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There are plenty of ways to get your business on a green path. Some of these can be big and costly projects while others are simple and better suited for a business on a budget. If you are looking for some ideas for making your business a greener workplace, we have some tips to help you get started.
1. Introduce Plants
Adding living plants into the indoor environment will introduce more oxygen and will help to clean the air. Greenery depends on carbon dioxide to thrive and in turn, releases oxygen. Plants also absorb airborne pollutants, such as dust, pollen, and mold. It is believed that live plants can increase worker productivity because they help to reduce stress and improve mood.
2. Change Light Bulbs to LED
You can easily switch out your incandescent lamps to LED. If you have fluorescent ceiling lights, consider swapping them out for affordable LED fixtures. LED lights require less energy and the bulbs generally last 6 times longer than fluorescent and incandescent bulbs. You can also introduce LED desk lamps and turn off some of the ceiling fixtures.
Encourage your employees to reduce waste by placing recycling bins in strategic locations. Start with the community kitchen for glass and plastic containers and utensils. Add bins for paper and cardboard in the main office area. There are companies that can help manage your waste and remove some of it for you. Companies like Mid America Paper Recycling Company can do a complete assessment of your business paper waste.
4. Place Thermostats on Timers
Some buildings are conditioned 24 hours a day. Consider placing your thermostats on timers to automatically be turned up or down during off hours. There is no reason to have your HVAC system running at full tilt after business hours unless you are running a business with products that are temperature sensitive. Your thermostats should be set to 85 degrees in summer after work and 65 degrees in winter at night.
Anything you can do to your place of business to help it go green is an excellent contribution to the environment. Your employees will be more productive and your impact on the planet will be appreciated. You don’t need to upgrade windows, replace the roof, or install solar panels, especially if you are renting. You can start with these 4 thrifty tips to help your business go green.
