eco-friendly practices are not only identified but also awarded to a great extent. Although this movement has been in action for a very long time, it is only growing in success as more and more equivalent bodies are joining hands with ACCA to take the scheme on a global scale. Opting to go green is no longer an option. Judging from the rapid changes in the consumers’ behavior, not forgetting the countless penalties that could take place as a result of the lack of greener practices, organizations need to focus on eco-friendly approaches. At this point, it is not even about helping the climate anymore; instead, going green can help individuals save up considerably. Of course, environmental compliance is not pocket-friendly; however, the benefits that take place help organizations to save up in the long run in the form of recycling revenues, waste reduction, new revenue streams, avoided taxes and penalties, and more. Making a conscious effort to protect the environment and its inhabitants should be motivation enough to invest in greener practices. However, most of the companies feel clueless when it comes to incorporating greener practices or initiating eco-friendly measures. Considering the lack of knowledge in this regard, we will enlist a few smart ways which could help organizations become more conscious of their practices. 1. Reduce the Usage of Plastic Bottles The US region is responsible for creating 32 million tons of plastic alone. Of course, some of the plastic waste makes its way to the recycling plants. However, a huge proportion of the waste goes unchecked and ends up in the landfills. Right now, the best strategy to deal with the plastic waste is to opt out of plastic bottles and instead, install a water filtration plant that fulfills the office’s need for clean water. In this way, your organization will not only have an unlimited supply of fresh water but you can also save up by eliminating bottled water habit. 2. Practice Recycling and Reusing How often do you throw out used papers, plastic or glass in the trash bin within any second thought? The lack of recycling options can make it difficult to recycle old or used stuff; however, such options are not entirely absent. Look for recycling programs or design workshops and create necessary material that could educate your employees regarding the benefits of recycling. Also, purchase recycled or green products to curb your habit of spending on useless or brand new material. 3. Change the Company Culture A company environment that does not focus on eco-friendly practices will cultivate excessive waste tendencies in its employees. On the other hand, companies that focus on green solutions will compel their employees to make conscious efforts in reducing or eliminating environmentally damaging habits. So, engage your workers in your eco-friendly vision. Invest in eco-friendly solutions and create efficient goals that make it fun to follow your vision. 4. Energy-Saver Light bulbs You will not make a massive difference by opting for energy-saver light options. But, replacing the ordinary lights with green options will definitely impact the environment. The LED lights can be a bit pricey; however, they utilize less energy and also lack toxic gases and mercury content that is often found in fluorescent or incandescent lights. Also, they last longer than other options. You can also explore other energy renewable options for powering your office space such as wind or solar power, plant matter, hydropower, geothermal, and more. 5. Increase Business with Green Vendors Currently, General Electric and Hewlett Packard are the most popular corporations to do business with since both of them follow stringent sustainability guidelines. If the nature of your company requires you to conduct partnerships with other businesses, the least you could do is to analyze their green practices. Additionally, look for companies that invest in recycled products, use energy-efficient automobiles, and have green energy options. 6. Utilize Biodegradable Cleaners Make it a habit of utilizing only biodegradable or environmentally-friendly cleaners. The green options reduce the amount of your exposure to dangerous chemicals or toxins and also eliminate the possibility of such toxins making their way into the environment. So, the next time you want to hire any carpet cleaning London services, just make sure that your preferred company has invested in green options. On the other hand, if you want to do the cleaning on your own, you need to start small. Start by replacing the window cleaners, detergents, and hand or dish soap with eco-friendly brands. Such brands carry a hefty price tag but you will get all your money’s worth in the form of increased clarity, improved health, and a safer environment. Final Thoughts Sustainable development is an on-going process. Despite many states having penalties or severe consequences for environmentally damaging organizational practices, many companies are still utilizing traditional practices to save up costs. However, every bit helps! Even if a few companies are practicing sustainability efforts, other organizations may follow suit since more and more consumers are becoming aware of the damaging effects of being eco-neutral. That said, there is a global pressure on organizations to opt for eco-friendly practices. If you have not made sure that your company is green, we have shared a few helpful tips that will make sustainability a massive part of your organization. So, follow the tips and if you have some new ideas, then do not forget to share them with us.