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How Businesses Can Support Environmental Responsibility

 

According to PwC, consumers are willing to pay almost 10% more for sustainable products. Some businesses have already started offering goods that don’t harm the environment. Many of them have also added environmentally friendly practices to their business values.

Additionally, there are other options, such as using eco-friendly products. This article will discuss some beneficial practices businesses can consider adopting.

Reusable Water Solutions

One of the most unique ways to support environmental responsibility is by switching to custom bottled water. They come in many forms, but one option that many don’t consider initially is aluminum bottled water. Other materials like plastic and glass are more common, but aluminum is environmentally friendly, especially if it’s recycled.

Most of the aluminum we use is recycled, saving 95% of the energy compared to producing it from new ore. In contrast, around 200 billion plastic bottles are consumed each year. Plastic also takes a long time to degrade, and some bottles end up in the sea, never to break down at all.

Compared to plastic bottles, aluminum ones contribute far less waste. You can use the same bottle for years if you keep it clean. Additionally, aluminum doesn’t have the same health hazards many plastic bottles have.

Aluminum Is Safe

Aluminum is BPA-free. This chemical is commonly found in water bottles, and exposure to this chemical can affect the developing brains of children. Using an aluminum bottle almost entirely eliminates the possibility of ingesting BPA.

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The aluminum oxide layer is completely safe for humans, and the water won’t contain harmful substances even if the bottle becomes hot.

Compared to glass bottles, aluminum bottles are highly resistant to breaking since they usually dent after being dropped. There’s no risk of glass shards remaining on the floor, which is a potential hazard.

Use Responsibly Sourced Materials

Responsibly sourced materials from reputable sources cause minimal to no environmental damage. Aluminum is a recyclable material, but there’s a bit of a caveat. The element is the most abundant metal mined from the Earth, but the mining process yields plenty of toxic waste. By recycling the metal, companies can avoid contributing to waste production while also saving energy.

Besides aluminum, renewable materials like wood, hemp, and bamboo can be regrown. As theoretically infinite materials, having them in the office is more sustainable than relying on plastics made of fossil fuels.

Promote Eco-Friendly Practices

Other eco-friendly practices businesses can adopt include reusing items and reducing consumption. For example, a broken desk can be repaired or upcycled into a cabinet or a smaller table. In contrast, buying a new desk costs much more than making a new one from existing resources.

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Composting is another great way to save the environment. Office plants can receive the nutrition they need instead of purchasing expensive fertilizer. Some fertilizers also contribute to water pollution, while compost is much safer. Here’s a list of common composted waste:

  • Banana peels
  • Tea bags
  • Coffee grounds
  • Egg shells

Other than reusing what others consider waste, turning off electrical appliances in the office can cut down electrical costs. These devices still use electricity as long as they’re plugged into an outlet.

Water usage isn’t too difficult to cut down on either. Fixing leaks and using rainwater for gardening are two simple solutions. Finally, carpooling or using public transportation can reduce carbon emissions.

Businesses Can Do Their Part Right Now

In a Deloitte survey, 54% of Gen Zs and 48% of millennials answered that they would push their employers to introduce sustainability practices in the office. There’s a concern that eco-friendly solutions are expensive, but starting small is fine. Every step taken helps.

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