By Henry Brown

Sometimes it can be hard to focus on aspects that are important factors to your small business, but that don’t necessarily affect the bottom line. The truth is, there is so much more focus around greener living and sustainability now, that every small business needs to be seen to be doing its part to contribute to the needed changes. So you may be wondering exactly how your small business could be affected? Here are some things to consider.

Think about packaging when it comes to products

One of the first things to think about could be the packaging that you use for products, and whether or not there are alternatives. It could be that you can reduce the level of packaging that is used for your products, or even the amount for shipping as well. We have all seen the media pictures where people have ordered a small item and it has arrived with loads of plastic and a huge box. Maybe it is time to think a little more strategically and sustainably about the packaging that you use.

Is it time to change some habits?

It might be time to start thinking about your habits within the workplace as well as within your business and seeing if there are any changes that could help the business be a little greener. This could be simple things like switching off computers at the end of the day instead of leaving them on standby, switching off lights or using a digital documentation system such as MES Hybrid Document Systems to keep paperwork to a minimum. There are things that you can to do help move your business forward simply by changing the habits you already have.

Is it possible to recycle old technology?

Many businesses will have older technology. So it might be time to start thinking about some of the ways that you could recycle those items instead of leaving them stored in a cupboard. The parts and the materials could be used for other things, and it could definitely help de-clutter the workplace.

Could your delivery methods be greener?

Of course, there is also not just packaging to think about but the logistics of delivery of the products that you might sell. Is there any way that you could make those greener? Perhaps a delivery company that also has an eco-friendly approach, such as using electric vehicles or low carbon vehicles to deliver the products.

Are there any changes you could make?

Finally, are there any changes that could be made to help you get to where you need to be? Could it be that you change all of the bulbs in your business premises to LED ones? Maybe it is simple things like being aware of the things that you use yourself or encouraging your staff and employees to be a little more insightful. Bike to work schemes or carpooling, for example.

Let’s hope these suggestions help you have a business that is more environmentally focused.

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Henry Brown is an online marketing executive. When he isn’t talking shop, he’s roaming the streets of London, uncovering the extra-ordinary in the ordinary.