CARLSBAD, Calif., Aug. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- "Going green" is becoming a competitive advantage in today's business world. Many consumers place great importance on sustainability and some big box retailers have made it a condition of doing business with their suppliers.
The challenge is that going green can be expensive. Companies such as Expense Reduction Analysts (ERA), an international cost-reduction consultancy, can help make it more affordable.
"There are many reasonably priced solutions for companies that want to create value by going green," said Ken Hagerstrom, President and CEO of ERA in the United States.
Hagerstrom passed along some advice from ERA experts on cost-saving sustainability strategies for cleaning services, waste management, packaging and office supplies.
Cleaning
First, it can be easier to adopt green cleaning practices by outsourcing cleaning services. Many providers already have green processes in place. They have buying power for cost-effective purchases of green cleaning supplies and know which products work best.
Some other considerations:
- Equipment: Use HEPA vacuums to clean the air as well as carpets.
- Chemicals: Purchase certified products (such as Green Seal) that indicate sustainability.
- Consumable products: Use paper goods that have recycled content.
Waste Management
Recycling products not only saves money, it can create a modest revenue stream, as it did for an auto parts manufacturer. The plant tossed cardboard boxes into a dumpster and paid to have the waste hauled away. It now sells the cardboard.
Econocaribe, an international freight forwarder with more than 500,000 square feet of warehouse space in Miami, filled two waste containers every week with broken wood pallets. Recycling the wood cut its waste management costs by more than a third.
"We can take pride in our environmental efforts and improve our bottom line," said Jesus Bermudez, Econocaribe's Director of Warehouse Operations.
Packaging
Consumers and retailers are paying considerable attention to product packaging. Manufacturers and distributors can increase their use of recycled, compostable and biodegradable materials; substitute materials such as corn-based corrugated cardboard and soy-based plastic bags; and air pads in place of polystyrene packing peanuts.
Office Supplies
Buy or lease Energy Star equipment, which power down when not in use. Updating equipment with Multifunction Products (MFPs) consolidates the number of machines (fax, scanner, printer and copier) while reducing servicing, paper and energy.
For more guidance, download ERA's free, on-demand webinar on Exploring Affordable Sustainability Options.
SOURCE Expense Reduction Analysts
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