There are many inspirations for going green, and it’s important to identify your own inspiration before you start your business. Some entrepreneurs might have a family member that has a disability or illness that affected their quality of life and inspired them to change their habits.
Others may have recently gone vegan or vegetarian, which has made them more aware of the environmental impact of food production. Still, others may have seen an article on the news about climate change or water shortages and been worried about the future of our planet.
Regardless of what inspires you, there are plenty of ways to reduce your carbon footprint as you create your new sustainable business.
What You Will Need to Start a Sustainable Business
Starting a sustainable business can be a difficult task. But it does not have to be! If you are looking for inspiration for going green, you can start by taking these small steps:
- Invest in eco-friendly products
- Switch from paper to electronic billing
- Consider LED lights as opposed to fluorescent and halogen bulbs
- Utilize solar power
- Install waterless urinals or dual flush toilets
- Use recycled materials when possible
- Consider making your storefront cashless in order to save on paper bills
Standard Startup Costs
There are many costs that go into starting a sustainable business. The two most costly aspects of opening a sustainable business are the initial cost and the ongoing business expenses.
What you will need to start a sustainable business:
Startup Costs: These involve purchasing inventory, equipment, and design or hiring a designer or Struoweb to build your website.
Ongoing Expenses: This includes rent/leasing space, utility bills, and labor expenses.
If you’re going to be buying renewable energy equipment, such as solar panels, you can expect your startup costs to increase. Therefore, take these additional costs into account as you prepare your business plan and seek funding.
How to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
Reducing your carbon footprint is an excellent way to start a sustainable business. Small changes in your life, such as taking public transportation or purchasing items second-hand, can make a huge difference for the environment.
One of the easiest ways to reduce your carbon footprint is by changing how you work. You can choose remote work options and work from home, or set up meetings with clients via Skype or Google Hangouts and use phone conferences.
Many people enjoy the benefits of working remotely every once in a while, so this could be a great option for you if you feel like you’re spending too much time away from your family or friends.
One of the quickest ways to reduce your carbon footprint is to switch from traditional energy sources, such as coal or natural gas, to renewable energy sources. When you switch from coal or natural gas to a cleaner energy source, you’re doing your part for the environment by reducing your carbon emissions.
Another way to reduce your carbon footprint is to opt for paperless options when feasible. Electronic billing, emailing, and digital storage are all ways to do this.
These are all great steps towards reducing your carbon footprint because they help cut down on the amount of paper you need and use. You also save on postage costs and help save some trees in the process.
