My go green post a few weeks ago generated some great feedback on eco-friendly business practices. In the original post, I brought up the point that some are questioning the staying power of the green movement in light of the recent economical climate. Since price is a major deterrent particularly in eco-friendly promotional products, it is understandable the movement has lost momentum. However, a few comments pointed to the fact that some businesses are going green because it improves their bottom line, and not solely because it is good for environment. Of course, it’s never spun that way.
This value is found in combining the efficiency aspects of going green and positive impression that social responsibility leaves with the public. Waste reduction, energy efficiency, and better resource management are mainstays of the eco-friendly movement and a business’ profitability. The eco-friendly movement has now given these cost cutting measures the added value of public relations. Touting your business’ responsibility builds credibility into your brand.
One way of reducing costs, as mentioned last month, is to replace disposable cups in the office by distributing coffee or travel mugs to your employees. The mugs pay for themselves in the eliminated cost of disposable cups and reduced waste disposal fees. Another idea that grocery and other retail stores have jumped on is utilizing reusable tote bags to reduce the amount of plastic bags they use. While giving these away to customer is a nice gesture and makes a strong eco-friendly impression, it’s gets a little pricy. Retailers work around this by selling the imprinted bags and passing the cost to customers or earning a modest profit.
Once you roll out eco-friendly initiatives, you have to get the word out. Why? Clients form a positive association between the responsibility you’ve shown in eco-friendly initiatives to the quality of your brand’s products and services. Improving your business’ public image is always beneficial, but the value of these initiatives goes farther. Your eco-friendly message opens the door to business opportunities with organizations with similar eco-friendly practices or mandates. Clients gained in this manner tend to be more loyal with business partners who share the same values.
To pay the bills, I need to mention that promotional products do help deliver your eco-friendly message. Replace items used in your current promotions with eco-friendly alternatives. Imprinted coffee mugs in the aforementioned example reduce costs and remind employees of the corporate eco-friendly initiatives. Using eco-friendly products to spread your eco-friendly message reinforces your commitment to the environment to your target audiences.
What other ways does going green make good business sense? Please discuss below.