Since time immemorial human progress has come at the expense of the environment–factories belching smoke into the air, mines leaking toxic waste into rivers, companies tearing down forests to build cities, the list goes on and on.
In the last few decades, however, our habits have caught up to us. Today, our oceans are littered with waste and our atmosphere is disintegrating–all because we paid too much attention to growth and too little attention to its consequences.
In this article, we outline four ways you can help the environment and still grow your business:
Clear Up The Paper Trail
Did you know that the average American consumes 700-pounds of paper each year?
Considering most people barely handle paper anymore, that’s too much paper.
Instead of spending on paper that will probably get thrown, consider digitizing all your documents and cleaning out your old files. Used printing equipment from JJ Bender will allow you to scan documents efficiently and upload them right away. Doing so actually helps your office become more efficient. Instead of scanning each document before sending, you’ll have a full database that you can access from the convenience of your desk.
…and you save trees from becoming paper!
Find Used Stuff
Office utilities and equipment are silent killers that could cost you thousands of dollars each year if you aren’t careful. Although you may not notice it right away, each purchase you make–no matter how small–adds up and drains your bank accounts faster than you think.
Which is why, you should look around for high-quality secondhand equipment to save you money.
Brands like JJ Bender sell barely used printers and other equipment at the fraction of what you would pay for a brand new one. The thing is, they work just as well. Some secondhand retailers can even get you premium brands like Canon, Xerox, Kodak, and HP. Plus, you’ll be preventing the cycle of waste that plagues offices–and the environment–year after year.
Seriously, if it ain’t broke, buy it.
Go Green
There’s nothing that screams “corporate slave” more than drab office walls and colorless veneers. Invest in greens and inject some color into your workspaces.
Having plants around freshens up the vibe at your office and boosts your performance. Studies show that surrounding your workplace with plants and greenery actually relaxes your brain and raises your productivity by as much as 15%. On top of that, plants actually help filter the air in your office, so you can breathe freer and easier.
If you don’t have the time for lush greenery, a succulent will do just fine. Succulents provide just the same amount of benefits and they’re a lot easier to maintain. At most, all you’ll need to do is water them twice a week and place them under direct sunlight from time to time–a small price to pay considering the benefits.
Not sure where to get one? Here’s where you can buy a succulent.
Turn Out The Lights
Leaving devices and appliances switched on costs a massive $19 billion annually–a steep price to pay for carelessness. Moreover, this practice isn’t only expensive but plain wasteful and damaging to the environment, which is a shame because it’s so easy to correct.
Where to start?
Start by developing an office culture where people are held accountable for turning off their devices. Placing the burden on each individual helps build responsibility and awareness on how to use electricity properly.
These are very simple steps that won’t take up too much of your time or money. It’s all a matter of deciding how you want to grow your business.