5 Tips for Creating a Business That is Green – and Stays Green!
by Startacus Admin
When start-ups take their first steps into the world of business, they’re in a unique position in that they can choose how their business behaves and presents itself. Whether they choose to chase market share from the word go or conduct themselves in a responsible manner is dependent on individual company ethics and personal preferences.
For fledgling businesses, “going green” is a daunting task. On top of recent successes, failures and knock-backs – being kind to the environment is likely to be the last thing on your list of priorities. However, conducting your business in a sustainable way needn’t be stressful.
Here, we provide 5 tips for creating a business that is green – and stays green!
1. Hold Remote Meetings B2B meetings are a great way for start-ups to network with existing and potential new clients, yet extensive travel to events and conferences can forfeit a business’ green credentials. To ensure your business dealings remain eco-friendly, consider holding remote meetings via Skype, Google+ Hangouts or FaceTime. Communication platforms support meetings in real-time, allowing you to collaborate with one or more clients remotely wherever you are. Depending on the service you choose, you’ll also benefit from seamless file sharing – ensuring group video calls are as valuable as a face-to-face meeting.
2. Keep it Digital
Although communication with clients or customers may require physical correspondence, for all other day-to-day business administration – small businesses should stay digital. Printing paperwork for organisational purposes is not only environmentally wasteful; it could cost your company big by increasing overall operating costs. Using a cloud-based storage solution like Dropbox, Wuala or TeamDrive can help keep your files secure whilst allowing easy file sharing 
and reliable, day-to-day functionality. Be an eco-warrior – stick to digital.
3. Save Energy Every Day
Throughout the working week, small businesses use a shed load of energy – from running computers and printers, to providing heating and lighting in the office. Recent technological developments have focussed on making equipment more eco-friendly; helping users to cut down on the energy they expend.
If your business currently uses a lot of energy, consider updating your IT tech with new equipment that bears the “Energy Star” logo. New computers use up to 90% less energy than older models, whilst modern printers can cut energy use by 50%. Eco-friendly printers are available to buy securely online from printer specialists like Printerland; opt for inkjet over laser to save even more energy.
4. Use Recycled Paper & Envelopes
If your company regularly sends letters and marketing material to customers and clients, there are a number of ways you can make the process more environmentally friendly. Paper is the most commonly recycled material, and there are many online businesses that produce and sell 100% recycled paper, envelopes and other stationary materials. ecoEnvelopes are one of the most popular suppliers of 100% recycled envelopes on the web, offering a comprehensive range of envelopes for corporate and domestic use.
5. Don’t Send Marketing Material – Unless Your Customers Ask For It
Speaking of envelopes: if you want to live up to your repute as a green, ecological company, don’t send your customers unnecessary marketing material through the post – unless they directly request it. Not only does printing needless flyers and brochures impact the environment – the average consumer doesn’t want to be bombarded with marketing material, and it could do your business more harm than good. If you like to keep customers in the loop with company news and offers, use an e-mail newsletter but make sure it’s simple to opt-out of.
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Published on: 19th May 2015
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