Set Up A New Company To Be Green And Great From Day One

Julie Starr • March 4, 2022



Are you thinking about setting up a new company? If so, then you need to work on ensuring that your business is green friendly from day one. Achieving a higher level of sustainability will improve the perception of your business and guarantee that you look like a brand that is prepared for the challenges of the future. So, how can you make your company eco-friendly from the first day on the market? Here are some of the options that you should explore with your business model. 

Choose The Right Office Space

First, you should think about choosing the right office or business space. You need to choose a location that is eco-friendly. For instance, you should try and find a space that provides the right level of insulation. This will be useful through both the winter and summer months, preventing your energy bill from smashing through the roof. We’ll discuss tech options a little further down but it’s worth noting that some business properties have tech equipment built-in and integrated as part of the location. When you explore a business space, make sure that you check whether the tech being used is eco-friendly. Ideally, it should have an A+ rating for energy usage. 

Renewable Energy

Of course, if you are thinking about reducing your energy usage, then you might also want to explore renewable energy options that you can use in your business model. For instance, you should consider solar panels. Solar panels used to be expensive, but these days they can fit into the budget of any business that you might be working with. Particularly when you explore the different subsidies available. Storage solutions can also guarantee that you can use the energy you create at the point when it would benefit your business and your bills the most. 

The Right Tech Solutions 

Next, you need to focus on exploring the right tech solutions in your business model. The best tech solutions will mean that you can conserve energy without impacting the service that you provide to your clients. For instance, you might be thinking about integrating IoT technology into your business model. If so, then you need to make sure that you do invest everything required for an effective setup including IoT SIM cards . But you should also consider whether the tech you are using matches the green standard that you want in your business model.

Packaging 

If you are selling products to customers and clients, then it’s important to think about aspects of your business model such as packaging. This is a key point that customers are going to notice because it will impact them directly. As such, you need to think carefully about the materials that you are using in your business packaging. As well as being green, they still need to keep products safe. This is particularly important if you are planning on selling products that are either breakable or hazardous. If you are using an outsourcing solution, you should also check their green standards too. It’s important that they match your own. 

Vehicles

For some business models, it will be important to think about the vehicles that you are using. For instance, you could be running a logistics service. The vehicle you select will have a huge impact on the costs of your company as well as the impression you create with clients. For instance, you might want to think about investing in a fleet of hybrid vehicles. If you are exploring this possibility, then you just need to think about the cost of maintenance. This must fit into your monthly and annual budget without any issues. Some reports suggest that hybrids are more expensive to maintain. 

Marketing 

Finally, you should think about the marketing for your company. There areeco-friendly marketing options that should be explored. For instance, these days, you should avoid using flyers and other paper marketing tactics. If you use these options then you will likely end up in trouble for harming the environment due to using unnecessary amounts of paper. Instead, you might want to focus on a digital marketing strategy. You can still gain the same level of attention when you explore the right options here. 

We hope this helps you understand some of the key steps that you can take to ensure that your company is green friendly from the first day you open the doors. In doing so, you can gain the benefits of keeping your company sustainable in both the short and long term. This includes lower costs and a more positive reception from customers and clients.

 

Eco-Friendly Garden Prep: Summer Tips for a Greener Business Space

By Julie Starr • June 5, 2025
If you're lucky enough to have a garden as part of your business, taking some time to set it up for summer is a great investment of your energy. Not only will it be ready for your customers to spend time in, but you can also incorporate some eco-friendly elements into it. Many people just think about the property and what eco-friendly updates they can make , but there are plenty that you can implement in your garden. This gives you the best of both worlds. You own a sacred and beautiful place for your customers to spend their summer, and at the same time, you can do your part for a better planet. If this is the route you want to take, then you also need to consider how to do this with the different seasons. To help you on your journey, here are some top tips for preparing your garden for summer. Plant trees and flowers Planting trees and flowers in your garden is a must. It will make a beautiful scene of nature for everyone to enjoy. Trees will provide people and animals with shade, as well as provide a habitat for wildlife. More trees are needed in the world because they purify the air that we breathe. Flowers, especially if you plant with pollinators in mind, can be an excellent way to attract bees and butterflies, which contribute largely to the earth. Use natural pest control When preparing your garden for summer, you can do this more sustainably and kindly by using natural pest control. Simply by planting trees and flowers, you are likely to attract lots of different wildlife, some of which may destroy your efforts. While all wildlife should be considered, you may need to take measures. Some better and more eco-friendly ways you can do this, as opposed to spraying toxic chemicals onto your plants and into the air, you can implement companion planting, using protective nets over your crops, choosing resilient plants, using natural repellents, and encouraging natural predators so nature can do its thing. Maintain your garden Maintaining your garden in itself can make it more eco-friendly. Composting your garden waste regularly, and kitchen waste can help you to reduce overall waste and create nutrient-rich soil. This is a great cycle of sustainability. You can also keep on top of things that need cleaning and replacing, so you can recycle the materials for other garden structures and projects, and repurpose things around your garden before they become waste. If you have features in your garden like a swimming pool, then a regular pool maintenance service is going to be vital in keeping your water consumption to a minimum, as when it is cleaned and maintained, it will need to be drained and refilled less as well as using less energy. You could also consider how you can use natural purification methods to reduce chemical usage and support biodiversity right in your backyard. Your garden is just an eco-friendly project waiting to be built. Use these top tips to help you get started.

The Impact of Sustainable Practices on the Food Service Industry

By Julie Starr • June 3, 2025
Sustainability is no longer something that can be considered optional in many businesses, including the food industry. From fast casual to fine dining, businesses face pressure to reduce waste, cut emissions, and use resources responsibly. Customers noticed, so too did regulators. This shift isn't about trends; it's about long-term business health. Operators now rethink everything: ingredients, packaging, equipment, and even furniture. The choices that they make affect cost, reputation, and the environment. Forward-thinking brands see sustainability as a chance to stand out, align with customer values, save money, and future-proof their business. Let's look at how sustainable practices are shaping the future of food service and why furniture choices matter more than ever. Sustainable Sourcing and Supply Chains Restaurants are choosing local, seasonal, and organic ingredients. More often, this reduces transportation emissions and supports nearby farms. It also appeals to customers who want food with a story. Sourcing matters; a restaurant that serves organic produce imported from thousands of miles away loses credibility. Local sourcing, when possible, keeps the supply chain shorter and more resilient. They also build community relationships. Sustainable seafood, fair trade coffee, and certified humane meat are becoming menu standards. But it's not just food; suppliers that use low-impact materials, avoid single-use plastics, or operate zero-waste facilities are getting more attention. Working with responsible vendors reduces environmental impact and strengthens the restaurant's reputation. It also makes it easier to meet sustainability benchmarks and certifications. Reducing Food Waste and Single-Use Plastics Food waste is expensive. Restaurants are responding with better forecasting, smaller portions, and creative ways to repurpose ingredients. Many now donate leftovers or compost scraps. Smart kitchen systems have reduced waste by tracking usage and spoilage. Front of house, more places encourage guests to take home leftovers or offer flexible portion sizes. Single-use plastics are also being phased out; straws, cutlery, and containers are switching to compostable or reusable versions. Many cities now require this, but even without mandates, customers expect it. Small changes make a big difference, such as swapping plastic lids for fiber-based ones or using reusable containers for takeout. In the long run, it also sends a clear message about your brand Energy Efficiency and Equipment Choices Energy use is a major cost for food service businesses. Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, lighting, and HVAC systems can contribute significantly. Induction cooktops, LED lighting , low-flow faucets, and energy-saving refrigeration reduce the environmental footprint. Some kitchens are even going all-electric to reduce reliance on gas. Smart energy monitoring systems provide real-time insights; this helps operators find waste, track trends, and make better decisions. Beyond the kitchen, some restaurants invest in solar panels or purchase renewable energy. It shows leadership and appeals to customers who care about climate action. Designing with Sustainability in Mind Interior design now plays a role in sustainability. Choosing eco-friendly materials and modular furniture reduces waste and supports the circular economy. Furniture companies that sell food service furniture offer tables, chairs, and booths made from recycled or responsibly sourced wood, metal, and plastics. Their products are durable, stylish, and built to last, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Long-lasting furniture means fewer items in landfills. Plus, some suppliers offer take-back programs or extended product life. The right furniture also supports flexible layouts, which is important for adapting to changing service models like outdoor dining or shared spaces. Aligning with Customer Expectations More diners care about sustainability than ever before. It’s something that is extremely prominent in today’s dining experience. They want to support places that reflect their values. Transparency matters too , diners want to know exactly what businesses are doing to be more sustainable. Posting sourcing details, using certifications, and showing behind-the-scenes efforts builds trust. Sustainability isn't just a back-of-house concern; it should be visible throughout the customer journey. Guests notice packaging, signage, cleaning products, and even furniture. If your chairs are made from reclaimed wood or your tables are built from recycled metal, it becomes part of the story you tell. Employees also want to work for businesses that care; sustainability efforts can boost morale, improve retention, and create a strong workplace culture. Being consistent across all touchpoints helps turn sustainability from a checklist into a core part of your brand identity. Tracking Progress and Measuring Impact To stay on track, businesses need to measure what matters. Sustainability isn't guesswork; it's data-driven. Many restaurants now set goals for waste reduction, water usage, and carbon emissions. Digital dashboards, smart meters, and waste tracking apps provide clear feedback. Certifications like LEED , Green Restaurant Association, or B Corp can help validate progress, but the real value comes from aligning with goals and quickly reporting results. This transparency involves sharing results with staff and customers. This builds trust and shows accountability. Food service brands that track their impact tend to improve faster; they spot problems early and share wins more confidently. A culture of measurement helps maintain steady progress and keeps sustainability top of mind. Collaborating Across the Industry No restaurant can do it alone. Real change happens through partnerships. Food services need ot consider teaming up with local farms, recycling programs, and talking to local councils about any green schemes . This collaboration speeds up progress and helps avoid mistakes. Industry groups and supply networks now host workshops and certifications focused on sustainability. These shared resources help smaller businesses catch up and stay competitive. Technology platforms also make collaboration easier. Apps that connect surplus food with charities or tools for joint purchasing of sustainable goods are helping restaurants work smarter together. By building strong networks, the industry strengthens itself. Working together, sustainability leads to better outcomes and stronger communities. Conclusion: Building a Sustainable Future in Food Service Sustainability touches every part of the food service industry, from menus to materials. The shift toward responsible choices is clear. Restaurants that act now gain a competitive edge; they reduce costs, attract loyal customers, and stay ahead of regulations. The transition doesn't have to be all or nothing; small steps lead to big changes. Choosing eco-friendly furniture, like the options from food service furniture, is one of the smart steps. It shows commitment, supports long-term value, and elevates the dining experience. Sustainability is no longer an add-on; it’s a business essential. For those who embrace it, it can be a source of growth, loyalty, and resilience.