Thanksgiving is almost here and like every year, the holiday serves as the perfect time to reflect on the people and the things we’re grateful to have in our life. Though we often take it for granted, something that everyone can be thankful for is the planet itself, and all the resources it provides. With a new season upon us, it’s the perfect time to remember just how grateful we should be for the environment.
However, in an increasingly crowded and competitive marketplace, the impact of modern business on the environment takes its toll. More and more, business owners are looking for ways to decrease their carbon footprint and take better care of the planet. Luckily, many business owners look to technology to help them ‘go green’ and reduce environmental impact. And as it turns out, going green does not have to negatively impact business budgets.
The Planet Will Thank You: How Businesses are Using Technology to Go Green
Taking care of the environment is critical, but many business owners understandably worry about the costs associated with reducing their carbon footprint. However, tech innovation is making it easier than ever for professionals to make decisions that are smart for business and the environment. Modern technology means that profitability and environmental sustainability need not be mutually exclusive.
Whether a business is looking to go paperless, cut power usage or reduce business travel, technology offers an increasingly wide range of solutions that can help business owners play their part when it comes to environmental sustainability – while also staying within or below budget. Budget-friendly and environmentally-friendly? What’s not to be thankful for?
Let’s look at the top 3 strategies for going green with business technology:
Environmentally Friendly Tech Strategy #1 – Go Paperless
This one is straightforward. The less you need paper in your office, the fewer trees will be cut down to supply it. More trees in the forest mean more oxygen for the planet and so on. Most businesses have already made the switch to digital, but if you’ve been putting it off, the time is now.
Switching from hardcopy documentation systems to digital or cloud-based platforms isn’t just about saving the trees either. Making the switch poses huge business benefits as well. Sick of that chaotic desk full of paperwork? Wondering where you put that important invoice? Shocked at how much you’re paying for ink? In addition to helping the environment, going paperless saves time, sanity and capital.
Environmentally Friendly Tech Strategy #2 – Cut Power Usage
Safe to say most business owners would agree that a reduced hydro bill would be nothing to complain about. Technology is great for business, but many business owners realize that the more devices used onsite, the higher the electricity bill.
However, as technology continues to evolve, devices are being designed with power-usage in mind. Proper recycling of old servers, computers, and printers to make way for new, power-friendly replacements may seem like a big investment, but in the long run, the planet – and your wallet – will thank you.
Environmentally Friendly Tech Strategy #3 – Reduce Business Travel
One of the greatest things about the modern business world is that businesses can operate across the globe. No matter the industry, a growing number of businesses are expanding into international markets or working with vendors from across the globe.
Worldwide business is great, but getting face-to-face with international clients or service providers can result in a lot of cross-country flights and air pollution. Not to mention the cost of roundtrip business flights, plus accommodations. Luckily, technology has an answer for that too. Expanding communication capabilities like Skype and remote access solutions minimize the need for unnecessary travel and make global collaboration a breeze.
We live in a fast-paced and increasingly tech-based business environment. Technology is transforming everything about modern commerce. It’s a no-brainer that we should be using tech developments to improve our relationship with the environment as well. That’s why, as your counting your blessings this Thanksgiving, be sure to reflect on how lucky we are to be able to breathe the air and think about how your business can reduce its environmental impact.
There is nothing more important than protecting the habitat we all share, and technology can empower business owners to do just that. The best part? Between savings on paper, power and travel, going green is defined by cost-reduction. For business owners looking to stay competitive in a modern business market, staying environmentally friendly is just good business sense.
If your business is looking to reduce your carbon footprint, take a look at your technology infrastructure. Find out areas for improvement and make sure your network is set up to help you and the environment.
If you need a hand implementing some environmentally friendly tech strategies, reach out to a local technology firm for a consultation. Doing your part for the planet doesn’t have to mean a hit to your bottom line.
