Image of Spring companies can contribute to a greener environment by focusing on sustainability

Spring companies can contribute to a greener environment by focusing on sustainability

Businesses should think about how their actions affect the environment in the spring. Spring is a great time for businesses to go green, not just for cleaning their homes. It's not only the right thing to do for businesses in all fields to be environmentally friendly; it's also a smart thing to do. Here are five ways that spring companies can really help us all make the world a better place for the future.

Use materials that don't hurt the environment

In business what you put out there is important. Choosing eco friendly materials can make a big difference for many businesses that sell things related to spring like gardening supplies outdoor furniture or spring fashion. Not only are these kinds of choices moral but they also appeal to the growing number of people who care about the environment.

For example things you need for gardening. It's easy but important to switch from plastic pots to biodegradable ones. Peat coconut coir or wood pulp are some of the materials used to make biodegradable pots. They break down on their own which means less trash and less guilt for people who use them. One brand that sells a lot of eco friendly products is Gardener's Supply Company. You can get them from Gardener's Supply.

Fashion businesses can also think about using organic cotton hemp or recycled polyester instead of regular materials which are bad for the environment. The Conscious Collection from H&M is a great example of trendy clothes that are also good for the environment. Learn more about H&M's promise.

Put energy efficiency at the top of your list of things to do

In commercial spaces being energy efficient is good for the planet and for business. Companies that own warehouses stores or factories in the spring can save a lot of money by using energy more wisely.

Start with the lights. Switching to LED bulbs saves energy and makes the bulbs last longer. A little bit of money can make a big difference. Think about upgrading your HVAC systems which are known to use a lot of energy in addition to adding more light. Modern systems come with smart controls and higher efficiency ratings. They make your home comfortable without costing you a lot of money.

Use circular practices to cut down on waste.

In a world that wants to be more sustainable the linear take make dispose model doesn't work. Instead it's better to do things in a circular way like reusing fixing and recycling things. These models turn things that could be trash into useful things for spring companies.

Think about the work that goes into running a plant nursery. Nurseries can set up deposit return systems so that people can use plastic pots more than once. Customers return the pots which are then cleaned and used again. This is like how people used to reuse soda bottles.

You could also compost. A lot of plants that garden centers throw away can be composted and sold or used on site. This is good for the soil and cuts down on trash.

Make connections with other green businesses

Companies don't work well on their own they do better when they are part of a network. Spring companies can do more to help the environment by teaming up with other companies that care about the environment.

Working together can mean anything from getting eco friendly materials from certified suppliers to signing promises across the board to cut down on carbon footprints. The B Corporation Community is a great place to begin. It brings together companies that care about the environment and society. Find out more about B Corporation.

Apple's Supplier Clean Energy Program is a well known partnership in which the tech giant helps its suppliers switch to renewable energy. Numbers have power and more and more people want to do business with companies that are part of these groups.

Give workers power and teach them

People not just rules make sustainability work. Spring companies turn abstract ideas into reality by having their workers work on environmental projects.

Start with learning. Have workshops or ask environmental experts to talk about the bigger picture of sustainability. Sending out newsletters about sustainability on a regular basis is an easy way to keep people informed.

Next give workers more power by letting them help set sustainability goals. Companies like IKEA get their workers involved in sustainability projects by letting them make suggestions through programs. People who feel empowered often come up with new ideas figure out how to do things better and start projects from scratch.

Lastly praise and reward your team members for using eco friendly methods. Incentives like a carpool program run by employees or composting at work can make people more interested in and excited about green practices.

People who feel empowered at work are more likely to be engaged. People feel more responsible and proud when they know that what they do has an effect on the environment as a whole.

In conclusion sustainability isn't just a buzzword it's a way to make businesses work better. Spring brings new life to the world around us so let it also give businesses the energy to be more eco friendly. There are good and bad parts to the journey but the rewards—doing the right thing having engaged employees loyal customers and a healthier planet—are well worth it. Businesses in Spring can work together to make a difference and set an example for the future.