Whether it’s a small startup or a large corporation, more businesses are striving to go green. Not only does making eco-conscious changes reduce carbon footprints and contribute to a healthier planet, but it also attracts consumers and affiliates interested in sustainable businesses. Below, review some of the more recent eco-friendly business trends, such as energy management solutions from local electrical contractors.

How to Be a More Environmentally-Friendly Company

1. Reusable Glassware

Stop offering plastic water bottles, only 23% of which get recycled even though about 1 million bottles are sold in the U.S. every day. Invest in a water cooler instead and ask employees to bring in their own glassware, mugs, and other reusable options. You might also consider creating branded cups with the company logo to give staff to use.

2. Electronics Recycling

Make responsible waste management a priority. Whenever you are purging old electronics—such as computers, copiers, and fax machines, make sure they go to designated recycling facilities. Furthermore, encourage staff members to bring in their unused cell phones and tablets ahead of time to join your electronics waste and further promote best practices. 

3. Composting

Create a compost pile to deal with the endless coffee grounds, vegetable waste, grass clippings, and other organic materials your business would otherwise throw out. If you have a lawn or other green area as part of your commercial property, use the compost to provide the soil with extra nutrients for a beautifully-lush outdoor space your team will enjoy.

4. LED Lighting

Replace every incandescent bulb in your office or other commercial space with CFL and LED lighting. Both options offer superior energy efficiency, although LED lighting solutions are especially eco-friendly because they last 25 times longer than incandescents. They are also cool to the touch to save heat-related energy generation.

5. Energy Audit

Ask your local electrical contractor to perform an audit, measuring how much power different systems use. They can then recommend fixes or upgrades to allow your business to be more energy-efficient, such as the installation of higher-quality appliances. Your initial investment in them will be offset by month over month savings on your utility bills.

Make eco-friendly changes with help from the electrical contractors at Quantum Electric. The residential and commercial electrical service has provided home and business owners throughout the Austin, TX, area with thorough energy audits and affordable lighting and energy management solutions for over 25 years. Visit them online for more information on their services. Call (512) 246-1145 for a free estimate or to schedule an appointment with an electrical contractor today.