| As I stated in my previous article, once a | | | | wastage that companies need to look at. They |
| company has measured its carbon footprint, the | | | | should aim at using biodegradable/ recyclable |
| business should then aim to reduce its footprint. | | | | packaging materials in order to reduce their |
| There are several ways for a company to reduce | | | | carbon footprint, as well as becoming more |
| its carbon footprint. Usage of gas, electricity, | | | | cost-effective. |
| water and oil are major contributors to the | | | | If you use a lot of packaging to sell the items you |
| carbon footprint. So, there should be a focused | | | | produce, make sure you are not using |
| effort to reduce the consumption of these. | | | | non-biodegradable material, such as plastic. By |
| You can also reduce transportation of goods if | | | | minimizing the use of such materials, and using |
| you choose to buy your raw materials locally. | | | | packaging material that's biodegradable and |
| That will also contribute to reducing the carbon | | | | capable of being recycled, your business can |
| footprint in terms of vehicular pollution. | | | | reduce its carbon footprint. Consumers can buy |
| Another way for a business to reduce the size of | | | | your product with a clear conscience and you |
| its carbon footprint is to create longer lasting | | | | eliminate wastage and costs. |
| products. When a product lasts longer, you will not | | | | Apart from these measures, companies must |
| have to produce its replacement during the | | | | also look at renewable energy sources. Although |
| extended life. Such production would otherwise | | | | alternative energy options, such as solar panels, |
| have increased emissions. | | | | are costly, their additional cost is compensated for |
| Companies should also take measures such as | | | | by the positive advertising your company |
| turning off un-necessary electrical goods at the | | | | receives. |
| source. This will not be possible without a plan that | | | | 'Green electricity' is the latest product offered by |
| is adhered to religiously. | | | | electricity providers. Renewable resources such as |
| In most offices, there is a lot of wastage, in the | | | | solar and wind power are used to make 'green |
| absence of a clear plan to conserve. | | | | electricity' which although more costly than |
| Photocopiers, chargers, computers, and printers | | | | conventional electricity reduces your carbon |
| are usually kept on, even after office hours. | | | | footprint. |
| Conservation of energy in offices can start by | | | | You could also encourage your employees to use |
| turning off these, after office hours, along with | | | | public transport to commute to and from office. |
| lighting. This is likely to result in significant saving. | | | | You can even afford to give them monetary |
| The use of energy saving bulbs will reduce a | | | | incentives to do this. |
| company's electricity bill, while reducing waste. | | | | This may all seem easier to preach than practice. |
| Another area of wastage is in the use of paper in | | | | However, switching to a greener way of doing |
| offices. There are many ways of reducing this | | | | business is easier than you think. Employees can |
| kind of wastage, through proper planning. | | | | actually make these changes a part of daily |
| Packaging of goods is yet another area of | | | | business routine, without too much effort. |