Commercial waste from businesses has been a withstanding issue, with GOV statistics estimating that the UK generated 43.9 million tonnes of commercial and industrial (C&I) waste in 2018, of which 37.2 million tonnes (85%) were developed in England.

However, many businesses do want to go greener. A recent report found that over 60% of UK business owners would cut ties with suppliers that broke their environmental commitments. In addition, SME owners across the country are calling for more government funding to help businesses go green this year (87%), as over a third state their customers care about that their business is doing for the environment along with their own employees (24%).

In light of Earth Day, card payment specialists takepayments Limited have compiled a list of practical but straightforward tips to help businesses and SMEs go greener effectively. 

1. Invest in recycled paper.

It's all well and good to recycle your office paper and have separate waste bins for recyclable and non-recyclable stuff, but if. Still, if you opt to buy non-recycled paper, it's counterproductive. Paper production necessitates an enormous quantity of energy. 

Use recycled paper for offices to guarantee your company is environmentally conscious. Recycled paper uses 28% less energy, and you'll be helping the UK economy as well (as the recycled paper is often made in the UK).

2. Shut down tech properly overnight.

Monitors and lights are easy things left on after everyone has clocked out. Making your employees shut off laptops and other equipment at the end of the day is a good way of lowering your carbon footprint. Although this may not significantly lower energy use, it will if you have a bigger office space.

3. Select green suppliers

Using a green energy supplier is a reasonably simple and environmentally friendly move your company can make. Many energy providers generate electricity from sustainable, renewable sources like solar, wind, and hydro. Some offer a combination of energy sources, while others guarantee 100% renewable energy.

4. Collaborate with other eco-conscious businesses

Do your research and, if possible, collaborate with other like-minded, environmentally concerned businesses. Numerous green partners range from sustainable raw materials suppliers to carbon-balanced office printers and even eco-friendly web hosting.

For smaller businesses, collaborating with other local eco-businesses in things such as giveaways on social media or using their services is a great way to communicate your efforts with your customers and help boost the local economy.

5. Invest in sustainable packaging

Encouraging recycling and reusing is critical in any industry. You could sell branded reusable items like shopping bags and coffee mugs in retail. If you own an office, make sure you have the appropriate recycling bins and encourage your employees to use the best green practices, as we do at Solve.

Even the most minor things don’t cost anything, like encouraging staff to bring their lunches in reusable containers. You could even give them branded eco lunch boxes –good marketing for your company and the environment!

Sandra Rowley at Takepayments said: “Days like Earth Day are a reminder for all of us to keep incorporating minor changes in our business practices. People more than ever are looking to buy from businesses that incorporate the most ethical and eco-friendly friendly practices. Consumers are becoming more environmentally conscious every year, and companies need to adapt to that demand if they want to thrive long term.

Whether your organisation has the budget to invest in more long-term strategies or whether you’re an SME who wants to make small changes while getting the business off the ground, making a conscious yet committed effort towards sustainability will be rewarding not only for your business but also yourself.”