Growing a Business Go Green
Environmentally friendly business practices
Creating natural working systems can improve your personal environment, as well as contribute to the well-being of the community, for example work in a room with strong natural light so that you do not need to have lights on during the day. Depending on the type of business you are operating, being environmentally friendly could be part of your competitive advantage. An example is a plumber or a landscape gardener who is also a ‘waterwise’ expert.
The general public are becoming more aware of social issues such as health
problems (smoking), energy use (electricity), fuel waste (pollution) and
water shortage. Some customers are preferring suppliers who share their
‘green values’ and who work in environmentally friendly ways.
If you have environmentally friendly business practices, let your customers
know and make a note of the reaction. If you don’t know where to start,
below are a few suggestions:
- Talk to others about what they are doing to 'green their business';
- Contact your relevant industry association for any articles or reports on the subject;
- Add a 'green' question to your customer survey;
- Implement any good suggestions from clients - then tell them about it;
- What can be changed about your procedures and the delivery of your services?;
- Identify ways in which you could use less energy, electricity, water and gas daily.
- Talk to your local Council about their 'green' policies;
- For inspiration, ask your friends or family for ideas; and
- Plant trees in your habitat.
