As we head into the new year, more businesses are deciding that it’s time to take action to reduce their impact on the planet. How easy is it to start to make changes?
The answer is ‘easier than you think’! There are some really simple swaps that can make a big difference – not just to your carbon footprint, but also to the way that people feel about your business: employees, customers, suppliers and your community.
Here are some of our top swaps that you can get started on straight away:
Take a look at your office kitchen
What can you change? Get rid of anything that’s single-use plastic for a start, and encourage people to make their own lunches or buy lunch in recyclable packaging. Put clear recycling bins in the kitchen to encourage people not to throw things away and perhaps look at a milk delivery service rather than buying plastic bottles.
Encourage better commuting
You may still have people who are working from home, so your carbon footprint from commuting is already better than it was. If not, why not encourage car sharing, public transport use or cycling – all better ways for people to get to work than one person in one car? Perhaps look at hybrid working models so that people don’t have to commute to the office every day. And if you have a company car scheme, start to encourage people to choose hybrid or electric vehicles when their lease comes up for renewal.
Revisit your supply chain
Your impact on the planet exists beyond you. So perhaps now is a good time to talk to your suppliers about their own climate commitments. As a valued customer, you can have an open conversation with them about your targets and how you plan to achieve them, and you can point your suppliers in the direction of support and advice that can help them to change. Look for things like delivery options, packaging, sourcing and internal policies.
Check your finances
One of the most impactful things you can do for the climate is move your money. In particular, look at your bank and pension arrangements. Like most pension schemes, big high-street banks still invest heavily in fossil fuels. There is a growing number of alternatives and anyone who says they are interested in climate change should put their money where their mouth is. Switch your bank account to a greener option and talk to your financial adviser about changing your investment so there is nothing in fossil fuels.
Set an example
To get your people on board, make sure you’re setting an example. Reduce your travel where you can, consider meat-free days, champion re-use rather than recycle and be a positive influence, not a climate bully. And if there are people in your organisation who are better informed or have been moving towards a climate-friendly lifestyle for longer, get their opinions on what you can do better – it’s the best way to engage.
And of course, let people know you’re doing better! Create a plan of the changes you plan to make, measure your progress, and tell people about it – it will help to improve your brand reputation and is likely to bring new business to your door.
To find out more, why not download our Comprehensive Climate e-book?
Please note: This is not meant to constitute professional advice. It is generic guidance only and things may have changed since it was written –please always seek specific & tailored advice for your circumstances.