Eco-Friendly Business Resolutions for Year 2014

In the business world, one might not ordinarily think it would be possible to enact green policies with any significant effectiveness. After all, extensive printing and energy usage is generally a part of any office. However, many companies are utilizing the rapid advances in technology to cut down on both, serving to develop a more eco-friendly workplace that minimizes waste, and subsequently decreases expenses as well.

Recent research has shown that the number of businesses that have been seeking to go green or want to become more eco-friendly has almost doubled in the last few years. The new year is a perfect time to enact new policies in the workplace that will help transition your company into one that is more eco-friendly. Encouraging recycling can be done almost immediately, while other changes such as implementing and switching to cleaner or renewable energy sources may take a bit of time. However, you can certainly reduce energy and paper waste with minimal effort simply by taking advantage of the many benefits of cloud computing, such as eco-friendly online conferencing.

How is Cloud Computing Eco-Friendly?

Cloud Computing enables consumers to store, share, and work with files from anywhere, at anytime. This helps you easily make instantaneous changes that can be shown to others who are also connected to the cloud, share files, and allow teams to work on the same project files without requiring multiple printouts, faxes, or mailings. This is a great way to cut down on paper usage and waste, and also serves to improve productivity. So one of your eco-friendly business resolutions for the New Year should definitely be to use cloud computing. 

Other Ways Cloud Computing Can Be Used to Help a Business Go Eco-Friendly 

With cloud computing, the days of traveling in order to attend a business meeting or conference are over, along with the expense and time involved in doing so. The new way to conference in the future is also through the cloud. Eco friendly online conferencing isn't just about being green; it is a way for as few as three or four people, and as many as thousands, to attend a meeting or conference without ever having to leave their desk. There are several apps (like UberConference and Mobileday) that enable people to connect with one another to hold a business meeting or discuss a project. Some of them are. Many of these apps also have advanced features that improve productivity, such as allowing files to be viewed and revised while the meeting is taking place. This is typically done through the use of cloud computing.

Additional Ways to be Eco-Friendly in Your Business

While cloud computing and eco-friendly online conferencing are a great start to going green in your business, there are many other things you can do to keep the momentum going and to ensure you are as eco-friendly as possible.

●  Email as much as possible in lieu of snail mail. This helps cut down both paper waste and expenses. You can allow customers to opt for emailed receipts, bills, invoices, etc. 

●  Recycle. Get bins for recycling paper, plastic, cans and bottles, etc. 

●  Allow telecommuting. Depending upon the type of business you have, or at least certain positions within your business, it may be possible to allow some employees to work from home on occasion. Cloud computing can certainly facilitate this, and this will definitely help cut down on energy usage. 

●  Encourage carpooling. 

●  Store documents on the cloud so that employees can have easy access to them anytime, from anywhere. 

●  Turn off equipment when it is not in use. Many companies often leave all their equipment on overnight and throughout the weekend. This includes printers, computers, copy machines, soda or candy machines, etc. Anything that can be unplugged when not in use should be unplugged, helping to cut down on energy usage. Large offices will probably see a significant reduction in their energy costs. 

Remember, in order to take being eco-friendly to optimum effectiveness, all employees must help engage in green practices. If you have to, create a new employee handbook or set of policies that all employees should read and follow. Instituting company policies will go farther than simply suggesting that your office try to cut down on paper usage. 

Lastly, remember that many consumers these days also place a large importance on going green and being more eco-friendly. If your company can do its part to lower their carbon footprint, then you may find that, in addition to saving costs on day-to-day activities, you might also attract new customers and clients who appreciate your efforts. It's a new year, and a great time to start being more proactive in your eco-friendly practices.