Ways To Make Your Company More Sustainable

Julie Starr • December 31, 2021



Making your company sustainable doesn’t have to be difficult. There are many things you can do that will decrease your impact on the environment and make it easier for your business to continue. This blog post will go over some of the best ways to start making your company more environmentally friendly, which could also result in a happier workforce!

Saying No To Plastic Straws

Plastic straws are a major contributor to plastic waste. They’re often used once and then tossed in the trash, where they can take hundreds of years to decompose. To reduce the amount of plastic waste produced each year, many restaurants and businesses have started saying no to plastic straws. If your company is looking for ways to become more sustainable, consider doing the same.

There are several alternatives to plastic straws that you can use instead. For example, you can offer paper or bamboo straws or even stainless steel straws. If customers need a straw for their drink, ask them if they’d like one made from biodegradable materials. You may also want to remind customers not to leave their straws behind when they finish their drink.

Reducing Your Company’s Waste

Another way to make your company more sustainable is to reduce the amount of waste. Start by evaluating how much waste your company creates and finding ways to cut back. You can do this by recycling and composting as much as possible, using reusable containers and utensils, and choosing products that come in recyclable packaging.

You may also want to consider implementing a green purchasing policy. This means that you only purchase products that have a minimal environmental impact. For example, you might choose energy-efficient light bulbs or office supplies made from recycled materials.

Promoting Sustainable Practices

Sustainable practices aren’t just good for the environment; they can also benefit your bottom line. That’s why it’s important to promote sustainability within your company. You can do this by educating employees about the benefits of sustainable practices and encouraging them to adopt green habits.

You can also make it easier for employees to go green by providing recycling bins, composting bins, and energy-saving light bulbs. And don’t forget to lead by example! Show employees that you’re committed to sustainability by making eco-friendly choices in your own life.

How To Be A Paperless Office

Scan important documents and save them on your computer. If possible, store the files in a cloud so that anyone can access them from anywhere with an internet connection. This will help avoid paper clutter and lose valuable information if you misplace a document! If you are a real estate agency, using real estate logo templates will help you save time and paper.

Take notes digitally instead of writing things down by hand to free up space for other tasks. Your handwritten notes may become obsolete at some point, whereas digital records are always accessible – even when there’s no power!

Switching To Renewable Energy Sources

Switching to renewable energy sources is one of the easiest and most impactful ways to make your company more sustainable. There are several renewable energy sources available, such as solar, wind, and hydropower. Each of these sources has its unique benefits and drawbacks that you’ll need to consider before making the switch.

Solar power is becoming increasingly popular due to its low cost and ease of installation. Solar panels can be installed on rooftops or in open fields, requiring very little maintenance. Additionally, solar energy is a good option for companies located in sunny climates.

Wind power is another popular choice, especially for companies located near large bodies of water. Wind turbines can be installed offshore or onshore, and they are relatively low-maintenance. However, wind turbines can be expensive to install.

Hydropower is a good option for companies located near large bodies of water. Hydroelectric dams can generate electricity, and they are relatively low-maintenance. However, hydropower can be expensive to install.

Composting & Recycling At Work

It is essential to make sure your company recycles and composts. This will help reduce the amount of waste you produce, which will decrease how much trash you have to pay for.

Composting can be a great way for employees to get involved with helping out their community while having fun at work! However, it’s important that there are multiple ways people can participate – including recycling, reusing materials that would otherwise go into landfills or incinerators (such as paper), reducing their consumption of resources such as water and electricity whenever possible, purchasing recycled products rather than new ones made from virgin materials, using energy-efficient technologies when feasible, etc.

Minimizing Waste In The Office Kitchen

One way to make your company more sustainable is by minimizing the waste in the office kitchen. This can be done by composting food scraps and using recyclable materials whenever possible. You can also encourage employees to bring their reusable water bottles and coffee mugs instead of using disposable cups. Teaching your employees about sustainability and how they can help contribute to it is a great way to make your company more environmentally friendly!

Promoting Sustainable Transportation Options

Another easy way for companies to become more sustainable is by promoting sustainable transportation options. This can include providing bicycle parking, offering employee discounts on public transportation, or even installing charging stations for electric vehicles. By promoting these types of sustainable transportation options, you can help reduce greenhouse gas.

Educating Employees On Sustainability Practices

One of the simplest and most effective ways to make your company more sustainable is by educating your employees on sustainability practices. This can include anything from reducing energy consumption to recycling and composting. You may also want to consider hosting workshops or training sessions on how to be more environmentally conscious in your everyday life.

Bring Your Own Cup Campaign

Recently, a lot of cafes have started implementing the Bring Your Own Cup campaign. This is where customers are encouraged to bring in their own reusable cups when they buy coffee or tea. Not only does this help reduce waste, but it also helps to save money for the customer. If every customer brought in their own cup, the cafe would not need to use disposable cups, which would result in less waste and lower costs.

In conclusion, it is important to realize that the issue of sustainability needs to be addressed by every company. Whether it’s creating partnerships with sustainable companies, providing programs for employees, or recycling materials, you can make a difference in your community!

 

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.