California: 6 Ways to turn your small businesses more green.

California is already on moderate drought alert and wildfires, heat waves and air pollution are beginning to show worrying signs for the future. As the most populous state of the U.S, California has the power in numbers to make a huge difference to the environment and now is the time for us to all take a stand. 

Whether you’re an office, a restaurant or small store, here are 6 easy steps you can take to becoming green and showing the citizens of California that you are taking action. Best of all, these steps will save your business money along the way allowing you to make smarter and more conscious decisions as you continue to grow and expand.

6 easy steps to making your small business green

1. More energy efficient appliances. The success of any business relies on smart decision making. Sometimes these decisions may cost more initially but pay off in the long term. More energy efficient lighting, cooling/heating systems and better or renewed filters can all save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars depending on the size of your business. Detect where your business consumes the most and look for a green alternative.

2. Cleaning supplies. Ironically the products we use to clean our offices, stores and homes are a rather dirty business for the environment. Not only are most cleaning products sold in single use plastic containers which end up in landfills taking hundreds of years to biodegrade, but they are also loaded with toxic chemicals that run down our drains and into our water supplies causing devastating consequences for animals and people and harming entire ecosystems. 

Indoor air pollution can be just as bad or worse than outdoor air quality so be sure to pay close attention to air-fresheners, paints and polishes too.

Switch to eco-friendly cleaning products or good old vinegar to clean surfaces.

3. Reduce water usage. In the U.S droughts rank second in types of phenomena associated with billion-dollar weather disasters, with losses nearing $9 billion per year (1)

Finding solutions to excessive water usage is absolutely essential for the survival of any business and for the survival of humanity as a whole.

Low-flow toilets, fixing dripping taps and educating employees on water usage are a few ways to start.

4. Less paper, less plastic. In 2021 it’s astonishing how many businesses continue to use reams of paper and single use plastic. Some changes are so simple to make that not making them is a warning sign for customers and can put them off entirely from continuing to use your services.

Print less invoices, menus and other administrative documents that can be sent via E-mail or displayed in other ways. Say no to plastic bags, straws and cups, opting instead for biodegradable or reusable alternatives. Encourage Staff members to bring their own reusable water bottles. Small details such as recycled napkins for restaurants and cafes send an important message about your values and can impact how customers feel about you as a business.

5. Recycle and use technology smartly. Even small businesses produce a lot of waste, make an effort to recycle and use recycled or compostable trash bags. 

Apps and cloud computing formats can allow employees to work together, share and access information with each other in a much faster and efficient way reducing printing and travel costs and saving on carbon footprint.

6. Get involved with the community. Partner with like-minded people or organizations in your community to find out how you can be of most service and gain a better understanding as to where community resources are being wasted. When you help your community, the community will help you.