7 ways businesses are going eco-friendly

14 Oct 2021 • 4 minute read

Global warming, climate change and the plastic pollution crisis have become such a monumental issue and complex debate over what the best practices are for the government, individuals and businesses alike. And with ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) now forcing businesses to act instead of just making policies and promises, here are 8 ways businesses can start to address the situation.

The responsibility lies with us all; every little change can have a big impact when conducted collectively. Businesses are stepping up in order to meet new legislation but also to demonstrate added value and attract new and loyal customers.

We often hear about a lot of the negative impact businesses have on the environment, but we wanted to address some of the ways businesses have been making simple changes that help to reduce their carbon footprint and impact on the environment.

Going green in your business is simultaneously good for the environment, your business reputation and can help to attract new customers. That’s why we want to shed a light on ways businesses are going eco-friendly to celebrate those that are and inspire those that want to do better.

1)    Switching to renewable energy

With more awareness being made on the impact of utilities on the environment, energy providers swiftly made changes to provide renewable energy for both businesses and individuals.

In 2021, it’s really easy for consumers to switch to providers that provide them not only with an affordable price, but with renewable energy that has less impact on the environment. If you’re tied into a contract, make note of when your contract is up and review options that are available to you. You could also find more flexible contracts that lets you switch to suit your business.

2)    Creating sustainable partnerships

When trying to be more mindful of your carbon impact, it’s worth looking at those that you partner with, instead of just your own operations. By speaking to suppliers about their contribution to a more environmentally friendly world, you can assess whether they’re right for you.

If you don’t believe they are aligning with your eco goals, then there is the option to create new sustainable partnerships for a 360 environmentally friendly approach. With government legislation many suppliers will be adopting new approaches to reduce their carbon footprint, but it’s down to you as a business when it comes to how far you want them to go.

For example, at Green Gift Cards, we partner with our paperboard company, Iggesund, who have committed to being as eco-friendly as possible, including planting 3 trees for each tree harvested. In addition to our compostable cards made by our loyalty card manufacturer, we work with companies like Burgopak who provide eco-friendly card packaging for us too!

3)    Reviewing operation cycles

As well as looking into your suppliers and how they source the materials for your business goods, it’s also important to review your own operations. From increased efficiency and reduced costs, to environmental benefits – there is an abundance of benefits from reviewing your business operations.

It could be that, as a company, you invest in new equipment for smarter solutions that use less energy or form a plan to reduce waste. Either way, businesses are becoming more eco-friendly by reviewing operations and ensuring they reduce risk, waste and reduce their impact on the environment.

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4)    Encouraging cycle to work or car sharing schemes

One of the most common ways businesses are going eco-friendly as well as helping their employees to do so too, is by offering additional benefits for local workers.

With tax-free benefits on purchasing biking equipment to cycle to work or contributions to petrol in car sharing schemes you can add value as a business as well as provide incentive to attract high-calibre employees.

5)    Working with local and national charities

One of the ways businesses can offset their carbon footprint is by investing and working with charities that encourage eco-friendly approaches and help to fight against the climate crisis.

Whether that’s through providing financial support, giving employees paid days off to volunteer or working with communities to plant new trees and shrubs, there are so many ways that businesses are able to contribute to protecting the environment.

6)    Taking the plastic out

Whilst it’s appreciated that plastic is still a widely used material in the products we use today, there are many companies that are trying to create new, sustainable ways as an alternative.

If you cannot produce an entirely free-of-plastic product, companies have still been looking at changes they can make in their packaging and delivery methods. With recycled plastic, cardboard and other materials, businesses have slowly been making changes so that customers can recycle as much of the packaging as they can without producing too much waste.

We often work with companies who prefer the option of sustainable gift cards or eco friendly gift vouchers so their customers can choose the product that is right for them.

7)    Recycling

Whilst most local councils in the UK provide recycling bins, sometimes it’s not fulfilled by employees in the business or waste collection companies aren’t clear on what can be recycled and what cannot.

One of the best ways businesses are going eco-friendly is by adopting new recycling bins in-house as well as on the outside too.

This means individuals take responsibility for the waste they create, making it easier for recycling companies to organise, distribute and deal with different types of recyclable items such as glass, widely recycled plastic, plastic bags and cardboard.

Whilst there are many ways businesses are adopting new eco-friendly approaches, there is still a long way to go. Despite this, attitudes are changing and we look forward to a future where we all do a little bit more to tackle the climate crisis.

If you want to make the switch, get in touch with us here at Green Gift Cards. Our paperboard cards are not only compostable and recyclable but also sustainably sourced reducing the impact on the environment from conception to purchase, and even throughout the life of the product.

Give us a call on 01794 725 454 or get in touch today. We’re here to help you make the change and help in the fight against plastic pollution. 

Greener

Greener

Compostable and recyclable

Cheaper

Cheaper

Save up to 40% compared to plastic

Quicker

Quicker

Turnaround average 20 working days

Introducing our range of plastic-free cards

Since 2006 we have been innovating and disrupting in the card market to develop what is a leading range of environmentally-friendly card solutions. So what sets us apart?

Well that’s the thing, there’s a number of reasons why Green Gift Cards are renowned in the world of card production. It is the material we use for our cards and the certification that the cards come with. It is also the compelling environmental story (we urge you to watch the video) that is behind all of our cards and the fact that, once finished with, our cards are compostable and can be recycled in normal household waste streams. Oh and we’ll say it again – being environmentally-friendly doesn’t mean they are more expensive. In fact they offer great value compared to plastic cards.

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