Being “green” or eco-minded isn’t just something you do at home or as a side hobby; it’s a way a life! That means that all the wonderful eco-initiatives you practice at home to reduce your carbon footprint can and should be practiced at your job.

In addition to improving the health of the environment, wonderful things happen when companies reduce their carbon footprint, such as energy savings that result in cost savings, improved employee satisfaction, a better public image, and closer ties to the community.

Here are a few simple ways to create a culture of sustainability at your workplace:

Upgrade your appliances

Is your business due for an energy upgrade? Well, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), over 1.5 billion – yes, billion – pounds of carbon emissions would be saved if every office appliance purchased in the U.S. was Energy Star certified.

Not only do Energy Star office appliances use less power to accomplish the same tasks as traditional office appliances, but they automatically go into low power mode when not in use to conserve energy. In addition, upgrading to modern, energy-efficient appliances can improve your company’s workflow and increase productivity.

Alternative transportation

Did you know that every gallon of gasoline that is burned creates about 20 pounds of carbon dioxide gas? Keeping this in mind, it’s easy to see why exploring alternate forms of transportation is so important. That could mean carpooling, taking public transportation, or driving an electric or fuel efficient vehicle.

Recycle everything you can

This should go without saying, but your company should recycle as much as possible whenever possible. That includes paper, plastics, cardboard, furniture, and especially electronics. Encourage your team to get on board by having plenty of recycling bins available. And to encourage participation, you might even consider making it a contest.

In addition to recycling, you might want to consider an organization like Community Composting, which is a simple, easy, and fun way to dispose of kitchen waste and scraps. Composting has amazing environmental benefits such as drastically reducing landfill waste, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and replenishing the health of our local soil.

Go solar

Powering your business with clean, local energy is the best way to reduce its environmental impact. For over 16 years, we’ve helped many local businesses reduce their carbon footprint with solar energy and save money in the process. To see how much other local businesses have saved by going solar, check out our commercial case studies to learn more!

Curious about how much your Rochester business can save with solar? It’s easy – complete the form below and one our solar advisors will be in touch with you!