Most small businesses would like to gain their green credentials but have difficulty stretching their budgets.
In a story in the Bristol Evening Post today, the FSB (Federation for small businesses) urges the government to expand the current loan scheme to include small businesses and introduce incentives to encourage them to make their buildings more green (click here to see the full story http://www.southwestbusiness.co.uk/homepagetest/FSB-demands-green-support-small-firms/article-2556999-detail/article.html ).
With fears of a double dip recession looming, the carbon challenge becomes more and more challenging.
Until the government digs deep and helps small businesses, each individual in the organisation should work together to put more cost efficient measures into practice to help minimise their impact on the environment.
It may seem obvious, but there are some simple yet imperative steps that we can all take at work to reduce our carbon footprint:
1) Printing – Unless it’s an important document, think hard about whether or not to you really need to print something off. If you do need a hard copy, why not print on both sides of the paper? This not only helps the environment but also helps reduce the cost of buying printing paper and ink cartridges.
2) Recycling – Keep a recycling box in the office for any waste paper or cardboard and one in the kitchen for glass and plastic. If you don’t have a collection service near you, you could always designate one person in the office who is responsible for the recycling.
3) Computers – Shut your computers down at night and switch the monitor off. The IT and communications industry currently has a carbon footprint similar to the aviation industry and accounts for a whopping 2% of global carbon dioxide emissions. So when you’re not using your PC, turn it off, it not only saves the environment but also saves any additional costs on the electricity bill.
4) Getting to work – If you have access to public transport or live close enough to cycle, leave your car at home. cycling in particular is a brilliant way to get to work. Bikes are not only less expensive than cars, riding one to work will help reduce congestion and improve personal fitness. If you do have a long commute to work and don’t have access to public transport, try car sharing that way you get some company on the drive in too.
5) Conference Calling – Where possible, encourage any clients or visitors to take part in a telephone or virtual conference instead of a face to face meeting. The less time spent in the car means less carbon emissions.
